College Diploma - Library and Information Technology

Today’s library technologist is tech-savvy, socially engaged and passionate about life-long learning. It’s a great career for anyone interested in literacy, learning and innovation. Library techs are in demand—because libraries have become the go-to place for everything from traditional books to e-books, multi-media and online resources. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's two-year Library and Information Technology diploma program has been developed in accordance with the Canadian Library Association Guidelines to address ongoing advances in technology and changing library user needs. Offered at the Saskatoon campus, the program prepares students to support librarians in any type of library—or to manage day-to-day operations on their own in a small library.

Students will take a variety of introductory academic courses to familiarize themselves with a wide variety of subjects, from world history to literature. They will discuss the impact of new technologies, the political and economic factors impacting information sharing, the benefits and risks of digital storage, and more. Through lectures, labs and hands-on projects, students will develop knowledge and skills in:

• Acquisitions, circulation and interlibrary loans • Archives and records management • Computer-based and traditional library management • Database searching and reference research • Descriptive and subject cataloguing • Programming and public relations • Reader assistance • Website design and social media

Work experience is an integral part of learning. They will participate in 2 three-week practicums, one in a Saskatoon public library, one in another community library. It’s a chance to apply theory to practice, and class projects to a real working environment.

The potential job market for library technologists is bigger and broader than many know. There are career opportunities in municipal public libraries, regional public libraries, northern libraries and the Saskatchewan Provincial Library. There are also jobs in university, polytechnical and regional colleges, public and separate school divisions, health regions, government departments, archives, research centres and private businesses. Students could work on the front line helping library users or behind the scenes in a technical capacity. Although a diploma does not qualify students as a librarian, it does open doors to working in supervisory or managerial roles in library service units or small libraries.