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Ontario College Diploma

Library and Information Technician

The Library and Information Technician program prepares students for careers in libraries, archives, museums, and information service environments. Students develop practical skills to acquire, organize, retrieve, and distribute information across various formats while learning to manage library operations and serve diverse communities.

CIP Code: 25.0301
Apply at Ontario Colleges(opens in new window)

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0235
Fall, Winter, Spring
Up to 5 years
4 semesters
Full-Time
Hybrid
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program
0235
Fall, Winter, Spring
Up to 5 years
4 semesters
Part-Time
Hybrid
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

Apply today at: ontariocolleges.ca(opens in new window)

The Library and Information Technician program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform in various library environments. Through a carefully designed program of studies that combines theory and hands-on practice, students will learn to acquire, organize, produce, retrieve and disseminate information in all formats. This online program has been designed to prepare students for employment in academic, public, school and special libraries and other information service settings.

Library and information technicians are able to:

  • demonstrate good spoken and written communication skills
  • work with minimal supervision
  • pay close attention to detail and demonstrate accuracy in their work
  • demonstrate good analytical skills
  • demonstrate good interpersonal skills
  • enjoy working with technology
  • work effectively as a member of a team

You will have five years to complete this program.

For more information, please contact Distance Education

Top Highlights

  • Two field placement courses, completed near the end of the program, enhance in-class learning by providing hands-on experience
  • Gives you well-rounded knowledge to prepare you for potential employment in a wide variety of libraries, archival, records management or information management settings
Contact our Recruitment team

Contact Information

Program Files

Library and Information Technician Information 2025/26PDF file

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Admission Requirements

Fall, Winter, Spring

The following 2 intakes share the same admission requirements:

Fall, Winter, Spring (0235)Fall, Winter, Spring (0235)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
  2. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  3. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  4. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
Program Requirements (for Canadian Citizens, Protected Persons and Permanent Residents educated outside of Canada)

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Prerequisites

Field Placement Requirements

Students will begin the search for a placement agency in your hometown and make the initial introduction as a possible placement location. This information will be recorded on a Placement Planning Form and submitted to the Distance Education department, one semester prior to attending placement. A Field Placement Advisor will use the contact information you provide to make contact with your requested agencies to finalize your placement arrangements.

The placement agencies may require some additional documentation such as immunizations or police checks. This will vary depending on the field placement location, so you will need to discuss that with the field placement hosts before starting your placement. If you will be working with the elderly or children there is a good chance you will need a criminal reference check with a vulnerable person’s screen.

If you are not able to secure an appropriate placement in your home community or close to your home, you will have to travel to the location of an appropriate placement.

Tuition & Fees

Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0235

Year 1
Total: $3,742.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$697.00
Health Fee:$305.00
$3,742.00
Year 2
Total: $3,732.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$687.00
Health Fee:$305.00
$3,732.00
Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Textbooks

Find Your Textbook Costs

Courses

1 intake

Fall, Winter, Spring0235

Semester 1

OL 376

Intro to Libraries & the Information Industry

42 hours

Analyze the role of libraries in an information society, with emphasis on access to information, the organization and services of different types of libraries, and the roles of participants in the information industry. This course - OL376 Intro to Libraries is a prerequisite for all the courses in the Library and Information Technician Program. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Library and Information Technician Program. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact de@confederationcollege.ca

View course page
OL 396

Human Relations & Supervision

42 hours

Apply the basic principles of effective supervision to a library environment. Topics include planning, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, delegation and time management.

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OL 502

Information Technology for Library Technicians

42 hours

Focus on various types of information technology used in the library setting including mobile devices, e-readers, playaways, ipads and tablets, digital media and various software and applications. Access to a current mobile device with wireless Internet capability is required (e.g., smartphone, tablet or iPad).

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OL 805

Electronic Publishing and Emerging Library Technologies

42 hours

Focus on electronic publishing, including using basic web design, 3D printing, screen recording, blogs, microblogs, augmented reality and gamification.

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OL 343

Communications I

42 hours

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

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Elective
42 hours
Liberal Studies Elective
36 hours

Semester 2

OL 383

Online Searching

42 hours

Learn to apply Boolean constructs and other concepts for efficient retrieval of information from the Internet, library catalogues and commercial databases.

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OL 348

Circulation and Inter-Library Loan

42 hours

Explore circulation functions and issues for libraries and information services. Topics include inventory control, inter-library loan and document delivery. Copyright and health and safety issues in libraries are also discussed.

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OL 398

Library Financial Management and Budgeting - Fast Track 7 weeks

21 hours

Discuss financial management concepts and strategies as they relate to libraries, with a focus on budgets, financial statements, library funding and strategic planning. Learn to use basic financial information to set goals and objectives. Prerequisites: OL376 Intro to Libraries. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Excel

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OL 981

Resource Description and Access I

42 hours

Focus on RDA Guidelines for descriptive catalogue records and MARC coding and ISBD punctuation for bibliographic records in an automated environment. Prerequisite: OL376 Intro to Libraries

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OL 409

Library Programming, Marketing and Advocacy

42 hours

Examine vital client service skills including program planning, outreach, public relations, marketing, and partnerships. Prerequisite OL 383.

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Elective
42 hours

Choose one course from this group:

S01

OL 908

Database Design for Information Workers - Fast Track 7 weeks

21 hours

Examine the role of relational databases in library and information work. Learn to create a database, enter and edit records, search for information and create simple reports. Software Requirements: Microsoft Access 365 (no other version supported) MAC users are NOT supported.

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OL 450

Placement and Career Skills for Library Technicians

42 hours

Prepare to participate in field work. Investigate the role of a Library Technician, develop a resume and interview skills, and focus on job skills and professional practice behaviours. PREREQUISITES: OL502 Information Technology for Library Technicians, OL 805 Electronic Publishing and Emerging Library Technologies, & OL 376 Intro to Libraries and the Information Industry

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Semester 3

OL 414

Reference Processes

42 hours

Explore fundamental principles of professional accountability that underpin the provision of information services in libraries.  Develop effective reference interviewing techniques to answer customer queries.  Explore topics related to the management of information service including service standards, in person and virtual service points, policy development and strategies for continuing professional development of staff.  Prerequisite: OL383 Online Searching

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OL 418

Serials

21 hours

Explore the technical service aspects of serials with emphasis on ordering, tracking and cataloguing. Evaluate the impact of technology on serial collections. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I

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OL 419

Acquisitions

42 hours

Focus on the acquisition of monographs. Develop skills in searching, ordering, receiving, collection development, the book trade and automated acquisitions functions. Prerequisite: OL376 Intro to Libraries and the Information Industry

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OL 423

Resource Description and Access II

42 hours

Examine form and choice of entry according to RDA cataloguing guidelines, cataloguing applications of the World Wide Web, and sources of cataloguing copy in an automated environment. Learn to critically appraise public access catalogues. Recognize the changes in MARC coding resulting from RDA cataloguing guidelines. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I

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OL 491

Practical Approaches to Library Interactions

42 hours

Examine socioeconomic factors that can influence library interactions. Identify and apply practical strategies to escalated situations and explain the features of an effective and appropriate response.

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Liberal Studies Elective
36 hours
Liberal Studies Elective
36 hours

Semester 4

OL 410

Reference Services and Sources

42 hours

Focus on reference services and resources used to answer information queries from library customers. Compare and evaluate traditional and emerging reference resources and apply online search skills to effectively answer typical customer queries. Prerequisite: OL414 Reference Processes

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OL 501

Indexing & Subject Analysis

42 hours

Study the principles of indexing including indexing types and rules, and creation of abstracts. Explore the principles of subject analysis including thesauri and Library of Congress Subject Headings. This course may include mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and any group work requirements. Computer Software Requirements: CINDEX v.4 Demo version. Students can download for free. Instructions will be provided in the course. Prerequisite: OL423 Resource Description and Access II

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OL 427

Library Classification

42 hours

Study the principles of classification. Learn to use the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme and Library of Congress Classification scheme. Explore issues related to the process of classifying library materials. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I

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OL 769

Fieldwork 1 (Lib Info Tech)

112 hours

Broaden your educational experience to include the varied services of different types of libraries. Supervised experience in libraries is essential in the development of library skills. Pre-requisites required: OL383, OL981. Please contact de@confederationcollege.ca to register.

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OL 774

Fieldwork 2 (Lib Info Tech)

112 hours

Broaden your educational experience to include the varied services of various types of libraries in a different type of library than your first placement. Supervised experience in libraries is essential in the development of library skills. Please contact de@confederationcollege.ca to register. PREREQUISITES: OL409, OL414, OL418, OL419. The following courses are prereq's however may be taken concurrently: OL423, OL427, OL769 OL501

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Elective
42 hours
Liberal Studies Elective
36 hours

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop collections and acquire book and non-book materials using manual and automated procedures for bibliographic verification, vendor selection, order production, and fund management.
  2. Derive, edit and/or create catalogue or metadata records using internationally accepted rules or standards including AACR2, RDA, MESH, LCSH, LCC and DDC using MARC coding in bibliographic utilities, and computer-based systems.
  3. Adopt best practices and professional accountabilities in different types of libraries and information services.
  4. Conduct reference interviews, analyze information requests in a variety of topic areas, provide instructional assistance, conduct searches using print sources, commercial databases and online resources, and deliver excellent client service.
  5. Maintain serials control, circulation systems and interlibrary loans in manual, electronic, and web-based environments.
  6. Develop and prepare promotional materials, library programming, bibliographies, finding tools and reports using word processing and publishing programs.
  7. Develop databases and indexes, use integrated library systems and create web sites using current standards and technology.
  8. Recognize, identify and demonstrate ability to work in an archive, records management or information management setting and consider different needs of archival patrons and records or information management clients.
  9. Examine theories and practice of library management and supervision and budget preparation.

Meet the Program Staff

2 staff members

Careers

After completion of the Library and Information Technician Program graduates may find employment in any type of library (i.e. public, college, university, school or special libraries) or in an information service; such as archives, museums or records management departments.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Learn more about articulation agreements and educational pathways
Students at Confederation College

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