Overview

Our Library Information Technology diploma program is your ticket to becoming a skilled library technician, information specialist, or records management technician.  

You’ll learn to manage the ever-expanding realm of information in today’s digital age, making it accessible and useful to people. Our program emphasizes continual learning and professional development. 

This program opens doors to a variety of exciting careers, including opportunities in public, academic, specialized, government, and law libraries. Roles are also available in school learning commons. These organizations need individuals with technical and people skills to manage and provide access to information. 

Versatile skill set 

Our program covers every facet of library operations. You’ll delve into information services, including database searching and library network technology.  

Gain expertise in cataloguing and classification, ensuring that resources are organized for easy retrieval. 

Harness the power of current library technology to enhance your work. Explore emerging technology trends and issues. 

Learn how to assist and educate library patrons on efficiently accessing the information they seek. You’ll become a valuable resource for those in need of information. 

Beyond the core library skills, you’ll explore records management, storytelling, marketing, public relations, web design, and more.  

These skills are essential in today’s library landscape. 

Stay up to date with industry standards for organizing materials and records. You’ll also learn to comply with regulatory and legislative information, ensuring ethical and legal practices in your work. 

Create services and programs that cater to the needs of your community. Your role will connect people with information and foster a sense of belonging.  

Those working in library information technology tend to be social, methodical and innovative.  

You need: 

  • strong customer service skills 
  • self-motivation, versatility and adaptability 
  • a flexible attitude 
  • the ability to follow detailed directions 
  • organizational and time management skills 
  • technical skills related to using online resources, including MS Office
  • technical troubleshooting skills 
  • to be able to work alone and as part of a team 
  • research, technical assistance and information fluency skills 
  • public speaking and instructional skills. 

You should enjoy helping others, being creative, and paying attention to details. 

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options

You’ll participate in two practicum placements in your last semester.  

These three-week placements will occur in libraries, records or related information management organizations.

A practicum coordinator will work with you to find these placements. 

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Library Information Technology diploma

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 92% graduate employment rate

salary icon $37,444 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 14300, 52100.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Library Information Technology diploma requires 61.5 credits (24 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course explores interpersonal communications and how strong communications skills may be applied to positive workplace relationships. The course work is designed to help you become a more effective communicator in the increasingly diversified workplace.

1.5

Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings.

Equivalents:
  • COMM 1030
  • COMM 1070
3

This practical course on computer functionality and commonly used industry software covers current productivity software to develop industry-specific solutions in the areas of communication and organization, documentation, data management, analysis, and visualization. In addition, file management techniques and best practices; security considerations such as identifying threats, safeguarding data and intellectual property; and digital citizenship and etiquette are also included.

Equivalents:
  • BCMP 225
3

In this course, learners explore a variety of online database searching techniques and retrieval systems. They develop search strategies and use advanced searching methods to execute effective searches on commercial databases and the Internet.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 202
  • LIBR 235
  • LIBR 251
3

This course introduces the purpose and scope of library services, basic library skills and library terminology, and provides an overview of library and information management organizations and personnel.

1.5

This course provides an introduction to the bibliographic description and assignment of access points for print materials. This includes the construction of access points for corporate bodies and complex personal names, and assignment of subject headings.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
3

This course provides an introduction to reference work, basic information sources, and the reference interview.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
3

In this course, learners use a variety of library related software from patron catalogue interfaces to staff functions in acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation, serials, and reporting. The course also explores a variety of third-party catalogue compatible applications.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMP 220
  • LIBR 200
3

This course uses current metadata standards to describe non-print materials, create preferred titles, create classification numbers from Dewey Decimal Classification and to file entries in an online catalogue.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 202
3

This course provides an overview of major circulation and acquisition activities. Learners will examine circulation functions and related activities, procedure manuals, security, acquisition functions, collection development, ordering different types of library resources, budgeting and resource sharing.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
3

In this course, students utilize Resource, Description & Access (RDA) to describe resources and assign access points, ISBD to display data. and MARC 21 formats to encode data. Students also use Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification schedules to assign subject headings and call numbers and access a variety of online resources to create complete bibliographic records.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 251
  • LIBR 252
3

All library staff members use technology for job-related purposes. Staff should be able to diagnose and solve common computer problems in the library setting, and instruct users in their library’s technology offerings. In addition, library personnel should be proficient in communicating with technical support staff.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 251
3

This course introduces the learner to the selection and evaluation of materials for children and young adults. It also covers specialized library services and current issues in school and public libraries.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
1.5

The focus of this course is to introduce learners to HTML, XML, and various metadata schemes. Learners use web design software to produce library related web pages.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 251
3

In this course, learners identify the purpose and management of digital licenses, outline the three phases of a content management system, integrate content from multiple sources to build specialized content catalogs, create and organize media collections and use collaboration techniques to build communities.

Pre-requisites:
  • DATA 375
3

This course provides learners with the techniques necessary for telling stories to children. Selection of appropriate materials for storytelling in libraries is covered.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
1.5

This course provides learners with knowledge about specialized reference sources and services.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 235
3

In this course learners select an area of library information technology literacy, records, or information management work of special interest for an independent study. Learners will choose, plan and manage the topic of investigative study and then report on the topic by preparing a written summary report, including appendices or research report on research findings. Learners will present the results of the independent study through an oral presentation. The project can be completed as an individual study or a group project.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMM 352
  • COMN 220
  • COMP 220
  • LIBR 200
  • LIBR 202 or LIBR 235 or MGMT 244
1.5

This course continues with research, case studies and problem solving in information research management. Topics covered include emerging international records management standards, analysis, appraisal theory, classification development processes and policy and procedures development.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 325 or MGMT 244
3

In this course, the fundamental concepts, terminology and scope of records management are introduced. The personnel, components, technologies and guidelines of a records management program are explored. Theories and techniques for the establishment, implementation and maintenance practice of a records management program are covered. Fundamentals of Information and Records Management is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Information and Records Management Certificate program.

3

This course provides an introduction to the principles of proactive marketing for libraries and information management organizations. Topics covered include market research and planning, targeted messaging, marketing toolkits and evaluation methods for measuring value and satisfaction.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
  • LIBR 297
1.5

Administrative and supervisory techniques are explored for academic, public, school or special libraries, as well as records centres and information management departments. Administrator and staff responsibilities, organizational planning, supervisory techniques, and financial controls are outlined. Library, records, and information management standards and legislation are introduced as well an exploration of trends.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200 or MGMT 244
3

This course is designed to prepare Library and Information Technology students for successful practicum site placements, as well as develop learning objectives for those practicums.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMM 352
  • COMN 220
  • LIBR 251
  • LIBR 252
  • LIBR 297
  • LIBR 335
  • MGMT 244
  • MKTG 360
1.5

This course provides learners with a total of six weeks of practical work experience. The learners will be placed in two different libraries, records or related information management organizations for a period of three weeks each. They will apply their theoretical knowledge in a real world situation.

Pre-requisites:
  • DATA 375
  • LIBR 302
  • LIBR 305
  • LIBR 320
  • MGMT 244
  • PRAC 320
3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
  • at least 60% in two Grade 12 subjects: Math, Science, Social Science, Accounting, Law or a second language
  • LIBR-200 (Introduction to Libraries) may be substituted for one of the two Grade 12 subjects.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade
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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,197.50 $1,608 $6,805.50
2 2 $4,950 $1,608 $6,558
Total cost:
$13,363.50

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $17,325 $1,608 $18,933
2 2 $16,500 $1,608 $18,108
Total cost:
$37,041

Supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

This program leverages a combination of open educational resources and materials available for free through the SAIT Library.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,130 $1,570 $6,673
2 2 $4,860 $1,570 $6,430
Total cost:
$13,103

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $17,321.22 $1,570 $18,891.22
2 2 $16,496.40 $1,570 $18,066.40
Total cost:
$36,957.62
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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Business Advising

Phone
403.284.8485
Email
business.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca