Jul 27, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Library Information Technology

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus), Online


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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.  

Traits, skills and aptitudes


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.  

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities


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. 

Credential


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

Program length


2 years

Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible


This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). 

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. 

Not eligible for CAJG


This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant

Related careers


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

Potential careers (NOC):

  • Library assistants and clerks (14300)
  • Library and public archive technicians (52100)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada


Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet all the following requirements or equivalent:

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
  • the completion of two of the following Grade 12 subjects
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Science
    • Accounting
    • Law
    • 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.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada


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 accepted educational documents and assessment options

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

Program outline


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

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

Suggested schedule of study


We recommend you complete the courses in the order listed below.

Progression


You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you 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 > 

Books and supplies


Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

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

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available close to your start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required for that term.

Business program advising


For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with our School of Business.

Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca

Program outcomes


  1.  Uses current business communication practices.
  2.  Uses information literacy skills.
  3.  Provides information services to clients.
  4.  Uses current industry standards to organize materials and records.
  5.  Complies with regulatory and legislative information.
  6.  Creates services and programs oriented to the community served.
  7.  Commits to continual learning and professional development.
  8.  Adapts to diverse working environments.
  9.  Uses current library technology.
  10. Explores emerging technology and issues.

Graduate outcomes


A. Safety - awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace.

  • Safety awareness

B. Responsible leadership - personal, ethical and respectful behaviour within the workplace and global community.

  • Teamwork and multi-disciplinary collaboration
  • Self-initiative
  • Ethical reasoning and action
  • Global awareness
  • Sustainability

C. Communication - the exchange of information professionally and effectively.

  • Language skills
  • Interpersonal skills

D. Information literacy - the strategies used to become informed, from recognizing an information need to accessing and evaluating information and using it effectively and ethically.

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Quantitative literacy
  • Technological literacy

E. Technical knowledge, skills and abilities - technical competence specific to the discipline or industry.

  • Specialized technical skill set

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