We are not accepting applications for this program at this time. However, a number of courses for this program are available through Continuing Education. For information on other programs that might be of interest to you, review our list of programs or contact our academic advising services. Please continue to check this website for further updates.
Description
This program provides you with the necessary public service and technical skills to be a productive employee in the library and related fields. Specifically, the program provides you with the training to be employed as a library technician.
You will learn the fundamentals of both manual and automated systems for acquiring, organizing, and disseminating information in a variety of formats.
Oral presentations, written assignments, and group projects are part of the program.
Students complete three two-week field placements in a variety of libraries over the course of the program.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older on or before September 30 in your year of registration, have been out of high school for a minimum of one year, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the special admission requirements.
Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
| AEPUCE
(Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| CLB (LINC)
(Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Duolingo
(Duolingo English Test)
* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED. There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W. Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted. | 0* | 0* | 0* | 0* |
| IELTS - Academic
(International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| LSI (Language Studies International) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English) | 58 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
| Password Skills
(An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room.
Password Skills costs $139 to take through RRC Polytech.
Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor.
If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. ) | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL-iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. | 20 | 20 | 19 | 24 |
You will need basic computer skills, and you should be familiar with searching the Internet for information.
Library technicians are team players and work closely with the public. They must have better-than-average command of oral and written English language communication skills.
Technicians should have very good organizational skills, demonstrate initiative, and possess a flexible attitude. They frequently work with computers and a variety of other technologies, they must pay close attention to detail, and they must complete tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.
Red River College Polytechnic is a participating institution in the HigherEdPoints program. Through this program, students are able to convert Aeroplan® Miles and TD Points into funds to help cover their tuition. Family members and friends can also contribute to a student’s education by converting their loyalty points - anyone can donate their points to an individual student.
Visit the HigherEdPoints website for more information about the program and/or to set up an account to convert your points.
Library technicians are expected to communicate their services to the public, which often involves creating written documents, such as pathfinders, bibliographies, book reviews, and readers’ advisory lists. It is also necessary for library technicians to be able to think critically when determining which services and materials to provide to the public; thus, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing is essential to providing strong service in the library.
This course is designed for students to develop foundational writing skills necessary for working in a library setting. The writing process will begin with pre-writing skills, reading, writing, editing and revising. Students will explore grammar, mechanics, a variety of writing types and documentation. Students will begin with paragraph writing for short papers. They will examine, practice and work on different essay types, critique articles, research topics and apply proper documentation using MLA and APA style.
Students will learn techniques and processes involved in writing and speaking effectively in a professional setting. Students will review fundamental writing skills while applying these skills to routine types of library communication: letters, memos, short presentations and business reports.
This course focuses on the further development of the oral and written communication skills required by those working in the library field, with a focus on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills and marketing yourself for your future career.
Business Computing is a hands-on course in which students develop skills in the use of current Microsoft productivity software. Topics include introductory and intermediate skills in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as the integration of these applications.
This course is a general introduction to all aspects of subject cataloguing. You will acquire skills in assigning Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Subject Headings for Children (AC), and Canadian Subject Headings (CSH). Cross-references and authority records are covered. Other specialized indexing is briefly covered. You will learn to create call numbers using the Library of Congress Classification scheme and Cutter-Sanborn book numbers.
Records Management covers procedures and methods used by records management personnel in organizing their collections. This course is designed to enable students to gain an understanding of the records management system.
Archives and Preservation introduces students to archival principles. The study of the theory and practice of acquiring, appraising and accessioning records is taught.
This course is an introduction to various types of libraries, their organization, purpose, function and services. Students are introduced to library terminology and are taught skills in the use of libraries. Students acquire skills in basic library procedures such as simple book repair, materials processing, shelving and all aspects of circulation. Procedural variations according to type of library are also covered. Students visit a variety of libraries. Levels of library employees are studied with particular emphasis on the role and duties of library technicians. The importance of professional associations is covered.
This course is an introduction to descriptive cataloguing in machine-readable format (MARC) of monographs using Resource Description and Access Cataloguing Rules [RDA]. You will learn to choose appropriate access points and preferred form of personal and corporate names, cross-references for names and name authorities. You will be introduced to procedures for acquiring cataloguing copy, and how to use cataloguing modules in a variety of library-automated systems. Filing according to the latest edition of ALA filing rules is briefly covered.
Internet tools will be explored in-depth. Topics will include browsers and search engines, free and fee-based databases, listservs, newsgroups, blogs, wikis and other information resources on the Web.
You will learn to operate and maintain equipment as well as how to use new electronic media to provide service to library patrons and staff. You will study safety and security issues and criteria for the selection and purchase of equipment. The course also introduces you to types of major non-print formats and their storage, handling, preservation, circulation and scheduling.
Learn the basic techniques in collection development, community analysis, needs assessment and collection development policy. You will learn selection, verification, ordering and receiving procedures for books, serials, French and foreign language materials, pamphlets and government publications. Acquisitions procedures for handling gifts and exchanges and weeding are also covered. You will learn to create and maintain vertical files. You will examine the organization and function of the acquisitions department and its automation.
You will be introduced to the reference process with emphasis on both print and electronic sources used to answer ready reference questions. Types of sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, almanacs, periodical indexes, yearbooks and bibliographies. You will also learn how to conduct an reference interview. Basic bibliographic instruction and the creation of subject bibliographies and pathfinders are covered. You will learn interlibrary loan procedures and other methods of document delivery. Specialized services in various types of libraries are discussed.
Readers’ Advisory for Children provides an introduction to books for children from preschool to tweens, including picture books, easy readers, transitional fiction, genre novels, graphic novels, and popular nonfiction; and how to recommend these books to youth. We will discover methods to determine what a young person might like to read, and how to recommend and market books to children. Several different genres of literature written for young people will be examined. You will prepare and present different techniques for bringing children and books together: reading aloud/storytelling, writing annotations, using readers’ advisory websites and book talking. Current issues affecting children’s literature will also be discussed.
This course continues the introduction to all aspects of subject cataloguing. You will acquire skills in using the Sears Subject Headings and in creating call numbers using the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme and Cutter-Sanborn book numbers. Cross-references and authority records are covered.
This course provides a further look at bibliographic description concentrating on non-print materials and serials.
This course provides you with the opportunity to become familiar with the types of information resources pertaining to specialized disciplines within the social sciences and humanities fields. Emphasis will be placed on electronic resources including databases and web sites, but you are also expected to become familiar with print resources and specialized library collections for each discipline. The role of current awareness services and the needs of clients in various types of libraries are covered.
This course is selective study of Canadian politics with emphasis on multiple viewpoints pertaining to federal as well as provincial and municipal politics. The implications on policy formation and political behaviour of such factors as culture, regional diversity, the economy, labour, business and Canada's close ties with the USA are examined.
Readers’ Advisory for Young Adults provides an introduction to books for teens from ages 12-18, including, genre fiction, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, alternative formats, and books for reluctant readers. Through individual and group exercises, we will discover methods to determine what a young person might like to read and how to suggest and promote materials to those reading interests. You will prepare and present different techniques for bringing teens and books together, including creating: read-alike lists, book trailers, teen library programs, and giving presentations on teen books and authors. Current issues affecting literature for teens will also be discussed.
This course provides you with an introduction to the information resources available in a variety of science and technology disciplines. Emphasis is on the types of information sources available in each discipline, including databases, web sites, print resources, and specialized library collections. Also covered are some of the trends in scientific communication and publishing and their effect on library service.
You will be introduced to current management issues in libraries such as respectful workplace, employment equity, workplace health, safety, copyright, Internet filtering, etc.
Readers’ advisory is a service libraries provide to help patrons directly or indirectly locate reading materials appropriate to their needs. In this course, you will become familiar with reader’s advisory work for adults, particularly in the public library context. However, the methods used and issues presented will also readily apply to a wider variety of libraries and reading material. The primary issues of discussion and lecture will include, but may not be limited to: indirect and direct readers’ advisory for adults; reading appeals in genre fiction and popular non-fiction; and RA resources and tools for library technicians.
You will be introduced to promoting library use and marketing the library through print and non-print media.
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations.
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations.
You must complete three two-week field placements in a variety of libraries.
To be eligible to register for the field placements, you must submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check (ACRVS) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) Check documents, dated no more than six months prior to you attending the field placement. You must submit original documents. For more information, see https://www.rrc.ca/supports/student-records/police-information-check/
Current Staff of Libraries
If you wish your library to be on the list of potential sites for student work placements, please contact Library and Information Technology coordinator Can Li (cli@rrc.ca) or faculty members Tabitha Nordby (tnordby@rrc.ca) or Kelly Stifora (rstifora@rrc.ca).
Before a student is assigned to your library, instructors from the Library and Information Technology program will confirm that you are still willing to be a placement site and will forward documentation to you at that time.
We cannot guarantee a student placement for each library that applies.
You will be required to purchase a laptop computer and related software for use throughout the program.
The use of laptop computers is an integral part of this program. It will enhance your learning and competitiveness in the job market. This universal-access approach to learning is a shared one between students and the College. Laptop and software specifications will be provided to you by the College after you are accepted into the program to ensure the laptop complies with current program requirements.
Do not purchase a laptop until you have been accepted and registered in the program.
Laptop Requirements current to June 13, 2017:
Students in this program are required to bring their own PC laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications for the start of classes:
1) A laptop with a dual-core CPU
2) Minimum 2GB RAM (recommended 4GB)
3) DVD drive (optional)
4) Wireless N capability
5) Windows 10 operating system installed
6) Microsoft Office 2016 or University 365 installed (registered RRC students can access and install Microsoft Office for free through their online RRC HUB account - for more information, please visit https://www.rrc.ca/its/help-resources/office-365/)
7) A web browser installed
Please note that Mac laptops, NetBooks, and tablet devices (e.g. iPads) are not acceptable. Students should arrive for orientation on the first day of classes with their laptops and at least a web browser installed and ready for use. Students are responsible for ensuring that their laptop has up-to-date antivirus/security software installed.
Also note that, for the first year COMP-1975 Business Computing class, students must purchase a custom textbook, available from the campus bookstore (be sure to get the correct book by checking the ISBN, and if you are unsure of which text to purchase, hold off on purchasing the text until classes have begun and you can confirm the best option with your Business Computing instructor during week one):
LIBR-1332 Internet Research replaced COMP-1000 Internet Essentials
LIBR-1035 Multimedia Services replaced BUSA-1001 A/V & Office Equipment & Materials
LIBR-1003 Cataloguing: Library of Congress plus LIBR-2001 Cataloguing: Dewey Decimal replaced LIBR-1013 Bibliographic Database Management: Subject Analysis
COMM-2074 Communications 3 formerly called COMM-2074 Career Writing
LIBR-1006 Readers' Advisory for Children and LIBR-2006 Readers' Advisory for Young Adults replaced LIBR-1015 Children's and Young Adult Literature
LIBR-2000 Readers' Advisory for Adults replaced LIBR-2008 Canadian Literature
LIBR-2105 Issues in Libraries formerly called LIBR-2105 Issues in Library Management
LIBR-2172 Cataloguing: Multimedia formerly called LIBR-2172 Non-Print & Electronic Resources
March 2017 course code updates:
LIBR-1020 Cataloguing: Introduction changed to LIBR-1041 Cataloguing: Introduction
LIBR-1035 Multimedia Services changed to LIBR-1044 Multimedia Services
LIBR-1332 Internet Research changed to LIBR-1043 Internet Research
COMM-1055 Communications 2 changed to COMM-2070 Communications 2
LIBR-1006 Readers' Advisory for Children changed to LIBR-1047 Readers' Advisory for Children
LIBR-1018 Collection Development and Acquisitions changed to LIBR-1045 Collection Development and Acquisitions
LIBR-1029 Introduction to Reference changed to LIBR-1046 Introduction to Reference
LIBR-2001 Cataloguing; Dewey Decimal System changed to LIBR-2003 Cataloguing: Dewey Decimal System
LIBR-2002 Readers' Advisory for Young Adults changed to LIBR-2018 Readers' Advisory for Young Adults
LIBR-2006 Canadian Government & Contemporary Canadian Issues changed to LIBR-2017 Canadian Government & Contemporary Canadian Issues
LIBR-2056 Reference: Social Sciences and Humanities changed to LIBR-2015 Reference: Social Sciences and Humanities
LIBR-2000 Readers' Advisory for Adults changed to LIBR-2022 Readers' Advisory for Adults
LIBR-2054 Reference: Science & Technology changed to LIBR-2019 Reference: Science & Technology
LIBR-2105 Issues in Libraries changed to LIBR-2021 Issues in Libraries
LIBR-2172 Cataloguing: Multimedia Resources changed to LIBR-2004 Cataloguing: Multimedia Resources
MGMT-1023 Human Relations in Libraries changed to MGMT-1036 Human Relations in Libraries
Effective with the 2017-2018 academic year, LIBR-2204 Records Management / Archives and Preservation will be split into two individual courses: LIBR-1011 Records Management and LIBR-1012 Archives and Preservation
The following university offers credit for the Library and Information Technology program.
Athabasca University
Graduates of this program can receive two years credit toward the Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies) at Athabasca University.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
You must complete three two-week field placements in a variety of libraries.
To be eligible to register for the field placements, you must submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check (ACRVS) and Provincial Child Abuse Registry (PCAR) Check documents, dated no more than six months prior to you attending the field placement. You must submit original documents. For more information, see https://www.rrc.ca/supports/student-records/police-information-check/
Library technicians occupy mid-range positions with a level of responsibility between that of a clerk and a librarian. They may direct clerks, student assistants, or other library technicians. Duties may be limited to a specific area within a technical or public service unit of a library or may cover a wide range of activities, depending on the size of the library. Technicians may also manage small libraries.
Opportunities also exist in fields such as corporate or political research, publishing, computerized information systems, and bibliographic utilities.