Description
Take this program to acquire the knowledge and to develop the basic skills for staff in school and public libraries. This program helps clerical staff in school and public libraries acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill library duties.
One core course and one elective is offered on a self-directed basis. All other courses are offered on a term basis and many only once per year. You are encouraged to plan your schedule accordingly.
You must have access to a computer with a current operating system and Internet access.
It is recommended that you have basic computer skills, familiarity with word processing and using the Internet for research. If you do not have these skills, it is strongly recommended that you take a basic computer skills course.
Regular Admission Requirements
1. Successful completion of Grade 12 including one credit in:
and
2. Successful completion of RRC course:
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.
You must successfully complete seven courses to earn a certificate. Please note the program prerequisite.
Courses may be taken in any order as long as you meet the course prerequisites.
Program Prerequisite:
Recommended First Course:
Required Courses:
Electives (choose 2 of the following):
You have a maximum of four years to complete this program. As you progress through it, you should obtain a new program outline every September. This will keep you updated on any changes that may apply to you.
Legend:
This course will guide students through the techniques and processes involved in writing, speaking, and listening effectively for business. Students will be taught skills for networking, meetings, and working in teams. Students will apply a direct approach to create professional emails and letters. Students will learn strategies for competent information report writing. Students will be taught how to create and deliver a memorable oral presentation. The proper use of business writing rules, grammar, and etiquette will be emphasized throughout the course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students enrolling in Part-Time and Online Education courses may be required to purchase textbooks and materials at participating Campus Store locations or online at bookstore.rrc.ca. Student booklists will be available approximately 3 weeks prior to scheduled course start dates. Please ensure materials are purchased in advance, to be available for the start date.
Note: Courses requiring a textbook will show "TR" in the Delivery field.
Click the "More Info" link beside the course's name to view the description of the course.
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 06, 25 - Jul 06, 25 | M. Kitz | 263571 | $695 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 06, 25 - May 06, 25 | TBA | 263573 | $755 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 07, 25 - Mar 31, 25 | B. Rountree | 264662 | $665 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 07, 25 - Mar 31, 25 | B. Rountree | 264663 | $539 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 06, 25 - Apr 20, 25 | P. Syljuberget | 264665 | $549 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 07, 25 - Apr 07, 25 | D. Sanders | 264673 | $469 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 07, 25 - Mar 31, 25 | C. Hana | 264776 | $559 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 06, 25 - Apr 21, 25 | B. Rountree | 264676 | $559 | ||
| Location: Online | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dates | Delivery | Instructor | Section | Cost | Actions |
| Jan 09, 25 - Apr 02, 25 | C. Janzen | 264674 | $499 | ||
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College students require, at minimum:
1. Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
2. A high speed internet connection
• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.
For detailed information on recent course code changes to this program, please click here .
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 your part-time program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline.
A program GPA of 2.0 (60%) is required to graduate.
You will not be granted more than 75% of your credit requirements for graduation through transfer of credit.
When you have successfully completed all the required courses in this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. For complete details on applying to graduate and convocation, see rrc.ca/convocation.
Questions about graduation? Please call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 for assistance.
Graduation with Honours
If you obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better for the program, you will graduate with honours. If you fail any course in the program, you will not be eligible for this honours designation.