Library and Information Technician
Turn your passion for research, literacy and information into a rewarding career.
- Many classes taught in a dedicated lab with hands-on practical exercises and assignments that simulate real work experience
- In-class activities are conducted within groups allowing students to build a network and learn from each other
- Pursue further studies in the Bachelor of Information Technology-Information Resource Management, a unique collaborative program between Algonquin College and Carleton University
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2026
Yes
Schedule
Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
The two-year Library and Information Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a broad range of knowledge and experiences for the library and information management field.
In this unique program you develop transferrable skills such as:
Ordering and managing book collections Cataloguing and assigning metadata to information resources Collaborating with customers and community partners to address information needs Connecting children and youth to books and the love of reading Leveraging current and emerging technology to serve customers Providing specialized support to find information in a wide range of industries and disciplines such as legal, medical, and business...(read more)
Overview
Turn your passion for research, literacy and information into a rewarding career.
The two-year Library and Information Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a broad range of knowledge and experiences for the library and information management field.
In this unique program you develop transferrable skills such as:
- Ordering and managing book collections
- Cataloguing and assigning metadata to information resources
- Collaborating with customers and community partners to address information needs
- Connecting children and youth to books and the love of reading
- Leveraging current and emerging technology to serve customers
- Providing specialized support to find information in a wide range of industries and disciplines such as legal, medical, and business
The latest technologies, trends and developments in the library and information field, prepares you for employment.
Benefit from small class sizes. Learn from professors with industry experience. Build your knowledge and skills through hands-on classroom activities and field placements.
Graduates may find employment in a variety of areas such as:
- schools
- public, government, and academic libraries or
- archives, records and information management organizations
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1004
Course Name:
Professional Communication Essentials
Course Description:
Communication remains a fundamental skill regardless of discipline or field of study. Using an applied approach, students focus on writing, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2002
Course Name:
Reference 1
Course Description:
Identifying how to find information and how to support clients are important skills for library work. Students develop skills in communicati... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2003
Course Name:
Introduction to Libraries
Course Description:
Libraries fulfil many roles in society, including supporting economic, social, recreational and educational needs. Students investigate the ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2015
Course Name:
Descriptive Cataloguing 1
Course Description:
The catalogue is the main finding aid to the collection of the library. Students examine the basic principles and concepts of international ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
LIB2016
Course Name:
Acquisitions
Course Description:
A library depends upon effective ordering of books, magazines and electronic resources to serve their clientele. Students practise procedure... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
LIB2026
Course Name:
Archives and Records Management
Course Description:
Students can find employment in a variety of information related fields, such as archives, records and information management departments. S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0440
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets the theme of Civic Life.Equivalencies: AST2000 or DSN2... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL0051
Course Name:
Readers' Advisory Services: Children and Youth
Course Description:
Literacy is an essential life-long skill that school and public libraries are uniquely positioned to help children and youth develop. Using ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2017
Course Name:
Client Services
Course Description:
Providing excellent customer service is an important aspect of library or information work. Students examine methods for helping clients at ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
LIB2018
Course Name:
Internet Applications
Course Description:
Libraries rely on Internet tools and resources to provide service to their clients and to communicate with their clients. Students use inter... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
LIB2021
Course Name:
Descriptive Cataloguing 2
Course Description:
Library collections hold a variety of materials in addition to publications in print. Through hands-on examples, students apply internationa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2022
Course Name:
Subject Analysis and Indexing
Course Description:
The catalogue provides access to the collection of a library by assigning subject headings to each of the cataloguing records. Students appl... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2023
Course Name:
Information Retrieval
Course Description:
Clients require up-to-date, reliable and often scholarly information, which can be found in online databases. Students implement best practi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED0440
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets the theme of Civic Life.Equivalencies: AST2000 or DSN2... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL0085
Course Name:
Workplace Communication for Library Information Technician
Course Description:
Communicating cloearly to different audiences for different purposes is a skill required for success in the workplace. Students refine writi... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2019
Course Name:
Basics of Library Management
Course Description:
Libraries are organizations that require management of their staff and resources. Students investigate policies and procedures for budgeting... + Read More
Hours:
22.0
Code:
LIB2030
Course Name:
Field Work 1
Course Description:
Professional experience is an asset for library and information technicians to strengthen employability. Through on-site experience with a s... + Read More
Hours:
100.0
Code:
LIB2031
Course Name:
Introduction to Metadata
Course Description:
Library and Information Technicians use metadata to manage information resources. Students explore international standard metadata schemes, ... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2032
Course Name:
Dewey Decimal Classification
Course Description:
Classification provides access to the collection of the library through shelving the physical material by subject as indicated by the call n... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2033
Course Name:
Reference 2: Government and Law
Course Description:
Library and information technicians are required to research information and provide service to clients, in disciplines where they may have ... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2034
Course Name:
Emerging Library Technologies
Course Description:
Libraries use a variety of technology to retrieve, manage and organize digital content for their clients. Students develop transferable skil... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
GED0440A
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LIB2028
Course Name:
Marketing
Course Description:
Library, archive, and information management organizations need to market their services and demonstrate their value, to their customers and... + Read More
Hours:
22.0
Code:
LIB2042
Course Name:
Library of Congress Classification
Course Description:
For larger libraries, a specific classification system is used to assist in the organization of the collection. Students apply the theoretic... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2043
Course Name:
Reference 3: Science and Technology
Course Description:
Library and information technicians consolidate knowledge and skills to provide services for clients with complex research needs. Working wi... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2045
Course Name:
Library Software
Course Description:
Libraries rely on a computerized library system to handle operations including cataloguing, circulation, and ordering material. Students dev... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Code:
LIB2047
Course Name:
Field Work 2
Course Description:
Real-world experience provides an opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and skills and to enhance their career development... + Read More
Hours:
100.0
Code:
LIB2050
Course Name:
Books as Cultural Artifacts
Course Description:
Library and information technicians may be responsible for preserving, handling and displaying rare book collections. Students explore aspe... + Read More
Hours:
33.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as a/an Cataloguing Technician, Information and Research Technician, Library Support Specialist, Reference Technician, Technical Services Technician, Public Service Assistant, Information Analyst, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act (ATIP) Analyst, Access Technician, Records Management Technician, Collections Assistant, Information Resources Coordinator, Acquisitions Technician, Digitization and Processing Assistant, or Information Management Specialist.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Acquire, loan, borrow, and maintain book, serial and online collections, using procedures for bibliographic verification, vendor selection, order production, and fund management.
- Derive, edit and/or create catalogue records using internationally accepted cataloguing rules with MARC coding in national bibliographic utilities, and computer-based systems.
- Conduct reference interviews, analyze information requests in a variety of topic areas, provide instructional assistance, and perform searches using current, relevant and authoritative resources.
- Assess client needs and provide effective client service to distinct client groups in various library, archive or information management settings.
- Develop and prepare promotional materials, library programming, bibliographies, finding tools and reports using word processing and publishing programs.
- Design relational databases, web sites and use integrated library systems and other library related software according to current standards.
- Identify different types of libraries and topics related to library science such as the publishing industry, freedom of information, censorship and copyright.
- Recognize, identify and perform duties in an archive, records management or information management setting and apply metadata to online resources.
- Outline theories and practice of library management and apply skills in staff supervision, conducting primary research, marketing library services and budget preparation.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost between $300 to $500 per year and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION TECHNICIAN
Program Code 0440X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/
Additional Information
Program Resources
The Library and Information Technician program consists of courses that are delivered in a variety of formats including face-to-face in a classroom, hybrid (combination of classroom and online learning) and fully online.
Class schedules vary from semester to semester and courses may be scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Students participate in all three types of learning.
Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Policies AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/policies.
Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). College Policy AA06 applies to PLAR. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and, through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/plar
Library and Information Technicians are often in contact with the public and frequently engage with others in a team environment. As such, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing are considered crucial skills for our graduates.
FIELD PLACEMENT REQUIREMENT
Students must provide the College with a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. The Police Records Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. If you register in the program without a clear VSC and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to successfully progress in the program. A clear VSC is required at a minimum of every six months, as required by the placement agencies and which may include renewal fees.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Students who have two or more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 are considered to be on academic probation (Policy AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.
Contact
Helena Merriam
Program Coordinator
Room B382a
Helena Merriam is a Professor and Coordinator of the Library and Information Technician Program at Algonquin College, and is responsible for curriculum development, teaching and day-to-day operations of the program. She has been a full time professor at Algonquin College since August 2006.
Prior to teaching at Algonquin, Helena has developed courses and taught at Seneca College and Mohawk College (1999-2006). Her previous work experience includes a solo librarian position at Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (1998-2000) where she was hired to set up a new library from scratch and operate it. Helena also has experience working at The Globe and Mail (1995-1998) conducting research for clients, designing and conducting training courses, and creating online clipping profiles for federal government clients. In addition, Helena worked as a consultant at the National Judicial Institute (2007-2009) to research and evaluate the online and physical library collection.
Helena Merriam has a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Western Ontario and a BA (hons) in English from the University of Manitoba. Helena is the recipient of two, Excellence in Teaching Awards, from the Algonquin College Student Association, awarded in 2008 and 2011, the Capital Educator’s Award in 2011, the 2012 NISOD Excellence Award and the President’s Star Award in 2015.
Erika Fyfe
Professor
Room B382b
Erika has a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Alberta.
As a former graduate of the Library and Information Technician Diploma from Algonquin College, Erika has over a decade of experience working for a number of federal government departments, a law firm, and a non-profit library vendor. While her work experience has focused on cataloguing, she also has experience in collection development and ILS systems administration.
Linda Pasquale
Professor
Room B382b
Linda Pasquale is a Professor in the Library and Information Technician Program at Algonquin College. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) in Communication Studies and Marketing from Concordia University and her Master’s in Library and Information Studies from McGill University, where she was the recipient of the 2012-2013 Patricia Keir Award for academic excellence. Pasquale worked for over ten years in marketing and fundraising in the nonprofit sectors in Montreal and Toronto. Upon completing her graduate studies, she accepted a librarian position at the Regina Public Library. In 2016, Pasquale was selected to attend the Northern Exposure to Leadership Institute for future library leaders. Pasquale’s personal teaching philosophy is: I am not an expert, but a person with knowledge, experience, and an absolute love of my craft. The advice she always shares with her students is to strive for excellence, not perfection and to embrace mistakes as invaluable learning gifts.