Today’s library technologist is tech-savvy, socially engaged and passionate about life-long learning. It’s a great career for anyone interested in literacy, learning and innovation.
Library techs are in demand—because libraries have become the go-to place for everything from traditional books to e-books, multi-media and online resources.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic's two-year Library and Information Technology diploma program has been developed in accordance with the Canadian Library Association Guidelines to address ongoing advances in technology and changing library user needs. Offered at our Saskatoon campus, the program prepares you to support librarians in any type of library—or to manage day-to-day operations on your own in a small library.
You’ll take a variety of introductory academic courses to familiarize yourself with a wide variety of subjects, from world history to literature. You’ll discuss the impact of new technologies, the political and economic factors impacting information sharing, the benefits and risks of digital storage, and more. Through lectures, labs and hands-on projects, you’ll develop knowledge and skills in:
Q & A Sessions
Library technologists get asked a lot of questions. Your assignments reflect the kind of requests you might get, and you’ll learn to use a wide range of resources to find answers.
In-Library Practicums
Work experience is an integral part of your learning. You’ll participate in 2 three-week practicums, one in a Saskatoon public library, one in another community library. It’s a chance to apply theory to practice, and class projects to a real working environment.
The potential job market for library technologists is bigger and broader than many know. There are career opportunities in municipal public libraries, regional public libraries, northern libraries and the Saskatchewan Provincial Library. There are also jobs in university, polytechnical and regional colleges, public and separate school divisions, health regions, government departments, archives, research centres and private businesses.
You could work on the front line helping library users or behind the scenes in a technical capacity. Although a diploma does not qualify you as a librarian, it does open doors to working in supervisory or managerial roles in library service units or small libraries.
For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you.
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification1 | Earning Potential2 |
|---|---|---|
| Library Clerk | Library Assistants and Clerks (1451) | $23,900 - $57,100 |
| Library Assistant | Library Assistants and Clerks (1451) | $23,900 - $57,100 |
| Library Technician | Library and Public Archive Technicians (5211) | $29,200 - $72,800 |
Year 1 - 36 weeks; Year 2 - 36 weeks
Note
ACCUPLACER©
The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
2020/21 Academic Year
Year 1 only - $9,940
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for courses in this program.
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
