Overview

Want to work with interesting content in a linguistically rich and culturally diverse environment? Our Diploma of Library and Information Services is an industry-accredited course that prepares you to work with large volumes of information across agencies institutions and organisations. Develop cataloguing and collection management skills, customer service expertise, and digital skills to work in a diverse range of industries.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Interested in this course?

Find out more about this course and other TAFE courses at one of our on-campus Try TAFE events. Get all the information you need to kickstart your career.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Research
  • Initiative and enterprise
  • Planning and organising technology

Your career opportunities

  • Library assistant
  • Library technician
  • Systems librarian
  • Digital services officer
  • Information services officer
  • Special collections officer

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400278804
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

  • Online

Professional accreditation 

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history.  Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Other requirements
  • Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies and basic computer and internet skills. 

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Students are required to complete 16 units, listed below.

Online is delivered part time over two years with students undertaking two units each block over the two years. Each block is nine weeks.

The course includes scheduled webinars (video conferencing) in the evening, which run every two weeks (for each unit) and are timetabled from Monday to Thursday between 6.30 and 8.30pm. Webinars are recorded which students can review if they are unable to attend. Additional support is provided through email and telephone by both the course coordinator and administration. As part of the online course, students are invited to two optional library excursions in Melbourne per year.

Work placement during the course for a minimum of 70 hours is compulsory. Students are supported to find a work placement.

4
Core units
+
12
Elective units
+
70
hours
Placements
=
Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 810

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Monitor compliance with copyright & licence requirements
Core unit
BSBINS503
Extend own literacy skills to locate information
Core unit
BSBINS602
Identify & resolve client ICT problems
Core unit
ICTSAS432
Consolidate & maintain library industry knowledge
Placement unit
BSBINS407
Elective units
Search library and information databases
Elective unit
BSBINS404
Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems
Elective unit
BSBINS507
Promote literature & reading
Elective unit
BSBINS509
Develop community & stakeholder relationships in a library environment
Elective unit
BSBINS510
Develop & promote library activities, events & public programs
Elective unit
BSBINS511
Undertake cataloguing activities
Elective unit
BSBINS516
Contribute to collection management
Elective unit
BSBINS604
Provide subject access and classify material
Elective unit
BSBINS505
Deliver & monitor a service to customers
Elective unit
BSBOPS304
Review and maintain organisation’s digital presence
Elective unit
BSBTEC405
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
Elective unit
BSBXCS402
Provide work skill instructions
Elective unit
TAEDEL301

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$17,050

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$12,170

2024 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BSB50520
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400278804
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
August intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
24-July-2024
Start dates
29-July-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
August intake
Location
Online
Start dates
29-July-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
26-June-2024
  • Headshot of Diploma of Library and Information Services student Brad

    "Completing the Diploma opened new opportunities for me both at work and to further my studies. At work, I was able to apply for temporary higher duties positions where the qualification was a mandatory requirement. The Diploma also gave me the opportunity to further progress onto postgraduate studies to become a qualified librarian with some experience."

    Brad , Diploma of Library and Information Services