Diploma of Library and Information Services (Online delivery)
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.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
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
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:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
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.
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Diploma of Library and Information Services
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Diploma of Business
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Diploma of Social Media Marketing
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.
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 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$17,740
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$12,660
2025 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 2025 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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 2025 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.
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.
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"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
