Diploma of Library and Information Services (Online)
We live in an information age. The efficient cataloguing, collection and supply of information is therefore at a premium, especially within information-heavy spaces such as libraries, museums and galleries. If a career working with information sounds like you, Swinburne’s Diploma of Library and Information Services will help prepare you.
This diploma provides a solid grounding in essential skills and knowledge for working in libraries, agencies, institutions and organisations that handle lots of information. Through small-group instruction by experienced practitioners, you’ll learn research, cataloguing and collection management skills, the use of digital and social media tools and what it takes to provide superior customer service.
Hone your communication and people skills. Become technically proficient. Develop your confidence and the ability to satisfy customers’ needs in linguistically and culturally diverse environments.
Our diploma is fully accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association. You’ll be eligible for student membership initially, then full membership upon graduation.
An exciting array of employment possibilities waits at the end of your study, including:
- Library technician
- Library assistant
- Systems librarian
- Digital services officer
- Gallery or museum technician
- Information officer
- Special collections officer
Stop saying next year. Start in Semester 2.
Applications to begin midyear are now open. Are you ready to stop feeling undervalued? To stop pretending to be happy? To stop dreaming small? Apply now
Duration
12 months full time, 24 months part time
Intakes
Online (March, August) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Online,
- Part-time
VTAC course code
- 3400278804
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Library and Information Services provides students with the relevant skills and knowledge to work in libraries or with large volumes of information in agencies, institutions and organisations. As part of this course, through instruction and demonstration, you’ll learn research, cataloguing and collection management skills, use digital and social media tools and develop customer service expertise. The aim, through small group instruction and guidance by experienced practitioners, is for you to acquire a range of skills and the confidence to apply them effectively and efficiently. This Swinburne qualification is fully accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association.
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 eight 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 co-ordinator 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 work placement. Students cannot successfully complete the unit, (BSBINS407) Consolidate & maintain library industry knowledge until work placement is completed.
Units of study
Core units
Consolidate & maintain library industry knowledge (BSBINS407)
Monitor compliance with copyright & licence requirements (BSBINS503)
Extend own literacy skills to locate information (BSBINS602)
Identify & resolve client ICT problems (ICTSAS432)
Elective units
Search library and information databases (BSBINS404)
Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems (BSBINS507)
Promote literature & reading (BSBINS509)
Develop community & stakeholder relationships in a library environment (BSBINS510)
Develop & promote library activities, events & public programs (BSBINS511)
Undertake cataloguing activities (BSBINS516)
Contribute to collection management (BSBINS604)
Provide subject access and classify material (BSBINS505)
Deliver & monitor a service to customers (BSBOPS304)
Review and maintain organisation’s digital presence (BSBTEC405)
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices (BSBXCS402)
Provide work skill instructions (TAEDEL301)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Possible career titles include:
- Library technician in public, school, academic or special libraries
- Library assistant
- Systems librarian
- Digital services officer
- Gallery technician
- Information services officer
- Journals officer
- Metadata officer
- Museum technician
- Special collections officer
- Technical services officer
Aims and objectives
The aim is for students to graduate from the course with the skills to provide information services and to evaluate their own work. Students will understand and engage in lifelong learning to maintain their skills in the fast-changing information landscape.
Graduate skills
Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, research, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, technology.
Professional recognition
Swinburne’s Diploma of Library and Information Services is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
Applicants can be assured that this course meets core and foundation knowledge, skills and attributes relevant for the effective professional practice of Information Professionals working in Archives, Libraries and Records Management.
Students can apply for student membership while studying, and for full membership upon successful completion.
Industry Accredited
Swinburne’s Diploma of Library and Information Services is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
Applicants can be assured that this course meets core and foundation knowledge, skills and attributes relevant for the effective professional practice of Information Professionals working in Archives, Libraries and Records Management.
Students can apply for student membership while studying, and for full membership upon successful completion.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,788. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Library and Information Services (Online)Estimated course fees for 2023* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $17,050 | $11,810 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $262 | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
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 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession 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.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
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.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 810.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
Additional requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- Literacy: Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies, and basic computer and internet skills.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.