Diploma of Library and Information Services

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National code: BSB50520 Diploma (TAFE) Hawthorn, Online Send me a link to this course

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

Duration

12 months full time, 24 months part time

Intakes

Hawthorn (March)
Online (March, August) - View application and start dates

Study modes

Full-time,
Online,
Part-time

VTAC course code

3400278804

This course allows you to pathway to another qualification.

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.

Both modes of delivery are supported by a qualified teaching team.

On campus is delivered full time over one year with students undertaking four eight week blocks during the year. Classes run three days a week with one day delivered in our online classroom using video conferencing.

As part of the on campus course there are visits to libraries around Melbourne and guest speakers.

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 and graduate skills.

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.

Pathways and scholarships

- Pathways.

Pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second.

Successful completion of Diploma of Library and Information Services allows you to progress to these courses	Maximum amount of credit available
Bachelor of Business Analytics and Analysis	8 units
Bachelor of Business	8 units

This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.

Learn more about pathways.

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 Estimated course fees for 2023*
*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

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.

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.

Full course fee
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.