Library Technology Certificate Program and Courses

• Program Outcomes and Goals
• Required Courses
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Program Description
Skilled paraprofessionals are needed for various levels of employment in public, academic, school and special libraries. PCC's Library Technology Certificate Program prepares students to work in the dynamic information and technology based world of libraries.

The program focuses on job-related skills and practices needed to enter and succeed in the library workplace. The program provides training for paraprofessionals entering the field and also provides continuing education opportunities for those currently employed.  Program courses, developed in consultation with library employers, cover all phases of library public services and provide training and practice in the use of library automated systems including public access, reference, cataloging, circulation, databases and Web search techniques.

Students can earn a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate in Science Degree:

• Certificate of Achievement   
  The Pasadena City College Library Technology Certificate of Acheivement prepares students to work as highly skilled paraprofessionals in various levels of employment in public, academic, special and school libraries and information centers. The Certificate of Achievement in Library Technology requires the completion of 8 required classes (20 units).  
• Associate in Science Degree
  Students can also pursue an Associate in Science degree in Library Technology by completing the 20-unit program along with general education requirements and electives for a total of 60 units. Students interested in the Associate degree are encouraged to consult the current PCC Catalog and meet with a PCC Counselor to determine the specific requirements necessary for the Associate in Science degree.

Career Opportunities and Nature of library technician work:
Library technicians work in public services, circulation, children's services, and technical services in all types of libraries and information centers including: public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, special libraries and information centers.

Typical duties of Library technicians include: customer service, technical services (acquisition, preparation, organization and maintenance of materials), clerical work and assisting users in locating appropriate resources. Library technicians in smaller libraries may handle a range of uties, while those in large libraries usually specialize.

Library technicians and assistants generally work under the supervision of a librarian. With advances in technology, their duties are expanding and evolving with increasing responsibility for daily library operations. These jobs may have other titles, such as library technical assistant, library assistant, library aide or circulation assistant.
(Adapted from: Library Technicians/Assistants. www.bls.gov/oco/ocos316.htm )

• Our Program Advisory Committee members
• More Information for Library Technicians
• Library Employment Sites

Program Outcomes, Objectives and Goals

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge and skills gained through all required courses to perform library technician level tasks in various types of libraries
2. Indentify and differentiate the roles and be able to perform job duties of technicians in a library organization.
3. Experience and reflect on activities, problem-solving exercises and assignments simulating read job situations.
4. Communicate clearly and effectively on the job, verbally, in writing and online (i.e. using word processing and e-mail)  

Program Objectives and Goals

1. To provide skills for paraprofessional technicians in library and information services.
2. To teach specialized public service skills 
   • courtesy and skill in addressing the information needs of diverse populations
   • skill in assisting patrons with their specific information needs
   •  skill in answering factual questions and locating resources for patrons
   •  background in information search and retrieval techniques
   •  proficiency in organizing and managing library collections.
3. To teach skills and knowledge that support and complement the technical service arenas such as:
   • cataloging rules and classification techniques
   • skill in processing procedures for books, media and electronic resources
   • technical skills that support client information needs.
4. To work with the employer community to enhance programs so that students have the skills they need to enter and thrive in the workplace.

 Required Courses for the Certificate of Achievement in Library Technology

The Certificate of Achievement includes the following 8 required courses.

Printable Program Brochure       

Before you start the Technician level courses (101-106), We recommend you begin with these preparation courses:

(NOTE: these required courses are typically offered Fall, Spring, and Intersessions):

• LIB 1 Basic Library Research Skills (1 unit, 6 weeks) (Prerequisite for LIB 102)
• LIB 10A Internet & Web-Based Information Resources (1unit, 6 weeks)
• BIT 25 Survey of Computer Technology in Business (3 units)
      OR    CIS 1 Introduction to Computers (3 units)

FALL COURSES

• LIB 101 Introduction to Library Services for Paraprofessionals (3)
          (Recommended preparation for LIB 102 and LIB 104)
• LIB 103 Introduction to Circulation Services (3 units)
• LIB 105A Descriptive Cataloging Procedures in Online Environments (3 units)
            (Prerequisite: LIB 104) Note: may be offered in Summer Intersession

SPRING COURSES

• LIB 104 Technical Services: Acquisitions, Serials & Processing (3 units)
           (Prerequisite for LIB 105A; Recommended Preparation: LIB 101)
• LIB 102 Introduction to Reference & Information Services (3 units)
           (Prerequisite: LIB 1; Recommended Preparation: LIB 101)

Link to: Course Descriptions, syllabi and schedule of classes

Other Recommended Courses:

• Lib 20 Independent Study (1 unit)
• Lib 106 Library Field Practice (1 unit)
• Lib 105B  Introduction to Classification and Subject Access (3 units)
• Lib 10B  Advanced Internet and Web-Based Resources (1 unit)
• Lib 111 Survival Skills for the Information Age (1/2 unit)
• BIT 107  Business Software - Windows (1 unit)
• Eng 59 Children's Literature (3 units)
• Speech 10 Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
• Speech 124 Books & Storytelling for Children (3 units) 

Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)

You can also review and search these Frequently Asked Questions for additional answers to your questions about the Library Technician Program.

Contact Information:

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail the program coordinator for assistance:
Krista Goguen (626 585-7832) kfgoguen@pasadena.edufor more information about the program.

Sincerely,
Mary Ann Laun, Assistant Dean, Library Services , (626) 585-7833

Krista Goguen, Program Coordinator, (626) 585-7832

rev. 1/2012