Diploma of Library and Information Services

This course provides comprehensive training in the running of libraries and information agencies.

You'll extend your existing knowledge to be able to solve problems, analyse information and assist others in libraries and information services. This includes helping people locate information, undertaking research, analysing and communication information, ideas and concepts at a complex level.

During this course, you'll develop advanced skills and knowledge in:

• consolidating and maintaining library industry knowledge
• research, referencing and copyright
• solving information and communications technology problems
• using advanced functions of integrated library management systems
• developing and promoting library activities, events and public programs
• circulation, cataloguing and collection management
• specialised technical databases and classification schemes
• information technology and multimedia
• communication and customer service
• implementing work safety policies and procedures.

On completion of this course you will have the confidence and skills to seek employment in the galleries, libraries, archives, records and museums sector.

A Diploma of Library and Information Services BSB50520 will prepare you to work in libraries or other agencies, institutions and organisations such as museums or galleries. You'll have the advanced skills and knowledge to work with large volumes of information in a variety of positions including as a technician.

Example job titles include:

• library technician
• museum coordinator/technician
• access services officer
• collection development officer
• gallery technician
• education assistant (in museums/galleries)
• information services officer
• digital services officer
• journals officer
• metadata officer
• special collections officer
• technical services officer.

The course structure comprises the following core and elective units. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback.

To be awarded the BSB50520 Diploma of Library and Information Services, a student must successfully complete a total of Sixteen (16) units of competency, comprising of:
- Four (4) core units, and;
- Twelve (12) elective units, of which:
* Seven (7) elective units must be selected from Group A
* One (1) elective unit must be selected from Group B
*Two (2) elective units must be selected from Group C
for the remaining two (2) elective units:
*up to two (2) units may be selected from Groups A, B and C
*if not listed, up to two (2) units may be selected from a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma from this or any other currently endorsed Training Package qualification or accredited course.

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.