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Overview
Our Library Information Technology diploma program is your ticket to becoming a skilled library technician, information specialist, or records management technician.
You'll learn to manage the ever-expanding realm of information in today's digital age, making it accessible and useful to people. Our program emphasizes continual learning and professional development.
This program opens doors to a variety of exciting careers, including opportunities in public, academic, specialized, government, and law libraries. Roles are also available in school learning commons. These organizations need individuals with technical and people skills to manage and provide access to information.
Versatile skill set
Our program covers every facet of library operations. You'll delve into information services, including database searching and library network technology.
Gain expertise in cataloguing and classification, ensuring that resources are organized for easy retrieval.
Harness the power of current library technology to enhance your work. Explore emerging technology trends and issues.
Learn how to assist and educate library patrons on efficiently accessing the information they seek. You'll become a valuable resource for those in need of information.
Beyond the core library skills, you'll explore records management, storytelling, marketing, public relations, web design, and more.
These skills are essential in today's library landscape.
Stay up to date with industry standards for organizing materials and records. You'll also learn to comply with regulatory and legislative information, ensuring ethical and legal practices in your work.
Create services and programs that cater to the needs of your community. Your role will connect people with information and foster a sense of belonging.
Those working in library information technology tend to be social, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- strong customer service skills
- self-motivation, versatility and adaptability
- a flexible attitude
- the ability to follow detailed directions
- organizational and time management skills
- technical skills related to using online resources, including MS Office
- technical troubleshooting skills
- to be able to work alone and as part of a team
- research, technical assistance and information fluency skills
- public speaking and instructional skills.
You should enjoy helping others, being creative, and paying attention to details.
You'll participate in two practicum placements in your last semester.
These three-week placements will occur in libraries, records or related information management organizations.
A practicum coordinator will work with you to find these placements.
After successfully completing this program, you'll recieve a SAIT Library Information Technology diploma.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
89% graduate employment rate
$51,050 average starting salary
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 14300, 52100.
Career planning support
Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.
You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.
Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.
Courses
The Library Information Technology requires 61.5 credits (24 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.
Course | Credits |
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This course explores interpersonal communications and how strong communications skills may be applied to positive workplace relationships. The course work is designed to help you become a more effective communicator in the increasingly diversified workplace. |
1.5 |
Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings. Equivalents:
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3 |
This practical course on computer functionality and commonly used industry software covers current productivity software to develop industry-specific solutions in the areas of communication and organization, documentation, data management, analysis, and visualization. In addition, file management techniques and best practices; security considerations such as identifying threats, safeguarding data and intellectual property; and digital citizenship and etiquette are also included. Equivalents:
|
3 |
In this course, learners explore a variety of online database searching techniques and retrieval systems. They develop search strategies and use advanced searching methods to execute effective searches on commercial databases and the Internet. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course introduces the purpose and scope of library services, basic library skills and library terminology, and provides an overview of library and information management organizations and personnel. |
1.5 |
This course provides an introduction to the bibliographic description and assignment of access points for print materials. This includes the construction of access points for corporate bodies and complex personal names, and assignment of subject headings. |
3 |
This course provides an introduction to reference work, basic information sources, and the reference interview. |
3 |
In this course, learners use a variety of library related software from patron catalogue interfaces to staff functions in acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation, serials, and reporting. The course also explores a variety of third-party catalogue compatible applications. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course uses current metadata standards to describe non-print materials, create preferred titles, create classification numbers from Dewey Decimal Classification and to file entries in an online catalogue. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course provides an overview of collection development and management in various types of libraries/learning commons. Students will apply acquisitions and resource management skills and knowledge to various formats of print and non-print resources including principles of diversification, intellectual freedom censorship and legislation. |
3 |
In this course, students utilize Resource, Description & Access (RDA) to describe resources and assign access points, ISBD to display data. and MARC 21 formats to encode data. Students also use Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification schedules to assign subject headings and call numbers and access a variety of online resources to create complete bibliographic records. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
All library staff members use technology for job-related purposes. Staff should be able to diagnose and solve common computer problems in the library setting, and instruct users in their library's technology offerings. In addition, library personnel should be proficient in communicating with technical support staff. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course introduces the learner to the selection and evaluation of materials for children and young adults. It also covers specialized library services and current issues in school and public libraries. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
The focus of this course is to introduce learners to HTML, XML, and various metadata schemes. Learners use web design software to produce library related web pages. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
In this course, learners identify the purpose and management of digital licenses, outline the three phases of a content management system, integrate content from multiple sources to build specialized content catalogs, create and organize media collections and use collaboration techniques to build communities. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course provides learners with the techniques necessary for telling stories to children. Selection of appropriate materials for storytelling in libraries is covered. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
This course provides learners with knowledge about specialized reference sources and services. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
In this course learners select an area of library information technology literacy, records, or information management work of special interest for an independent study. Learners will choose, plan and manage the topic of investigative study and then report on the topic by preparing a written summary report, including appendices or research report on research findings. Learners will present the results of the independent study through an oral presentation. The project can be completed as an individual study or a group project. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
This course continues with research, case studies and problem solving in information research management. Topics covered include emerging international records management standards, analysis, appraisal theory, classification development processes and policy and procedures development. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
In this course, the fundamental concepts, terminology and scope of records management are introduced. The personnel, components, technologies and guidelines of a records management program are explored. Theories and techniques for the establishment, implementation and maintenance practice of a records management program are covered. Fundamentals of Information and Records Management is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Information and Records Management Certificate program. |
3 |
This course provides an introduction to the principles of proactive marketing for libraries and information management organizations. Topics covered include market research and planning, targeted messaging, marketing toolkits and evaluation methods for measuring value and satisfaction. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
Administrative and supervisory techniques are explored for academic, public, school or special libraries, as well as records centres and information management departments. Administrator and staff responsibilities, organizational planning, supervisory techniques, and financial controls are outlined. Library, records, and information management standards and legislation are introduced as well an exploration of trends. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
This course is designed to prepare Library and Information Technology students for successful practicum site placements, as well as develop learning objectives for those practicums. Pre-requisites:Prerequisites
Concurrent Prerequisites
|
1.5 |
This course provides learners with a total of six weeks of practical work experience. The learners will be placed in two different libraries, records or related information management organizations for a period of three weeks each. They will apply their theoretical knowledge in a real world situation. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Admission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet all the following requirements or equivalent:
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
- the completion of two of the following Grade 12 subjects
- Math
- Science
- Social Science
- Accounting
- Law
- a second language.
LIBR 200 (Introduction to Libraries) may be substituted for one of the two Grade 12 subjects.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Transfer agreements
At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.
We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.
Submit a transfer credit application
There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.
Transfer options for graduates
Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.
🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).
If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.
Available intakes
Fall 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 30, 2025
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: May 30, 2025
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available close to your start date. Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required for that term.
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Business Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8485
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.