Back to:Government, Library and Legal Services

    National code: BSB50520

    Diploma of Library and Information Services

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout this course

    Become a qualified library technician with the expertise to connect your community to educational, cultural and academic information and services. Harness your digital fluency, curious nature and love of research to help people discover new things.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Understand current trends and issues in library and information industry

    • Apply good researching, referencing, copyright and licensing practices

    • Provide valuable information to the community and recommend resources and reading materials

    • Troubleshoot information and communications technology problems

    • Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems

    • Develop and promote library activities, events and public programs

    • Catalogue and classify physical and digital library resources

    • Assist with collection development to ensure the needs of the community are met

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • A nationally accredited qualification at Diploma level

    • The ability to work effectively in a library team environment and with diverse customers

    • Critical thinking skills

    • Practical industry experience gained during the work placement program

    • Eligibility to apply for a Australian Library and Information Association membership (a fee applies)

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • A passion for reading, information or curation of resources

    • A curious nature and a love of sourcing and researching information

    • The ability to work with a diverse customer base

    • Digitally fluency and the ability to use information sourcing tools

    • A Working with Children Check (WWCC)

    • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level

    Note:

    • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

    Start quiz

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Library Technician

    Library Technicians assist Librarians and other information managers in organising and operating systems for handling recorded material and files.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      55%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      1,300 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      49 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,180

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      37 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      High

    • Gender share

      86% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: library technician, library officer, information officer, collections officer, serials officer, library/ information preservation officer, Information and technology specialist and library customer service specialist.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study1 Course

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Diploma of Library and Information Services does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study2 Courses

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Library and Information Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 16 units of competency, including 4 core and 12 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Monitor compliance with copyright and licence requirementsBSBINS503

    • Extend own information literacy skills to locate informationBSBINS602

    • Consolidate and maintain library industry knowledgeBSBINS407

    • Identify and resolve client ICT problemsICTSAS432

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol