Library Information Technician Program

Mission and Description of the Program

The Library Information Technician Program prepares students for paraprofessional positions in libraries and information organizations, and upgrades the skills of staff presently working in libraries and information organizations. The program also serves those wishing to change careers or change their current assignment. Individual courses serve as a continuing education option for employees of libraries or information organizations.

Two levels of certificates (Basic and Advanced) and an Associate in Applied Science Degree are offered which provide a career path for vocational work as a library information assistant or technician. Library information technician positions have a professional/technical occupational classification, and persons in these positions are important team members of a library or information organization.

Courses are offered in one, two and three credit modules that allow maximum flexibility to create an individualized program of study. Coursework combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, guest speakers, independent study, special projects and field trips. Internships are an integral part of the program and expose students to realities of the job market. Graduates of the program develop competencies in five subject areas (core areas) as well as technical, organizational, interpersonal and workplace skills.

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Resources for Students top

MCC's Elsner Library and High Technology Complex provides a workspace with new state-of-the-art technology for class projects. The facility also provides additional spaces for group study and collaboration on course assignments and projects.

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Training and Continuing Education Opportunities

Individual courses and/or certificate options can be scheduled at local libraries and information organizations to meet specialized training needs of their staff. Specialized contracts for training programs can be designed as a need is identified.

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Earn an AAS Degree top

The degree will meet the needs of the students who seek a program of study that includes a general education 2-year degree. The degree will be a program of study consisting of 64 hours of courses including 24 hours of study in Library and Information Resources.

Students are able to take courses with special emphasis in 5 areas of concentration including information systems and customer services.The courses are offered in 1, 2 and 3 credit options with the ability to create an area of study to meet the individual needs of our students.

The degree program options will emphasize the following areas of study:

-Technical Services
acquisition, organization, selection and management of library materials;

-Reference and Electronic Information Resources
basic Internet, on-line research, data retrieval/transfer, databases;

-Public Services
circulation, working with patrons and interpersonal communication;

-Media and Multi/Media
traditional media equipment as well the emerging multi-media field;

-Library Information Systems
technologies in libraries and the information industry.

Earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Library and Information Technology in two years or less. This includes the required general education courses in addition to 24 credit hours in the library and information technology curriculum. The Foundations of Libraries and the Information Industry course is required with the additional 21 credit hours to be taken in combination of the five areas of study in addition to the general education requirements.

1. Required Library Courses:	Credits
Foundation of Libraries and Information Services	3 credits
Introduction to Technical Services and Collection Management	2 credits
Introduction to Reference Skills and Resources	2 credits
Introduction to Media/Multi-media for Libraries and Information Centers	2 credits
Introduction to Public Services for Libraries and Information Centers	2 credits
Introduction to Library Information Systems	2 credits
Internship	1 credit
Total Required Classes:	14 credits
2. Library Concentration Area Electives:	10 credits
Total Library Classes:	24 credits
3. Restricted Electives:	15credits
4. General Studies Core & Distribution Areas:	25 credits
Total Credits for AAS Degree:	64 credits

Note: The above requirements are in force through Summer 2007.

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Certificate Program top

Mesa Community College also offers a certificate program designed to offer our students the opportunity to select individual courses that meet their educational needs in a particular area or that facilitates quality job enhancement and performance.

The certificate option will accommodate the needs of our students that are not able or interested in a full two year degree but would seek a certificate in library and information services. This certificate program would include two levels of certificates.

Level One Certificate - Certificate of Completion in Library and Information Technology Basic

The level one certificate is constructed to offer the student a basic introduction to libraries and information services. This certificate will serve as a basic foundation to the world of libraries and information and offers the student the opportunity to continue onto the second level certificate.

Required:	Credits
See AAS Required Courses Section Above
Total Required Classes:	14 credits

Level Two Certificate - Certificate of Completion in Library and Information Technology - Advanced

The level two certificate offers students the opportunity to create an area of proficiency and to define a program of study to meet their individual needs by taking a variety of courses that pertain to their particular job or continuing education needs. The level one certificate is a prerequisite to the level two certificate.

Required:	Credits
See AAS Required Courses Section Above
Total Required Classes:	14 credits
Electives:
10 credit electives in addition to the required courses	10 credits
Total Classes for the Level Two Certificate:	24 credits

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Continuing Education top

The modularized curriculum offerings will allow students to select courses to meet their career needs. These one credit and two credit options fulfill the specific educational needs to help current library and information services employees to perform their job better without the requirement of meeting pre-requisites or enrolling in a degree program.

Links top

Class Schedule

Library Assistant Career Information

MCC Student Services

Note: Degree and certificate requirements will change for all new or reentering students starting in Fall 2007!

For New Degree Requirements (Fall 2007)

Type “library” in the Program Information Quick Search.

Send requests for program brochures, schedules or registration to Megan McGuire
at (480) 461-7236 or via email mcguire@mail.mc.maricopa.edu

For program advising contact Chas Moore, Program Coordinator, at (480) 461-7686
or via email cmoore@mail.mc.maricopa.edu

MCC Schedules and Catalogs

2/13/07