Library and Information Services

Fall 2018

Enrollment:

Fall, Winter, Spring

Degrees and Certificates

Program Website:

View the program website

Tuition and Fees

http://www.ccs.spokane.edu/TuitionFees

Additional Costs

Books$100-200
Misc. Fees*$30
* Books estimate for total length of program, AAS degree only.

Program Description

The Library and Information Services program offers an online AAS degree and an online certificate for library support staff and paraprofessionals who wish to start their career as a library staff member or who wish to further their career development.

Students are trained to work in all areas of library service. The program gives students exposure to a broad range of theory and practice common in most libraries. The program at SFCC follows the American Library Association guidelines for library support staff.

Students can enter the program in any quarter; however, the recommended, but not required course sequence begins fall quarter in order to complete the program as listed in the career planning guide.

Library science classes are online classes. Electives for the AAS degree program can be taken online or in a traditional classroom. Students engage in online learning and are required to take work experience/internship classes to reinforce hands-on training. The LMLIB 288 COOP Education Work Experience class is a critical component of the degree program as it provides hand on training to reinforce classroom instruction. This class may be taken more than once during fall, winter or spring quarter. Very few of the library science classes require students to purchase textbooks.

The three quarter online certificate program targets persons interested in working in K-12 library settings who do not wish to pursue an AAS degree. Graduates of this program may gain employment as library support staff or paraprofessionals in libraries.

The AAS Educational Paraprofessional School Library Media Technician Emphasis Degree: Students in this degree program can seek employment as paraprofessionals in the classroom or as K-12 library staff. Consult the Education Paraprofessional, Special Education career planning guide for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in standardized library practices and procedures in a range of library service areas: technical services; circulation/access  services; and
public/reference services.
2. Students will be able to comprehend library professional ethics and behaviors.
3. Students will articulate the value and role of library services in contemporary society.

For more information, contact Spokane Falls Community College Counseling Center (509) 533-3525; or the Program Instructor (509) 533-3809.

Career Opportunities

The number of library staff positions is expected to remain constant nationwide, but will vary widely based on location. More positions are likely to be available in large public, college and university libraries. However, placement opportunities also exist in smaller libraries such as school, rural and special libraries.
Factors influencing the demand for library paraprofessionals are population, school and college enrollment growth and expansion of library service. Library support staff are performing many of the routine tasks formerly done by the professional staff. In addition to openings created by growth, library technicians will be needed annually to replace those who retire or transfer to other fields.

Certificate - SFCC

Offered at Locations:  Online Learning, Spokane Falls Community College

First Quarter
EDUC&204Exceptional Child 15
LMLIB100Introduction to Library Organizations and Careers 3
LMLIB115Introduction to Library Organizational Systems 5
13

Second Quarter
LMLIB125School Libraries and Media Centers 5
LMLIB126Library Technology and Services for Educational Support 3
LMLIB220Technical Services II: Cataloging 35
13

Third Quarter
EDUC 252Social/Emotional Development 25
LMLIB135Children's Literature and Library Services 5
LMLIB224Research Topics and Projects in Library Service 43
LMLIB281Library Paraprofessional Practicum 3
16
42 credits are required for the Certificate
1EDUC& 204 may be substituted with EDUC& 202.
2EDUC 252 or any library science (LMLIB) course, CAPPS course or courses approved by instructor, may be taken for a total of 5 credits.
3LMLIB 220 may be substituted with LMLIB 116.
4Or students may substitute BT 160 Job Preparation Techniques. LMLIB 224 requires instructor permission targeting students currently working in libraries. BT 160 targets students not currently working in libraries.

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. the information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.