Library Support Staff Certificate Crafton - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
Requirements for transfer to another College/University may differ from associate degree requirements. Consult with a Counselor!
Please be advised: Online courses vary by semester. Refer to the current Class Schedule for accurate online course availability.

The Library and Information Technology Certificate program will prepare students to enter the library field in public or academic library environments. Courses include Library Support Staff roles, including job skills and soft skills in communication and teamwork, Technical Services, Library Technologies, Access Services, Reference and Information Services and Library Career Readiness. Course work includes cataloging books and eBooks according to industry standards in public and academic libraries, exploring the role of artificial intelligence in libraries, creation of an electronic portfolio to demonstrate educational experience to show to potential employers, searching for library jobs and gaining the skills to create resumes, cover letters and prepare for job interviews, participation in creation of an Open Educational Resource (OER) and training to provide library patrons access to information.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Cultivate strong interpersonal and communication skills to provide exceptional customer service, address patron inquiries, and resolve issues in a professional and respectful manner.

Plan, implement, and evaluate library programs, initiatives, and special projects to enhance community engagement and library services working collaboratively with members of the library team.

Develop a strong foundational knowledge of the library’s mission, programs, services, collections and diverse communities of libary users.

Develop proficiency in the use of integrated library systems, databases, and emerging technologies to streamline library operations, enhance user experience and gather data.

Apply effective search techniques to efficiently locate information in both physical and digital formats to provide high-quality reference services to patrons and equitable access to information.

Develop proficiency in copy cataloging, cataloging, classification, and organization of materials, to effectively manage, maintain and further develop library collections.

Students will develop career-ready skills to locate career opportunities within the library field, create tailored application materials, prepare for interviewing, and prepare for successful entry or advancement in diverse library settings, including public and academic.

Program Map

O Available Online
GE General Education
Program Requirement

1st Semester

9 units
This Certificate program can be completed 100% online. For a complete list of Online Pathways visit the Online Programs and Certificates page.
LIBR 101
Introduction to Library Services for Support Staff
This course will introduce the basic concepts of providing library customer service by anticipating and maintaining awareness of users’ needs. The roles of Library Technicians and support staff in a variety of library environments will be explored along with the tools and technologies used in libraries for various functions. Students will gain an understanding of limited library resources and will apply their knowledge to solutions-based decision-making.

Course Details:

LIBR 102
Introduction to Libraries
This course examines the mission and roles of libraries, covering topics on ethics, values, and governance of libraries, and the basic knowledge needed for all positions in a library.

Course Details:

LIBR 103
Introduction to Library Technology
This course introduces the general trends and developments in technology applications for library functions and services in a variety of library environments. The technology tools explored in this course include integrated library systems, data gathering and library databases. Students will develop the skills to promote library services, resources and collections with the use of appropriate technologies.

Course Details:

Apply for Graduation!

Now that you are enrolled in your last semester of classes, it's time to apply for Graduation! Schedule an appointment with a counselor to complete a Graduation Check to make sure you are on track towards earning your degree/certificate. During your appointment, the counselor can assist you with submitting your Graduation Application. Feel free to review the Steps to Graduation prior to your appointment and be aware of the Graduation Application Deadlines found on Step 2.

Remember: you must RSVP in March if you would like to participate in the Commencement Ceremony held in May! We look forward to celebrating with you.

2nd Semester

10 units
LIBR 104
Introduction to Access Services
This course is designed to introduce Library Support Staff to Access Services that include on-site use and the routine circulation of resources in all formats, special circulation of course-reserved or other restricted-use materials, on-site and remote reciprocal circulation with users of partner libraries, interlibrary loan, and document delivery. LSS maintains collections by shelving, shifting, and shelf reading and will devise solutions related to circulation and resource sharing processes.

Course Details:

LIBR 105
Introduction to Library Technical Services
This course will introduce Library Support Staff who work in Technical Services to the principles of processing, managing collections, supervising staff, cataloging and classification, how library staff support library users’ access to resources in a library.

Course Details:

LIBR 106
Reference and Information Services
This course will introduce students to the practices and principles of reference service. Students will learn about a variety of print and online information sources and how to assist library users with these tools. Additional topics covered will include information literacy, searching techniques, and evaluating sources.

Course Details:

LIBR 107
Library Career Readiness
This course will provide students with an opportunity to create a resume, cover letter and participate in mock interviews to prepare for library careers, using their e-portfolio that demonstrates mastery of this program’s competencies for educational experience. Students will explore internships and opportunities to network and build working experience in the Library field.

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