Diploma in Information and Library studies (Level 5)

THE COURSE

The Diploma in Information and Library Studies (Level 5) was set up as a first-level qualification for people wanting to work in libraries or the information industry. Employers list it as a requirement for many jobs.

Students of the six-course diploma study in their own time. They develop information literacy and problem-solving skills, knowledge of information technology as a tool in providing information, and client service skills.

Graduates are qualified to work as library assistants in public and tertiary libraries, schools, and businesses in the public and private sector and in related areas such as bookshops.

Their jobs can involve issuing books in a library's circulation section or cataloguing or assisting people with research in a reference department.

Students tackle four compulsory subjects: the information industry, library systems and processes, information sources and services, and user education and reference skills.

They also choose two electives from: the principles of records management, managing archives, children's and young adults' literature and services, and cataloguing and classification.

Each course is taught in a 17-week semester and offered twice a year.

Students need to devote 10-12 hours a week, or 180-200 hours a semester, for each course.

The diploma can easily be completed in two or three part-time years.

Assessment is mainly based on assignments but students can sit any required examinations at centres around the country.

Students attend a three-day contact session in Wellington on the information industry course and some elective courses.

The diploma is open to students over 20 years of age and there is no limit on numbers.

Students under 20 years old should have a B grade bursary or passes in other level 5 degree courses.

Graduates can upgrade their diploma with further study for the Diploma in Information and Library Studies (Level 6) or the Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Arts, Information and Library Studies.

A completed level 5 diploma constitutes a third of the requirements for the degree.

Enrolments for semester two close on July 5. Each course costs $445 including GST and there is an administration fee of $35 for each year of enrolment.

WHAT PAST STUDENTS THINK

Erin Taylor, 24

Phillips Fox

Auckland

Graduated 2001

"I had just started working in the library at Phillips Fox when I enrolled in the course.

"I wanted to learn the theory of librarianship to have a base for understanding my job.

"The course taught me how and why you organise library collections, policy and planning issues, and how to interview people to find out what information they want.

"The technology papers I studied have been very useful as Phillips Fox Library is very technology-based with high use of the internet and online databases and various software.

"As I have progressed with my study, I have become more confident in my role in the library. I used it as a stepping stone. So I have completed the level 6 diploma as well and I am now completing the last few papers of the Bachelor of Applied Science."

WHAT EMPLOYERS THINK

Anne Paton

Legal information manager (NZ)

Phillips Fox

Auckland

"In a professional environment the support staff need a professional qualification of their own. It raises the status of this type of work if people have undertaken tertiary studies.

"The firm recognises the course and rewards it accordingly in the pay scale.

"In any workplace, you pick up the particular skills and theory that are appropriate to that environment.

"However, it is important to get a broader, well-rounded view of why things are done and then relate it to what is done in your work environment, and the course helps do that.

"The IT skills, the research and writing skills, and the discipline of meeting deadlines are particularly useful here.

"Erin has acquired knowledge through the course that she would not have picked up in her daily work, and which enhances the team's capabilities."

Diploma in information and library studies (level 5)

The Open Polytechnic

Email or phone: 0508 650 200