Library & Information Technology

We are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 Flexible Participation option. Because of the ever-increasing number of applications to our program, please apply now and complete your application as quickly as possible. Those interested in applying to the program, please submit the application and all necessary documents to Registrar and Enrolment Services as soon as possible. Applicants who have met all admission requirements will be contacted for interview sessions. See intake timeline.

For program inquiries, please contact the department via email at libtech [at] langara.ca (libtech[at]langara[dot]ca). For application and English requirement information, please contact the Admissions office at 604.323.5241 or email admissions [at] langara.ca (admissions[at]langara[dot]ca).

Langara College’s Library & Information Technology Program gives graduates access to a wide variety of jobs in both hands-on interaction with people and in behind-the-scenes technical services. The library career is for those who love working with the public, organizing information, and are committed to lifelong learning.

Our Library & Information Technology Diploma Program is recognized across Canada and has been developed in accordance with the Canadian Library Association Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians in Canada. Students can complete the program entirely online, on-campus, or with mixture of both. Please view option chart to find the best fit.

Outcomes & Objectives

The Library & Information Technology Program has maintained its currency and competitiveness amid rapid technological advancement. Our graduates are highly skilled in today’s essential computer applications as well as specialized library management systems. We teach students important skills for developing search strategies for library databases and open resources on the internet. Students also learn how to catalogue, maintain, and retrieve print, digital and non-print resources as well as specialized media including film, maps and photographs.

Our students have the opportunities to practice what they have learned by completing two practicum placements in the community during their studies. Our graduates are successfully employed in public, academic, or special libraries such as medical, law, corporate and governmental institutions. Library technicians hold supervisory positions or work cooperatively with librarians and other professionals to manage information resources, from helping people retrieve information and materials, to records management for technology-based businesses.

Students in this career program pursue either a standard or online option. The regular option is primarily classroom instruction. The online option, known as Flexible Participation, accommodates distance learners who are working, living outside the Lower Mainland, or simply can't get to campus. Both program options recognize students' previous education and work experience; transfer credits are considered for equivalent courses, and flexible assessments are available for core library studies.

Students come to the program from various socio-cultural and age groups. They carry with them various forms of educational achievements and professional backgrounds, which gather together as they meet many challenges put forth by their instructors and fellow students.

Library & Information Technology students learn about:

• library history and new directions
• reference and reader’s services
• customer services
• library programs
• supervisory skills
• electronic and digital information storage and retrieval
• acquisitions and technical services
• subject analysis and classification
• Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC)/Resource Description Access (RDA)
• for print and non-print media
• business computer applications
• automated library systems
• web applications and social medias

Graduates of the Library & Information Technology Program are well prepared for jobs through two separate field work placements, which is an essential component of this diploma program. During their course of study, students visit various types of libraries and explore a variety of options—including non-traditional roles—to find their niche.

FAQs

What is the intake timeline?

Registrar accepts applications beginning 11 months before each semester starts. 

Spring (January-April)

• Flexible Participation (part-time or full-time, online instruction)
• Interview/testing sessions begin in mid-October until seats are filled
• Registration starts in mid-November

Summer (May-August)

• Flexible Participation (part-time or full-time, online instruction)
• Interview/testing sessions begin in mid-February until seats are filled
• Registration starts in late-March

Fall (September-December)

• Regular Program (full-time, classroom instruction)
• Flexible Participation (part-time or full-time, online instruction)
• Interview/testing sessions begin in early-April until seats are filled
• Registration starts in late-June

What to submit for application? 

Submit the following to Admission office for evaluation

• Application
• Official document that proves you've met the "Category 2" English requirements
• Letter of Intent. Can be uploaded along with online application or email to admissions [at] langara.ca (admissions[at]langara[dot]ca) separately
• Official transcript from post-secondary school or high school
• International applicants must contact International Education office to inquire about further requirements for studying aboard.

When above requirements are met, the department will contact applicants via email to set up an interview and testing session.

What to write in Letter of Intent and whom to address to?

Address letter to "Library & Information Technology" Program

• What makes you a good candidate for the Library Technician Program and in the library field in general?
• What are your experiences with libraries?
• Which libraries have you used?
• What role has the public library played in your life?
• Do you use the library at work or at school?
• List your employment history.

What to expect during interview and testing session?

Interview

Conducted over internet using Zoom web conferencing and email. Webcam and browsers (newest Firefox and Chrome) are required.

• Conversation with interviewer
• Complete “Computer Usage Survey” indicating level of familiarity of using current technology such as social media, scanners, etc.

Test

Conducted using Learning Management System known as Brightspace.

• Short paragraph answers relate to the career in library field.
• Filing exercise (filing rules are provided in the instructions).