Library Technician Certificates
Develop Skills, Earn Certificates, Tuition-Free!
Are you interested in working in libraries – or already working in libraries – but you don’t need transcripts or GPAs for the certificates you earn? We offer three different Noncredit Library Technician Certificates of Completion. These are great, no-cost ways for students and practitioners to develop your skills, earn a certificate, all without paying tuition or earning a transcript.
Please note, if you want to apply for a Master’s in Library Science later in your career, you may want to consider our credit-bearing Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement. Credit-bearing coursework will have transcripts and GPAs, which will be important when you apply to a master’s degree program later.
When you take a noncredit course, you are enrolled into the same online Canvas shell as your credit-course peers. As a noncredit student, you are expected to complete all of the readings, videos, assignments, and coursework. Please note that noncredit courses are not simply auditing – they do require you to complete and pass the course with a 70% or better to earn the “course completed” designation.
LBCC’s Library Technician program is one of the few programs in the region that offers its core courses entirely online. This allows individuals from disparate locations to collaborate and learn, while enhancing enrollment opportunities. Noncredit courses in the Certificates of Completion follow the 600-level designations.
Whether you enroll in the credit-bearing or noncredit certificates, the Library Technician program is designed to prepare students for employment as paraprofessional library technicians, library assistants, and other library support staff. Students will receive the theory and practical experience needed to earn employment in school, public, special, academic libraries, and related information settings such as metadata technical or film archivist.
Program Features
Students are enrolled into a digital homeroom that acts as an extension of the classroom. In the homeroom, students and professors can interact across the Library Technician courses, ask general questions, find out about volunteer and job opportunities, view digital information sessions and interviews with library professionals.
The Library Technician program courses are certified by the American Library Association’s Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). The LSSC is designed to recognize the value and accomplishments of Library Support Staff and is recognized nationwide, demonstrating your mastery of key competencies that the ALA has deemed most valuable for library assistants and technicians. The certificate can help you market yourself when applying for job, help you demonstrate skills that transfer between states, and helps you network with peers and professionals in your field.
Noncredit Certificates of Completion
Certificate of Completion (COMP), Library Technician
Certificate of Completion (COMP), Library Technician Patron Facing
Certificate of Completion (COMP), Library Technician Technical Services
Certificate of Completion (COMP), Information Competency
FREE Library Technician Classes
- LIB 600 – Foundations Of Library Services – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
- LIB 610 – Introduction to Access Services – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
- LIB 620 – Introduction to Acquisitions – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
- LIB 630 – Special Topics in Library Services – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
- LIB 640 – Introduction to Cataloging – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
- LIB 650 - Introduction to Youth Services – 0.00 unit(s) – 54 hours
View courses offered in different semesters to assist in academic planning.
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LIB 600 |
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LIB 610 |
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LIB 630 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the credit and noncredit Library Technician Programs?
Credit-bearing courses are 200-level courses. Noncredit courses are 600-level. If you need a transcript and GPA because you think it will be important to an employer or you will transfer, then definitely take the credit programs. But if you don’t need transcripts or GPAs for the certificates we offer three different noncredit Library Technician Certificates of Completion. These are great, no-cost ways for students and practitioners to develop your skills, earn a certificate, all without paying tuition or earning a transcript. When you take a noncredit course, you are enrolled into the same online Canvas shell as your credit-course peers. As a noncredit student you are expected to complete all of the readings, videos, assignments, and coursework. Please note that noncredit courses are not simply auditing – they do require you to complete and pass the course with a 70% or better to earn the “course completed” designation.
Is the program accredited by the American Library Association?
Technically, LBCC’s Library Technician programs are not ‘accredited’ by the ALA, but our courses are certified by the American Library Association’s Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC). The LSSC is designed to recognize the value and accomplishments of Library Support Staff and is recognized nationwide, demonstrating your mastery of key competencies that the ALA has deemed most valuable for library assistants and technicians. The certificate can help you market yourself when applying for job, help you demonstrate skills that transfer between states, and helps you network with peers and professionals in your field.
Are the classes all online?
LBCC’s Library Technician program is one of the few programs in the region that offers its core courses entirely online. This allows individuals from disparate locations to collaborate and learn, while enhancing enrollment opportunities. Students are enrolled into a digital homeroom that acts as an extension of the classroom. In the homeroom, students and professors can interact across the Library Technician courses, ask general questions, find out about volunteer and job opportunities, view digital information sessions and interviews with library professionals.
Are classes synchronous and we all meet at the same time, or asynchronous and we do our own work at our own pace?
Courses in the Library Technician program are asynchronous, meaning there are no required meetings throughout the week. You will use videos and readings to learn the content and complete all assignments by the posted deadlines. We hope this offers you flexibility in earning the certificate!
Can I transfer my general education courses if I’ve already earned an associates or bachelors degree?
Yes! LBCC accepts general education units from accredited institutions. Reach out to your CTE Counselors for assistance in accomplishing this.
How to declare the library technician major?
Make an appointment with a counselor to obtain a Comprehensive Education Plan before applying for a degree. When you create a Comprehensive Education Plan, you will declare the major.
Alternatively, you can download the Declare/Change Major form and submit the completed form to LBCC Admissions & Records office.
Who can help me with my questions?
Contact your instructor or Colin Williams.
You can also make an appointment to meet with your Academic Counselor under Social Science & Arts, Sara Blasetti.
If you need homework help or academic support, please visit LBCC Learning & Academic Resources.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Depending on the number of units you take and whether you are a full-time or part-time student, completing a certificate program can take as little as one semester and completing an associate degree program can take about two years.
Make a 30-minute appointment with an academic counselor to receive services in educational plans, transcript evaluation, and career planning.
Who are the Career & Technical Education (CTE) counselors?
| Schools/Program | Counselor | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Career & Technical Education | Alicia Andujo | LAC |
| Career & Technical Education | Lorraine Blouin | LAC |
| Career & Technical Education | Laura Garcia | LAC |
| Career & Technical Education | Diana Ogimachi | LAC |
| Career & Technical Education | Robert Olmos | PCC |
| Career & Technical Education | Tom To | PCC |
Please visit the Counseling Office for Academic Counseling, Career Exploration, Educational Planning, College Transfer, Student Resources, and many others to help you achieve your educational goals.
How to transfer and lookup comparable course listings.
To help determine if courses taken at other schools are comparable to Long Beach City College courses, please visit LBCC Transfer Evaluation System (TES).
For more information, please visit LBCC Transfer Center.
How do I receive my degree or certificate after I finish the coursework?
You will need to complete an application for your degree or certificate and submit that application to the LBCC Admissions & Records office. Visit Admissions & Records for more details.
How much does the program cost?
Please visit Financial Aid for tuition cost and Federal Work-Study information.