Library Technician
The goal of the Library program is to prepare all students for transfer, vocational, and to become lifelong learners to function effectively in a highly technological society with an information-based economy. Library systems are designed, and the staff is organized and committed, to achieving the following objective: to help users develop information competency, a broad-based literacy that includes the skill to identify, retrieve, evaluate, and apply information to a problem-solving context.
LIBRARY TECHNICIAN - Program Guide
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.
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Library Technician, Associate in Science (AS)
Library Technician, Certificate of Achievement (ACH)
Information Competency, Certificate of Accomplishment (ACC)
Information Competency, Certificate of Competency (C-COMPE)
Fundamentals of Academic Research, Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL)
Library Technician, Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL)
Library Technician Patron Facing, Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL)
Library Technician School Media Assistant, Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL)
Library Technician Technical Services, Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL)
View all LBCC’s Programs of Study and Curriculum Guides
(New students need to refer to the current academic year for the most up-to-date info)
| Receiving a Degree/Certificate | Class Schedule | Make an Appointment |
COURSE OFFERINGS
View courses offered in different semesters to assist in academic planning.
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LIB 200 |
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LIB 210 |
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LIB 220 |
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LIB 230 |
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LIB 240 |
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LIB 250 |
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LIB 271WE |
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View Course Descriptions on LBCC College Catalog.
CAREER INFO
This field of concentration is designed to prepare students for an entry-level Library Technician Position in public, academic, school, special libraries, and other information-related industries.
Prepare for a career by enrolling in LIB271 Work Experience to gain hands-on experience with site-specific skillsets. We are currently partnered with the following organizations to offer work experience education:
- Long Beach Public Library system
- Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA)
- American University of Health Sciences
- East/West Players Theatrical Company
POTENTIAL JOBS
- Library Technician
- Library Assistant
- Library Media Technician
- Library Support Clerk
To explore potential jobs in this field of study, we strongly urge you to visit LBCC Career Center. Working with a career counselor, we will assess your strengths, skills, interests, and accomplishments to help you identify internship opportunities and career goals that match your educational and professional needs.
FAQ
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?
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. Read how to apply for graduation and receive your degree or certificate for more details.
How much does the program cost?
Please visit Financial Aid for tuition cost and Federal Work-Study information.