Library & Information Technician Diploma FAQs
Can I complete the Library and Information Technician Diploma through distance education?
Yes, you can complete the Diploma through distance education. All of the courses can be taken through distance education with Mohawk College or with other colleges who offer our courses through OntarioLearn.com.
How are the courses offered?
Courses are offered on a semester basis, three times a year (fall, winter, spring). All courses have a set start date, end date and due dates for assignments.
Once you register for one of the courses, you are mailed a letter with instructions on how to access your online course area.
What are the computer requirements?
You need access to a Pentium-class computer with Windows 95 or better. You also need access to the Internet and a current Web browser (version 5 or better) on this same computer.
When can I register?
Fall semester registration begins in early August;
Winter semester registration begins in mid November;
Spring semester registration begins in early March.
There is no separate admission process for the program - students who meet the program entry requirements may register for individual courses. Registration, once open, is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I know which courses are offered each semester?
A list of the courses available in a given semester is posted on the web site approximately three weeks before registration begins for that semester. To access the list, visit the Library Next Semester page.
How do I register?
Click here to read about the various registration methods. You can register by web, fax, mail or in-person.
How much does it cost?
There is no overall program fee; you pay only the tuition fees and textbook fees for each individual course. Fees are based on the length of a course. Because fees change, they are listed for only those courses scheduled to run in the upcoming semester. To access fee information, visit the Library Next Semester page.
What is the meaning of the number of hours given for each course?
The number of hours shown are "equivalent classroom hours". Thus, the workload for a 36-hour distance education course would be about the same as if you took a course, through traditional classroom delivery, that is offered 3 hours per week for 12 weeks. We estimate that the student workload for one course is approximately 10-15 hours per week.
Can I get exemptions for my work experience?
Exemption based on work experience is called credit for prior learning. This type of exemption is handled through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Office at Mohawk College. The process for applying for such a credit is as follows:
- contact the Prior Learning Assessment Office at (905) 575-2395
- tell PLA staff the name and number of the course you wish to challenge and they will send you information and the course outline
- review the outline and if you feel that you have met the majority of the course objectives, follow the instructions given and submit the fee (which is remuneration for the instructor who will evaluate your application for exemption)
- some courses have a challenge exam that you write; others require you to prepare a portfolio that describes your experience vis a vis the objectives of the course. The Prior Learning Assessment Office staff will let you know whether an exam or portfolio is required for the course you are challenging.
Can I get exemptions for my college/university courses?
If you have successfully completed library technician courses in the last few years at another college in Canada, you can usually transfer your credits to the Mohawk College Library Technician Program. You need to provide an official transcript and course outlines.
If you have successfully completed courses in the Ontario Excel Certificate Program (administered by the Southern Ontario Library Service for staff who work in small public libraries), you will be granted a maximum of three courses in the library option (elective) section of the curriculum. Official documentation is required.
If you have successfully completed courses at the college or university level, you may be eligible for exemption from the two general education courses required. Depending on the courses taken, you may also be eligible for exemption from the Communications and Literature courses. An official transcript and course outlines are required.
If you have successfully completed credit (graded) Windows, word-processing or spreadsheet courses at an accredited institution (college or university) within the past two or three years, you may be eligible for exemption from these requirements. An official transcript and course outlines are required.
The above exemptions do not need to be processed before you start the program; this can be done any time before you graduate.
Can I take any of the credits at another institution?
Provided you get approval in advance, you may take courses at other institutions and apply them to the Mohawk Diploma. The courses taken elsewhere must be credit (graded) courses. Up to 75% of the courses in the program may be taken from other institutions. Note that course outlines must be submitted to the Program Manager for approval before you take courses elsewhere. Upon completion, you must submit an official transcript from the other institution.
How long does it take to get my diploma?
If you take two courses every semester, you should be able to complete the course requirements in approximately four years.
Is there a time limit within which to complete the program?
Graduates of our program, as for all Mohawk College programs, are expected to demonstrate competencies outlined in the program of study applicable at the time of graduation. Where study has been interrupted for a period of time, the College may require you to repeat a subject area.
What about textbooks?
Course manuals will be posted online as weekly lectures.
Textbooks need to be ordered on-line and paid for separately. They must be ordered from Mohawk's online bookstore at mohawk.bookware3000.ca.
It is recommended that you wait for registration confirmation before ordering textbooks, as these materials are not accepted for return by the bookstore. Registration confirmation is mailed out by the Continuing Education Registration department within two weeks of registration. Returning students can confirm registration by logging on to
http://mocomo.mohawkcollege.ca
Is there a standard for bibliographic style that is used in the program?
Yes, the current edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is used as the bibliographic style guide on all courses. It can be ordered from the on-line bookstore website under the course code LIBRLT110 Introduction to Libraries and the Information Industry.
Where do I start in the program?
You can begin with any course that does not have a prerequisite. Course prerequisites must always be met. It is not necessary to take LIBRLT110 - Introduction to Libraries as your first course, but it is recommended that you take this course near the beginning of your program.
Do I need library experience before enrolling in the program?
This program is geared to people who are working in libraries but have no formal library education. To join the program, it is recommended - but not essential - that you have experience. However, students who work or have worked in a library find the courses easier than those who lack library or related experience. Students without library experience often try to find some volunteer work or a part-time position in a library.
How are the courses run?
Just before the course begins, you will be sent a letter with instructions for accessing the online platform that is used as the on-line classroom. You will use the online platform to check the documents that your instructor has posted regarding what to do each week of the course, what the assignments are, when they are due, when chats will be held, etc. You will email assignments, and any other questions you have, to the instructor. Some courses have online chats that are held every 2 or 3 weeks, generally in the evenings during the week. This is where the instructor and students are on-line together to communicate live. The instructor will review course material and answer any questions that you may have. If you cannot attend the chat, you may read the chat archive later.
Are the courses self-paced distance education courses?
No. Every course has a fixed start and end date and due dates for assignments. You can submit assignments early if you wish, but the instructor will not return the assignment mark until after the due date.
Are class sizes limited?
Yes. Class sizes are generally limited to 40 students. This ensures a manageable marking workload for the instructor and that there aren't too many people participating in each class chat.
If a course is full when I register, can I be put on a waiting list?
Yes. You may ask to be put on a waiting list for a course if it is full. If a registered student withdraws during the first 6 days of a course, staff in the Continuing Education Registration Office will contact people who are on the waiting list to see if they would still like to register. Students cannot join a course after the first week of classes. Please note that waiting lists are not kept for subsequent terms; you will need to register again for your preferred course in the next term that it is offered.
Where do I write exams?
If you live within 100km of Hamilton, you can book online to write your exams at Mohawk’s Fennell campus. You can choose from a number of exam dates and times on the Distance Education Exam web page. If you live more than 100km from Hamilton, you can go to this same web site for the procedures to follow regarding proctored exams.
What type of library access do I need?
For some of our courses, you will need to use resources in print format that are likely only available in a medium to large size library. You will need to be willing to travel as far as necessary to access these resources. Course instructors will be able to make suggestions regarding libraries in your area that you can check to see if the required resources are available.
Are there any special policies for courses in the library and information technician program?
- For courses with a final exam, you must receive a passing grade in both the term work and the exam to pass the course.
- All assignments in a course must be submitted. Failure to submit all assignments will result in a failing grade for that course.
- It is the expectation that students express themselves effectively. All written assignments must meet the standard of English required in library and information work. If, in the judgement of the instructor, assignments submitted do not meet the required standard, they will be returned to the student for revision. Mistakes in grammar and spelling will be reflected negatively in the marks allocated to assignments.
