Library and Information Services - Spokane Falls Community College

Library and Information Services from Spokane Falls Community College is a Campus Certificate Librarian degree that prepares you for a Education career. Program Description The Library and Information Services program offers an online AAS degree and an online certificate for library support staff and paraprofessionals who wish to start their career as a library staff member or who wish to further their career development. Students are trained to work in all areas of library service. The program gives students exposure to a broad range of theory and practice common in most libraries. The program at SFCC follows the American Library Association guidelines for library support staff. Students can enter the program in any quarter; however the recommended course sequence begins fall quarter and library science courses should be taken in sequential order to complete the program as listed in the career planning guide. Library science classes are online classes. Electives for the AAS degree program can be taken online or in a traditional classroom. Students engage in online learning and are required to take work experience/internship classes to reinforce hands-on training. The LMLIB 267 COOP internship class is a critical component of the degree program as it provides hand on training to reinforce classroom instruction. This class may be taken more than once during fall, winter or spring quarter. Very few of the library science classes require students to purchase textbooks. The three quarter online certificate program targets persons interested in working in K-12 library settings who do not wish to pursue an AAS degree. Graduates of this program may gain employment as library support staff or paraprofessionals in libraries. The AAS Educational Paraprofessional School Library Media Technician Emphasis Degree: Students in this degree program can seek employment as paraprofessionals in the classroom or as K-12 library staff. Consult the Education Paraprofessional, Special Education career planning guide for more information. Program Goals Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in standardized library practices and procedures in all types of libraries in three service areas: technical services; circulation/access services; and public/reference services. Graduates will exhibit professional ethics and behaviors which include respect for colleagues and customers by demonstrating best practices in provision of library customer service skills. Graduates will utilize three standard workplace software products (ILS, word processing and database) and utilize standard hardware operating in libraries. Graduates will qualify for entry level or supervisory level support staff positions. Graduates will articulate the value and role of library services in contemporary society. Career Opportunities The number of library staff positions is expected to remain constant nationwide, but will vary widely based on location. More positions are likely to be available in large public, college and university libraries. However, placement opportunities also exist in smaller libraries such as school, rural and special libraries. Factors influencing the demand for library paraprofessionals are population, school and college enrollment growth and expansion of library service. Library support staff are performing many of the routine tasks formerly done by the professional staff. In addition to openings created by growth, library technicians will be needed annually to replace those who retire or transfer to other fields. View more details on Spokane Falls Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Librarian courses.