The Library and Information Technology program at College of DuPage provides fundamental and advanced education and practice that will enable you to enter the workforce as library technical assistants.
Students will gain knowledge in a broad range of library and information technology topics including acquisition of materials, cataloging and classification, librarianship, library technology, public service and reference and information.
The program at combines classroom lectures, hands-on exercises and field trips. An active advisory committee of local librarians assures that coursework reflects the needs of library employers in the area. A required library practicum will also provide you with crucial hands-on experience.
Determine Your Path
In addition to museums, hospitals, businesses, and public libraries, librarians also work in colleges, universities, and schools.
Whether you are preparing for a career as a library technical assistant or as a librarian, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, COD has the right program for you.
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities on state-of-the-art equipment.
- Flexible schedules with day, evening and online learning.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Articulated transfer agreements that provide students an affordable educational option with seamless transfers to prestigious universities.
- An active advisory committee of local librarians that ensures the coursework reflects the needs of library employers in the area.
- A program that has been approved by the American Library Association in core competencies for Library Support Staff Certification.
- An interactive LTA Club, exclusively for library and information technology students to visit local libraries, share job search strategies and more.
Watch a video to learn more about Library and Information Technology.
Library and Information Technology
The Library and Information Technology Associate in Applied Science degree will prepare you for paraprofessional levels of library service.
Curriculum covers acquisition of materials, cataloging and classification, librarianship, library technology, public services, reference and information, workplace skills, reader’s advisory and other special topics classes.
In addition to classroom requirements, a library practicum provides students with real-world experience. Students are required to complete a minimum of 64 credits of coursework, which includes 37 credits in library-related classes, 9 credits in approved electives, and 18 to 22 credits in general education classes.
Library and Information Technology
The Library and Information Technology certificate will prepare you for paraprofessional levels of library service.
Students are required to complete 31 credits of coursework covering librarianship, acquisition of materials, cataloging and classification, library technology, public services, reference and information, workplace skills, reader’s advisory or a special topics class.
COD Stories
“This certainly wasn’t the education or workforce path I thought I would take. But I wouldn’t change it for the world, because I’ve learned so much along the way and feel much more prepared to apply for my dream job after I graduate." - Marjorie Bonallo Luce
Marjorie's COD StoryCOD Stories
"For anyone considering College of DuPage, never think it’s too late.” - Angelina Kregg
Angelina's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The program allows me the flexibility to continue working part-time at the library while still providing me a high-quality education that I need to be successful in my new job.” - Amanda Hunhoff-Sepulveda
Amanda's COD StoryCOD Stories
"My Developmental Psychology, Children’s Literature, and Intro to Libraries and Info Age classes all helped me decide to become a children’s librarian. I am passionate about child development and how the media, including books and TV shows, affects them." - Bridget Tully
Bridget's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD helped me toward meeting my goals in education and for my career by teaching me more about libraries. The courses are fun, the teachers are all nice and understanding of busy schedules, and you get to meet a lot of great people.” - Lori Lysik-Forney
Lori's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in library and information technology is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Library and Information Technology Program graduates will:
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the philosophy and values of librarianship.
- Have an understanding of the four different types of libraries and the different services they provide.
- Demonstrate knowledge of current library technologies such as website development, integrated library systems, and library databases.
- Have an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights including ethics, privacy, and security issues.
- Be prepared to respond to and understand diversity needs of library users.
- Have an understanding of the functions of the departments and services in a library such as Public Services, Technical Services, and Youth Services
College of DuPage has several library and information technology transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Library and Information Technology program.
All library and information technology students must take Library and Information Technology 1101, "Introduction to Libraries in the Information Age" if you want to complete the program and receive a certificate or a degree. This course is the prerequisite for all other library and information technology courses. It provides the necessary introduction to libraries and library materials.
Library and Information Technology 1820 courses are "Selected Topics in Librarianship." These courses are offered on an irregular basis and cover a wide variety of subjects.
Half of the students enrolled in the Library and Information Technology program have a bachelor's degree. Some students in the program also have master's degrees. If you already have earned your degree, you will still find the program challenging and interesting.
