Library and Information Technology Program

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Library and Information Technology Program

Welcome to the Nova Scotia Community College andthe Library and Information Technology Program. You’ve chosen to complete your studies through online

delivery. Below you will find information that is very helpful in navigating though the resources and supports available to you. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions document included, along with some tips for online students.

What courses are offered and when?

To find out when courses will be offered you must refer to the Master Course List on the online learning website. The Master Course List is available at

www.onlinelearning.nscc.ca. Click on “Programs and Courses”, then “Master Course

List”, and then click “L” for Library. Here you will find course descriptions, prerequisites and course rotations. This will help you map out a timeline to complete your required courses.

You can use the Academic Requirements page attached to pencil in the courses you have completed, along with listing the courses you plan on taking, and noting when they are offered.

If you know the course(s) you would like to enroll in it is as simple as calling NSCC Admissions at 1-866-679-6722. Indicate which course you would like to enroll in and provide a credit card number. Please note that enrollment for courses is subject to space availability and registration for courses should occur before the term begins.

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Academic Requirements for Students in 2014 & 2015 Course

Code

Level Course Name Hours Prerequisite Notes

ARTS 1040 History of Western Civilization 60

ARTS 1060 English Literature 60

MGMT 1010 Organizational Behaviour 60 COMM 1240 Business Communications

in Libraries

60

COMP 2105 Database I 30 There are no prerequisites, however a student must have appropriate computer file management skills and general computer knowledge to be successful; therefore an introductory computer course is recommended, such as COMP 1105 COMP 2110 Spreadsheets I 30 There are no prerequisites, however a student

must have appropriate computer file management skills and general computer knowledge to be successful; therefore an introductory computer course is recommended, such as COMP 1105 COMP 3111 Spreadsheets II 60 COMP 2110 Spreadsheets I OR COMP 2112

Applied Spread Sheets

INFM 1000 Records Management I 60

INFM 2000 Records Management II 60 INFM 1000

Records Management I LIBR 1000 Introduction to Libraries &

Information Retrieval

60 LIBR 1002 Acquisition & Circulation

Procedures

60

LIBR 1003 Information Services I 60

LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I 60 LIBR 1068 Reader Advisory Services in

Libraries

60

LIBR 2001 Subject Cataloguing I 60 LIBR 3005 Descriptive Cataloguing II LIBR 2002 Multimedia Services 60 COMP 2105 Database

LIBR 2003 Information Services II 60 LIBR 1003 Information Services I LIBR 2010 Introduction to Management in

Libraries

60 LIBR 1000 Introduction to Libraries & Retrieval

LIBR 2161 Computer Applications in Libraries

60 COMP 2105 Database I

LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I LIBR 3005 Descriptive Cataloguing II 60 LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I LIBR 4001 Subject Cataloguing II 60 LIBR 2001 Subject Cataloguing I

Elective Prescribed 60

Elective Open 60

SAFE 1000 Intro to WHMIS SAFE 1001 Intro to NS OH&S Act

LIBR 4995 Work Experience 175 Successful completion all Library & Information Technology Diploma Courses. Portfolio

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Elective Requirements:

The elective requirements of this program are designed to give students a foundation of knowledge of academic disciplines to support the other technical skills and knowledge developed through the program.

Electives – Prescribed

In addition to the required courses, as a requirement of graduation, students are to complete two (2) credits chosen from the following list:

 French I (FREN 1000) - not available online  French II (FREN 2000) - not available online  Spanish I (SPAN 1000)

 Spanish II (SPAN 2000)

 Spanish III (SPAN 3000) - not available online  Database II (COMP 3106)

 World Geography (INTB 3008) - not available online  Medical Terminology (MOAS 1019)

 Legal Terminology (LEGL 2001)  Psychology (SOCS 1001)

 Community Leadership & Student Service (SVLS 4000) - not available online  Independent Study (BUSI 4905)

Electives – Open

In addition to the required courses specified, students are to complete two (2) open electives. Open electives are to be one (1) unit (60 hours) each and consistent with the goals outlined by students in their portfolios. Open electives may come for any subject area, at any level. NOTE: No two courses can be used to satisfy program requirements that are at the same level, subject area and topical area or that are otherwise deemed to be equivalent.

Students should have their chosen courses reviewed by an advisor prior to commencement.

What if I started the LIT program before September 2014?

Students who started the LIT program before 2014 are held to the academic

requirements of the program of the year they were admitted to the program. Academic requirements for previous years can be found at the end of this planner.

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How are my courses delivered?

NSCC delivers nearly all online courses through Desire2Learn (D2L). There is a great D2L introduction video on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI7-04TdQZg

What if I need some extra help?

NSCC offers a variety of support services to students. The online learning website offers self-directed readiness surveys, orientation links and technical help.

http://onlinelearning.nscc.ca/services/ready/index.html

As an NSCC student you can also access library services. To obtain a library card visit

http://www.library.nscc.ca/Services/distance_library_services.asp. There is also direct link from the online learning web page.

In addition, you can also access Disability Services, Career & Transition Services, Graduate Employment, My NSCC, Student Handbook and Student Services. For more information visit http://www.nscc.ca/Services/

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What if I need to withdraw?

Any student wishing to withdraw from a program or course must notify the Campus Registrar in writing. The effective date of the withdrawal is the date it is received by the Registrar. Online students and part time students are subject to the withdraw policies of NSCC.

Students enrolled in a 15 week courses have two weeks from the beginning of the term to withdraw and receive a tuition refund and to have no record of their enrollment in a course. Students then have until the mid-point for their course to withdraw and receive a notification of “W” on their transcript and no refund. Students who request a

withdrawal after the mid-point of a course will receive notification of “F” on the transcript. Students enrolled in a 5 week course have one week from the beginning of the term to withdraw and receive a tuition refund and to have no record of their enrollment in the course.

An Academic Schedule can be found on the NSCC website, under the “Learning Programs” link. It is also available through Student Services or Registrar.

http://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/current_schedule.asp

I’m just about finished all my courses? What now?

When you have completed all the required courses and you are eligible to graduate you must request an Intent to Graduate Form from Nicki Taylor ([email protected]). The Registrar’s office will then review your transcript and ensure you have met all the

requirements. Graduates have the option of participating in the next scheduled Convocation Ceremony to receive their credential.

If you have any difficulties during your studies we are only a phone call or e-mail away.

Nicolle Backman Taylor

Coordinator, Student Retention & Employment Tel: (902) 875-8639

[email protected] Shelburne Campus 1575 Lake Road

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ONLINE LIBRARY & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PROGRAM

What are the admission requirements for the program?

 High School Graduation Diploma including Academic Grade 12 English, or Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults including

Academic Communications IV (COMM 1041), or equivalent.

Can I still be admitted if I don’t meet the admissions requirements?

 This depends on an applicant’s previous education/training and work experience. If you have completed high school, but don’t meet the Academic Grade 12 English requirement, there might be an option of taking two courses in the Library program as an undeclared student. If you do well in these courses, you should apply to the program with a note on your application that you have completed two courses successfully in the program.

I have been taking online Library classes for some time, but I don’t think I’m in the program. How can that be?

 Students are required to apply to the program through NSCC Admissions, submitting high school transcripts, university transcripts, plus an

application fee in order to be declared in the program. If you have been taking courses for some time, you are still required to apply to the

program.

How much will it cost to do the entire program online?

 That is a difficult question to answer as it depends on how many courses students take every semester and if they are full-time in any given

semester. The cost of one course depends on the tuition for the given academic year. For 2015/16 the cost per one (1.0) credit is $415.

Are there other costs?

 In addition to tuition, you are required to pay a College Services Fee. This fee is paid once per academic year. For part time students the fee is $50, full time students is $100.

 Students are also required to pay a Student Association Fee once per academic year. For part time students the fee is $37.50, full time students is $75.

How long will it take me to complete the program online?

 This depends on how many courses you take per semester. However, it will take at least two years to complete online.

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Is there any financial assistance available for part-time students?

 Currently, NSCC does not offer scholarships or bursaries for students studying on a part-time basis. Most provinces offer part-time student loans through their Student Assistance programs.

How long do I have to complete the program?

 College policy says that students have seven years to complete a two-year diploma.

How do online courses work?

 Online courses at NSCC are of two types of delivery, synchronous and asynchronous. The synchronous delivery is where students and

instructors get together online at the same preset time each week, very much like a classroom experience. The times are usually in the evenings or weekends. The asynchronous delivery is where students participate whenever it works for them. Students have access to recorded audio lectures, video presentations and supporting instructional materials via the Internet. Students also have the ability to participate in real-time chats, permitting more interaction among students.

Do I receive a college e-mail account?

 Yes, you do receive a college e-mail account. Your username and password will be sent to you by mail from Admissions to your home e-mail account. It is very important to use this account. This is the primary method the college will communicate changes and updates to students.

Will I ever be required to visit a campus or will my experience be completely online?

 Typically, your experience will be completely online. However, you may need to have an exam proctored (supervised). Proctored exams can be scheduled at the campus nearest you or if you don’t live near a campus, you will need to arrange for an external proctor. A proctor can be your supervisor at work, the librarian at your local library, etc. The proctor will need to sign off that they have supervised your exam.

Is the online program only part-time or can I do it full-time online?

 Typically, this program is a part-time program, taking one or two courses per semester. Full-time status is when a student is enrolled in at least 60% of a full-time load for a given program. There will be some semesters that you will be able to be a full-time student (4 or more courses). If you are a time student in any semester, your tuition will be equal to the full-time tuition for the semester.

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Can I do some courses online and some in class?

 It maybe possible to do some courses in class at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth. If you have interest in doing this, you will need to check with the Registrar at the Waterfront Campus to determine space

availability. It may not always be possible to do a course at the campus if there is not space in a given course, but we will try our best to

accommodate students who wish to do this.

Am I able to begin the program at any time?

 You can apply and be admitted to the program at any time. However, courses have three semester start dates during the course of the academic year, September, January and April. Students admitted

between semesters will need to wait until the next semester to register for courses.

When and how do I register for courses?

 Once you have been admitted to the program, you can register for

courses in a number of ways. First you can register for courses by calling our toll-free number at 1-866-679-6722. You will be required to pay for the courses with credit card at the time of the phone in registration. You can also register in person if you live near a campus. At a campus, you would also be required to pay at the time of registration, and can pay by cash, check, credit card or debit. You can mail in the completed Continuing Education Class Registration Form to Admissions with payment or fax the completed form to Admissions with credit card information.

Is there any order in which I am required to take courses?

 Some courses require the successful completion of a first course; prerequisite. So, if a class has a prerequisite, you’ll be required to

complete that course first. The online rotation of the courses is designed with prerequisites in mind.

What courses should I take first?

 The following courses are recommended:

- LIBR 1000 Introduction to Libraries & Information Retrieval

- LIBR 1002 Acquisition and Circulation Procedures

- LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I

- COMP 2105 Database I

How often are courses offered? Are all of the courses offered all of the time?

 Courses are offered on a rotation, taking prerequisites and co-requisites into consideration. Typically, courses are offered at least once per academic year. In any given semester, there are usually five to seven courses offered.

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Will courses ever be cancelled?

 No, courses will never be cancelled. Once the rotation is published on our website, the College has committed to that schedule. Occasionally, a start date of a course may be delayed by a week or so to accommodate faculty schedules, but students are notified of any such changes in advance.

Once I register for a course, what then?

 You will receive an introductory email to the email address you have provided on your NSCC Admission Application. This e-mail will provide information about the course, contact information for your instructor as well as information about how to access course materials. You should expect to receive this email on the day the class is scheduled to begin. If you have changed your e-mail since your application please update your information on My NSCC or contact Student Services.

Will I need textbooks for my course?

 Most courses require some materials. In your initial email from Online Learning, you will be provided information about how to get your course materials. If you need to return materials to the Metro bookstore and are seeking a refund, the materials must be returned in the same condition as they were purchased. For example, if a textbook is encased in

cellophane, then the cellophane wrapping must still be intact to receive a refund. So, if you think you may need to return any class materials, please hold off opening them if you do receive them.

Contact information for the Metro Bookstore Phone: (902) 491-4730

E-mail: [email protected]

What type of software does NSCC use?

 MS Office 2013 software is the college standard. If you do not have MS Office 2013, you can save your files as a Rich Text Format (.rtf) and we will be able to open them. To do this, use the “save as” option, then click Rich Text under the “save as type” drop down menu.

 Don’t have the software needed for your course? NSCC has two options.

Anywhere Apps - your Windows desktops and apps on demand from any

PC, Mac, Smartphone or tablet.

https://apps.nscc.ca/Citrix/XenApp/auth/login.aspx

MS Office 365 - a cloud service which allows you to access the latest office applications. As a student at NSCC you can receive a free

subscription. To download and install Office 365 to your computer you will need to have a student account with a current enrollment at the NSCC, plus access to the internet.

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Am I able to visit a campus to use services there?

 Yes, you are able to visit a campus to use services.

How am I advised of my grades once I have finished a class?

 NSCC provides self service to students through their MY NSCC account. Grades and term reports are not mailed out as each student can access their own information concerning accounts, enrollments, grades and unofficial transcript via their MY NSCC account. Students will be provided information on how to log on to their MY NSCC account.

What services are available at the campus?

 As a student, you can access the following services at the campus: personal counseling, career advisement, job search assistance, disability services, library and computer usage. Tutoring may also available at a reasonable rate.

 Students can also access the Student Support Program (SSP). SSP is a network of professional advisors (psychologists, social workers, addiction and career counselors, child-care and eldercare specialists, legal and financial experts), who are available day or night to give you confidential assistance. There is no cost to you. NSCC pays for the SSP services provided by Shepell - FGI World.

English Services

1-800-268-5211 (Canada-wide)

TDD: 1-800-363-6270 (Hearing impaired) Service en Francais

1-800-363-3872 (Ligne sans frais au Canada) ATS: 1-800-263-8035 (personnes malentendantes) Online Resources

Access counselling or information using an online appointment request form. Visit www.workhealthlife.com – and enter "NSCC" in

the "Sign up Now" | Employer box on the homepage.

Will I be granted any credit for university credits I have taken in the past?

 Students often come to the Library and Information Technology program with previous post-secondary experience. The most commonly

transferred courses are English Literature, History of Western Civilization, and electives. Unless you have previous post-secondary course work in the field of libraries, you most likely will not have credit transfers for any other courses as the rest of the program is very specific to the field.

What is the process to receive transfer credits?

 To apply for transfer credits, you will need to complete the Transfer Credit Request Form, available at

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You must include a copy of your transcript from the other post-secondary institution, plus a course outline for the course for which you are seeking credit transfer. The course outline is necessary to compare the learning outcomes from your previous course to the course at NSCC. To be granted a credit, the course must be considered equivalent. Once the documents are submitted to the College a faculty member who is considered a content expert will determine if the two courses are equivalent. You will be advised of the outcome of this process.

Successful transfer credits will appear on your transcript and you can view them yourself on your MY NSCC account. There is no fee for transfer credits.

When can I start my work experience?

 Once you have completed all Library & Information Technology Diploma courses you can request to start your work experience. Please send your request to Nicki Taylor at [email protected]. She will then refer you to a faculty member, who will work with you to locate a suitable placement.

I have worked in libraries for a number of years. Can I receive any credit for this work experience?

 NSCC recognizes prior learning (RPL). As such, if you feel you have gained prior learning such that it would satisfy certain class requirements, you should contact Nicki Taylor at [email protected]. She will provide you with course outlines from the courses you feel you have credit. You can then review the learning outcomes to determine if your prior learning covers all of the areas detailed in the learning outcomes. If so, you will be connected with a faculty member who can assist you in compiling

documentation to support your application for the recognition of your prior learning. You will be advised of the outcome of this process. Successful recognition of prior learning will appear on your transcript and you can view them yourself on your MY NSCC account. There is one time fee for recognition of prior learning for part-time students, no matter the number of credits requested. The cost is equivalent to the cost of a one (1.0) unit course.

If I am already working in a library will I have to complete the work experience component of the program?

 The work experience component is completed at the very end of the program and is a capstone experience where a student works in the field applying all his/her learning.

 If a student has been working in a ‘library’ while taking online

courses (approved as a ‘library’ by faculty when looking at where and what they have been doing) then this may constitute a work placement (5

weeks or 175hrs). Students must still enroll in LIBR 4995 Work

Experience and complete the required documentation to meet the required learning outcomes. Students are asked to submit a letter from his/her

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supervisor detailing the positions held, duties performed and times in positions for review.

 The cost to enroll in work experience is equivalent to the cost of a one (1.0) unit course.

I know the work experience is equivalent to 175 hours. What if I am unable to do this as a five week full-time experience?

 This program requirement can be satisfied on a part-time or full-time basis whichever works for your schedule and the work placement location as long as the 175 hour requirement is satisfied.

Do I need to complete a Portfolio to graduate?

 Yes. NSCC is a Portfolio College. All students are required to complete a portfolio to meet graduation requirements. To find out more visit

http://www.nscc.ca/Learning_Programs/Portfolio/

Will I be a librarian when I graduate from the program?

 No. Librarians will have completed an undergraduate degree in any field, as well as a graduate degree in Library and Information Studies.

What does a library technician do versus a librarian?

Typically, library technicians work under the supervision of librarians.  Librarians are responsible for the overall management of libraries:

- At the administrative level they supervise staff, develop budgets, and provide direction for the library through strategic planning.

- At the applied level librarians are engaged in providing reference, bibliographic, and information literacy services to library users; developing specialized programs for children, seniors and other groups; developing electronic systems to access library collections; and selecting material, both print and electronic, for inclusion in library collections.

 Library Technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

- Assist library users in accessing books, films, photographs, maps, documents, electronic materials and other library materials

- Catalogue new library acquisitions under the direction of a librarian

- Issue for circulation library books and other materials

- Perform manual and online reference searches and make interlibrary loans for users

- Assist librarians in giving tours and providing children's and other specialized library programs

- Enter the checkout and return of books and other library materials if necessary.

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How much can I expect to earn once I graduate?

 Hourly wage ranges from $ 10.75 to $24.75 in Nova Scotia.  Hourly wage ranges from $13.50 to $31.00 in Canada

Source: workingincanada.gc.ca & http://careers.novascotia.ca/occupation/253

Who do I contact concerning academic advisement? Nicolle Backman Taylor

Coordinator, Student Retention & Employment Tel: (902) 875-8639

[email protected] Shelburne Campus 1575 Lake Road

Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0

Who do I contact if I have concerns about the program or other issues?

Nicolle Backman Taylor Sonia Richards

Coordinator, Student Retention & Employment Academic Chair

Tel: (902) 875-8639 Tel: (902) 690-2439

[email protected] [email protected]

Shelburne Campus Kingstec Campus

1575 Lake Road 236 Belcher Street

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Helpful Tips for Online Students

 Familiarize yourself as much as possible with the software for your course.  Navigate throughout Desire to Learn (D2L) to familiarize yourself with your course schedule and what the course requirements are. Learn the policies, goals and objectives of the course.

 Each course has a course outline clearly indicating due dates for assignments, projects and tests. Be aware of and meet your due dates in your course outline.  Ensure you have your instructor’s contact information.

 Know how to access Online Learning Technical Support.

 Log into D2L on a regular basis. Check the announcements section to read new postings from your instructor.

 Participate in online discussions.

 Ask for help when you need it. Build a relationship with your “classmates” and your instructor. This is your online support system for the duration of the semester.

 When participating in any online discussions, keep “netiquette” in mind.

Communicating online in text is different than face to face interaction. Speak and behave the same as you would in a classroom.

 Communication should be clear and precise to minimize misunderstandings.  Online courses require the same or a greater amount of time than a traditional

face to face course would. Develop a personalized schedule to ensure your meet your due dates and achieve the goals you set for yourself.

 Be prepared to set aside a certain amount of time each day to dedicate to your course.

 All final grades, unofficial transcript, financial information and T2202A Income Tax forms are available on MY NSCC. Please make yourself familiar with this feature of our website. http://www.nscc.ca/services/my_nscc/index.asp

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Academic Requirements for Students in 2013 Course

Code

COMM 1235 Business Communications in Libraries

60

COMP 2105 Database I 30 It is recommended students complete COMP 1217 Computer Applications I before enrolling in COMP 2105 but not required.

COMP 2110 Spreadsheets I 30 It is recommended students complete COMP 1217 Computer Applications I before enrolling in COMP 2110 but not required.

Procedures

60 LIBR 1003 Information Services I 60 LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I 60 LIBR 1068 Reader Advisory Services in

Libraries

60

LIBR 2001 Subject Cataloguing I 60 LIBR 3005

Descriptive Cataloguing II LIBR 2002 Multimedia Services 60 COMP 2105

Database OR COMP 1220

Computer Applications LIBR 2003 Information Services II 60 LIBR 1003

Information Services I LIBR 2010 Introduction to Management

in Libraries

60 LIBR 1000

Introduction to Libraries & Retrieval

LIBR 2161 Computer Applications in Libraries 60 COMP 2105 Database I OR COMP 1220 Computer Applications LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I LIBR 3005 Descriptive Cataloguing II 60 LIBR 1005

Descriptive Cataloguing I LIBR 4001 Subject Cataloguing II 60 LIBR 2001 Subject

Cataloguing I Elective

Elective

LIBR 4995 Work Experience 175

Portfolio

CO OP Co-operative Education Optional

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Code

60 COMP 1217 Computer Applications I 30

COMP 2105 Database I 30 It is recommended

students complete COMP 1217

Computer Applications I before enrolling in COMP 2105 but not required.

Procedures

Libraries

60

in Libraries

60 LIBR 1000

Elective

Portfolio

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Code

COMP 2105 Database I 30 COMP 1217

Computer Applications I OR COMP 1101 Computers for Business OR COMP 1102 Operating Systems OR COMP 1105 Business Computer Technology

Procedures

Libraries

60

in Libraries

60 LIBR 1000

Elective

Portfolio

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Academic Requirements for Students in 2008/09/10 Course

Code

COMP 2105 Database I 30 COMP 1217

Computer Applications I OR COMP 1101 Computers for Business OR COMP 1102 Operating Systems

60 LIBR 1002 Acquisitions & Circulation

Procedures

Libraries

60 LIBR 2000 Management & Marketing in

Libraries

60 LIBR 1000

Information Services I LIBR 2161 Computer Applications in

Libraries 60 COMP 2105 Database I OR COMP 1220 Computer Applications LIBR 1005 Descriptive Cataloguing I LIBR 3005 Descriptive Cataloguing II 60 LIBR 1005

Elective

Portfolio