Educational Programs

Library Information Technology Blog

The Library Information Technology Blog is designed to keep students up to date about what is going on in the program and to provide links to information in the field of library and information studies.

Library Information Technology Blog

Summer Term
Begins May 29
Register Today!

We have added a number of general education liberal arts and sciences classes to this year's summer schedule, along with several career and technical courses.

Learn more

MCTC Foundation Scholarships

The MCTC Foundation awards numerous scholarships each year to students in need as well as to students with high academic potential. During the 2010-2011 school year, the MCTC Foundation awarded over $387,000 to 291 students. Scholarship information for the 2012-2013 school year is now available. Please refer to the scholarship packet to see available scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship application deadline is May 25, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in T.2500.

Download the MCTC Scholarship packet

Library Information Technology

Program description

MCTC's Library Information Technology (LIT) Program will equip you with the practical and conceptual skills needed to work in highly automated libraries and information agencies. Whether you seek your A.S. Degree in order to become a paraprofessional or transfer to a 4-year college, or if you would like to earn a certificate, MCTC’s LIT program will train you in the ethical, legal and professional frameworks for delivering library and information resources to communities. Both the degree and the certificates are offered in a fully online environment.

Program start and location

  • This program is designed for a fall start; plan to apply to the college in the spring/early summer prior to when you wish to begin your studies.
  • Courses required for the program meet online only. Required and optional electives may be offered in a variety of formats. For more information about your options, contact the Information Studies department coordinator.

Degree options and requirements

Library Information Technology A.A.S. Degree—60 credits
Technical Information Services Certificate—20 credits
Public Information Services Certificate—20 credits

Click here for program and course information.

What you will learn

  • MCTC’s Library Information Technology program will equip you with the practical and conceptual skills needed to work in highly automated libraries and information agencies.
  • The program will introduce you to integrated library systems, including library circulation, acquisitions, serials and information management systems and other computer applications unique to the industry.
  • You will learn to efficiently search online databases and the Internet and provide effective user services, as well as build exposure to the various services and outreach that libraries of all types provide to their communities.
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  • You will also learn about ethical and legal issues related to information use and production and develop skills for critical thinking and moral reasoning.
  • As part of the A.A.S. degree, you will have the opportunity to take special courses dealing with alternative media and other coursework, allowing you the flexibility to customize your degree to build expertise.
  • As a capstone, you will participate in a semester-long internship.
  • The A.A.S. degree is designed for those seeking a new career as a paraprofessional—and for anyone wishing to transfer elsewhere for a bachelor’s degree. The certificate awards are designed for individuals already working in libraries and information agencies who seek additional education and training.
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Points of pride

  • All required program courses are offered fully online; electives and general education courses are offered in online, hybrid, and face-to-face formats.
  • When you complete the A.A.S degree, you automatically qualify to receive certification through the Minnesota Voluntary Certification Program for Library Employees.
  • Courses are aligned with the American Library Association (ALA) Allied Profession Association Library Support Staff Certification Program competencies.
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  • Periodic special events are planned so students can have an opportunity to meet face to face.
  • Professional-level engagement with the broader community is encouraged through service-learning opportunities and project options to write papers for suitable submission to professional journals.
  • Program courses continually respond to changing dynamics in the field.
  • A capstone internship experience for students completing the A.A.S. degree provides valuable practical knowledge and connections to the professional community.
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Where you could work

  • Libraries of all types
  • Corporate and other special libraries
  • Public libraries
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  • School media centers
  • Academic libraries
  • Private companies
  • Bookstores
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Database and indexing companies
  • Freelance work
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Potential job titles

  • Paralibrarian
  • Library Technician
  • Library Assistant
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  • Library Associate
  • Assistant Librarian
  • Library Specialist
  • Library Technical Assistant (LTA)
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Occupational outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of librarians is expected to grow by 8 percent through 2018. One potential job growth area lies outside traditional settings; nontraditional librarian jobs include working as information brokers and working for private corporations, nonprofits and consulting firms. The BLS also notes that businesses are turning to librarians for their research and organizational skills and knowledge of computer databases and library automation systems. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos316.htm for the most current information on the national occupational outlook.

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

While studying at MCTC’s LIT program, who will have an opportunity to do an internship at one of the many libraries located in the Twin Cities. Past students have done internships at the University of Minnesota’s Mintex, Minnesota Digital Library and Wilson Library, Macalester College, the University of St. Thomas, Hennepin County Library, Albert Lea Public Library, St. Paul Public Library, Quatrefoil Library and the Ohio Literacy Resource Center. There are also opportunities to participate in service learning projects.

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Please contact the program dean for information about articulation agreements.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.