Overview
Develop advanced skills for a rewarding career in information services with a Diploma of Library and Information Services BSB50520 at Victoria University Polytechnic.
This course provides comprehensive training in the running of libraries and information agencies.
You’ll extend your existing knowledge to be able to solve problems, analyse information and assist others in libraries and information services. This includes helping people locate information, undertaking research, analysing and communication information, ideas and concepts at a complex level.
During this course, you’ll develop advanced skills and knowledge in:
- consolidating and maintaining library industry knowledge
- research, referencing and copyright
- solving information and communications technology problems
- using advanced functions of integrated library management systems
- developing and promoting library activities, events and public programs
- circulation, cataloguing and collection management
- specialised technical databases and classification schemes
- information technology and multimedia
- communication and customer service
- implementing work safety policies and procedures.
On completion of this course you will have the confidence and skills to seek employment in the galleries, libraries, archives, records and museums sector.
Library & computer facilities
Our campus libraries have photocopying, computing and printing facilities as well as electronic and print resources.
You'll also have access to a rich collection of online resources at any time of the day or night, including:
- databases
- e-learning content for courses
- student email
- student software packages
- social networking tools.
On campus, we make sure that all of our students have access to digital resources. We offer:
- excellent WiFi networks
- more than 4000 computers (PCs and Apple Macs) across our campuses
- a central IT helpdesk for technical help.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced Victoria University Polytechnic course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
Careers
A Diploma of Library and Information Services BSB50520 will prepare you to work in libraries or other agencies, institutions and organisations such as museums or galleries. You’ll have the advanced skills and knowledge to work with large volumes of information in a variety of positions including as a technician.
Example job titles include:
- library technician
- museum coordinator/technician
- access services officer
- collection development officer
- gallery technician
- education assistant (in museums/galleries)
- information services officer
- digital services officer
- journals officer
- metadata officer
- special collections officer
- technical services officer.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
The course structure comprises the following core and elective units. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback.
To be awarded the BSB50520 Diploma of Library and Information Services, a student must successfully complete a total of Sixteen (16) units of competency, comprising of:
- Four (4) core units, and;
- Twelve (12) elective units, of which:
* Seven (7) elective units must be selected from Group A
* One (1) elective unit must be selected from Group B
*Two (2) elective units must be selected from Group C
for the remaining two (2) elective units:
*up to two (2) units may be selected from Groups A, B and C
*if not listed, up to two (2) units may be selected from a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma from this or any other currently endorsed Training Package qualification or accredited course.
Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core Units
Elective Units Group A - Library Services
Elective Units Group B - Information Services Skills
Elective Units Group C - Transferable Skills
Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers
Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT), and must be approved by VU Polytechnic.
Learning outcomes
This qualification reflects the role of individuals with a sound theoretical knowledge base who use a range of specialised, technical or managerial competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate their own work or the work of a team. They may provide leadership and guidance to others and have some responsibility for the output of others.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
As part of the application process, applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and undertake a literacy and numeracy (LN) assessment to determine suitability for admission.
Practical Placement:
For employment and practical placement purposes, all applicants require:
- Valid Working with Children CheckFailure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course.
The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks:
- Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 10 July 2023
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Apply direct to VU using our admission centre, submit applications for one or more courses, track and save your progress and upload additional information.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
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Contact VU Polytechnic
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
