Library Technician Post Diploma Certificate

Course Information

Fall 2026 Course - LIBT 383: Diversity in the Workplace

• Dates: September 14 - November 6, 2026
• CRN: 91299
• Format: Online asynchronous
• Credits: 2
• Instructor: Toby Willis-Camp

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post-Diploma certificate program, or permission of department.

This course will examine discrimination, bias, and social diversity in the context of Libraries and Information Centres. Students will explore the various elements contributing to the methods that Library Technicians can adopt to confront discrimination and work productively with diversity while enhancing client service excellence.

Program Overview

The Library Technician Post-Diploma Certificate program is designed to meet the needs of working library technicians who have completed a diploma and wish to pursue career-enhancing opportunities. It is a part-time online program tailored for library technicians seeking continuing education that directly addresses professional issues. All courses are offered over an 8-week online format, providing flexibility for students to arrange their study time around existing work commitments.

Features

• Credential: Other
• Duration: 2 years
• Format: Online, Part-time
• Start Dates: January, September, May
• Location: Online

Program Curriculum

Currently, there are five courses available that can be completed in any order. Each course carries a value of 2 academic credits:

• LIBT 380: Emergent Library Technologies
• LIBT 381: Leadership for Library Technicians
• LIBT 382: Promotional Planning for Library Technicians
• LIBT 383: Diversity in the Workplace
• LIBT 385: Information Rights: Privacy and Freedom

Individuals are encouraged to refer to the UFV Academic Calendar for detailed course outlines.

Career Expectations

In British Columbia, library technicians typically find employment in various sectors, including information and cultural industries, elementary and secondary schools, universities, and community colleges. The employment outlook for library technicians remains positive, characterized by low unemployment levels. Significant job growth is anticipated due to a projected number of retirements; notably, 22% of current library technicians are over the age of 55.

Entrance Requirements

1. Completion of UFV's two-year Library and Information Technology diploma, or a two-year library technician diploma from a recognized institution compliant with the Canadian Library Association Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians.
2. Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement at the Degree/diploma level. Details regarding satisfaction of this requirement can be found in the appropriate section of the academic calendar.

Degree Overview:

The Library Technician Post-Diploma Certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed for working library technicians who have completed a diploma and want to advance their careers. It is a part-time online program that provides career-enhancing opportunities by focusing on current issues in the library technician profession. The program aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge to succeed in the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology in Canada.

Outline:

• Program Format: The program is offered entirely online, allowing students to study around their work schedules.
• Course Schedule: The program consists of five courses, each worth 2 academic credits.
Students can complete the courses in any order.
• Course Descriptions:
• LIBT 381: Leadership for Library Technicians: This course focuses on developing leadership skills and knowledge relevant to library technicians.
• LIBT 383: Diversity in the Workplace: This course examines diversity and inclusion in libraries and workplaces.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program may vary depending on the individual course. However, they typically involve a combination of assignments, presentations, exams, and participation.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, and online activities. The faculty consists of experienced library professionals with expertise in their respective fields.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various library and information settings, including:

• Public libraries
• Academic libraries
• School libraries
• Special libraries
• Government libraries
The program prepares students for various roles, such as:
• Library technician
• Research assistant
• Technical services assistant
• Reference librarian

Other:

• Program Duration: The program can be completed in two years of part-time study.
• Start Dates: The program starts in January, May, and September.
• Admission Requirements: Applicants must have completed either UFV's two-year Library and Information Technology diploma or an equivalent program from a recognized institution.
• UFV Academic Calendar: https://calendar.ufv.ca/
• Information Studies Department: https://www.ufv.ca/information-studies/

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver