BSB50520

Diploma of Library and Information Services

Take the next step in your career with this high-level course that will qualify you to work as a library technician.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 09 Jun 2025 Duration: Average course duration up to 2 years View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$12,850 - $13,890

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Establish your career in library services with this high-level course. Develop the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work as a library technician in public, special, school, and academic libraries.

Employers are looking for qualified candidates who are efficient, can communicate clearly, and interact well with others.

This program is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and will help you launch your career. You will learn how to help people research and analyse information in a professional environment, catalogue and classify material, maintain digital repositories, and implement workplace health, safety and security procedures. You will also use, evaluate and extend your own information literacy skills. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the tools you need to get ahead.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to become a library technician in a diverse range of settings. You will also have a solid foundation to continue with further study.

What can I do?

Library Technician
Museum Coordinator/Technician
Special Collections Officer
Metadata Officer
Digital Services Officer
Information Services Officer
Gallery Technician
Collection Development Officer
Access Services Officer

Course outcome:

BSB50520 Diploma of Library and Information Services

Study your way

We know that life is busy, that's why our courses are designed to be flexible. Our mixed-mode delivery means you can complete components of your study online at a time that suits you.

Industry-relevant teachers

Our teaching staff are at the top of their game and are still heavily involved in the industry. This means you're being taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where technology is taking us.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 12 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBINS407

Consolidate and maintain library industry knowledge

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS407

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, apply and maintain currency of knowledge relevant to the library industry.
UNIT NAME
Consolidate and maintain library industry knowledge

UNIT CODE
BSBINS503

Monitor compliance with copyright and licence requirements

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS503

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor compliance with copyright and licence requirements for collections held by businesses, archives, galleries, libraries and museums.
UNIT NAME
Monitor compliance with copyright and licence requirements

UNIT CODE
BSBINS602

Extend own information literacy skills to locate information

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS602

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, analyse and communicate information, ideas and concepts at a complex level, as well as evaluate and continuously improve personal information literacy skills to optimally service requests for information from relevant stakeholders.
UNIT NAME
Extend own information literacy skills to locate information

UNIT CODE
ICTSAS432

Identify and resolve client ICT problems

UNIT CODE :
ICTSAS432

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, record, prioritise and resolve client Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support activities and escalate as required.
UNIT NAME
Identify and resolve client ICT problems

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBCMM411

Make presentations

UNIT CODE :
BSBCMM411

Unit description :
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, deliver and review presentations for target audiences.
UNIT NAME
Make presentations

UNIT CODE
BSBINS403

Obtain information from external and networked sources

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS403

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information needs of relevant stakeholders, and then search external and networked sources to meet those needs.
UNIT NAME
Obtain information from external and networked sources

UNIT CODE
BSBINS404

Search library and information databases

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS404

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to search and analyse information from a range of bibliographic and full text databases, evaluate these against specific criteria, and then present this information to relevant stakeholders.
UNIT NAME
Search library and information databases

UNIT CODE
BSBINS502

Coordinate data management

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS502

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and coordinate data management and use a data management plan to ensure relevant stakeholders have sufficient access for organisational purposes.
UNIT NAME
Coordinate data management

UNIT CODE
BSBINS504

Maintain digital repositories

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS504

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to populate and manage digital collections of information resources.
UNIT NAME
Maintain digital repositories

UNIT CODE
BSBINS507

Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS507

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use and evaluate the functionality of integrated library management systems (ILMS) at an advanced level and to analyse the interrelated functions of an ILMS.
UNIT NAME
Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems

UNIT CODE
BSBINS508

Research and analyse information to meet library customer needs

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS508

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide customers with access to, and an analysis of, diverse and complex sources of information.
UNIT NAME
Research and analyse information to meet library customer needs

UNIT CODE
BSBINS509

Promote literature and reading

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS509

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and implement strategies that encourage and enhance literature and reading in a wide variety of contexts
UNIT NAME
Promote literature and reading

UNIT CODE
BSBINS510

Develop community and stakeholder relationships in a library environment

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS510

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain relationships with people and organisations in local communities through regular and ongoing consultation to maintain the quality of service provision.
UNIT NAME
Develop community and stakeholder relationships in a library environment

UNIT CODE
BSBINS511

Develop and promote library activities, events and public programs

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop and promote activities, events and public programs for different customer groups.
UNIT NAME
Develop and promote library activities, events and public programs

UNIT CODE
BSBINS516

Undertake cataloguing activities

UNIT CODE :
BSBINS516

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and design systems and structures related to copy and original descriptive cataloguing; to search, retrieve and edit material from existing records and to undertake catalogue maintenance.
UNIT NAME
Undertake cataloguing activities

UNIT CODE
BSBXCS402

Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices

UNIT CODE :
BSBXCS402

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote cyber security in a work area.
UNIT NAME
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time up to 4 days per week	Full fee: $13,890 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
South Bank On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time up to 4 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $13,890 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

Online self-directed

All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed	09 Jun 2025	Average course duration up to 2 years	Part time up to 2 units per intake. 12 weeks per intake.	Full fee: $12,850 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Online self-directed Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 100% On Campus Time 0% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 09 Jun 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Average course duration up to 2 years The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time up to 2 units per intake. 12 weeks per intake. The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,850 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

You will be able to access your learning materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the first day of your study period for the relevant units of competency. You must be enrolled to access your learning materials.

Online self-directed study allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Learn more

Online self-directed courses are structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake or the units required to complete a cluster/stage.

Online virtual classroom study allows you to enjoy the freedom of choosing where you study, with no on-campus commitments. Virtual classes are delivered online, to a scheduled timetable, allowing you to interact with fellow students and high-quality educators from the comfort of a location that best suits you. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements. Learn more

Online with on campus practical allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study to complete the online component of your course followed up by a scheduled practical component on campus.

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Diploma of Library and Information Services (BSB50520)

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Diploma of Library and Information Services

COURSE CODE: BSB50520

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

This qualification has no formal entry criteria; however, TAFE Queensland has the following selection criteria for this qualification:

school-leavers must have completed Year 12 or equivalent OR
non school-leavers will be selected according to eligibility and merit, vocational experience, previous study and personal competencies skills in gathering and communicating information equivalent to Senior English
as the assessment tasks include written and spoken English, proficiency in this language is expected.
basic level Word processing and spreadsheeting skills.
if you’re under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions may apply.

Accelerated Course
Entry into the accelerated program is via an application process and requires applicants to be currently working in library services and have at least 3 years' industry work experience.

Resources required

You are required to access and use technology to complete the learning and assessment activities and resources within this program. This can be through your own device and internet connection, or through regional TAFE campus or library.

To get the best education experience, your computer/device will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

device running Windows 10 or later (or MacOS 11 or later)
access to a webcam and headset with microphone for role play video recording
access to an up-to-date version of Google Chrome
access to a reliable high-speed broadband internet connection

Placement

To meet accreditation requirements for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as a Library Technician, students must complete at least 70 hours of work placement in a library service as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

This course may require proof of vaccination to be provided to complete the work placement accreditation requirements for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Important information

Order of Study
When studying Online self-directed it is strongly recommended students follow the order of study and enrol in no more than two units per intake or the units required to complete one cluster/stage, unless otherwise advised.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Library and Information Services

Embark upon a career in a wide variety of information service areas with this entry-level course.

Careers

Inquiry Clerk
Research Information Officer
Library Assistant
Customer Service Officer

Part Time : Average course duration up to 18 months

Next Start : 09 Jun 2025

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Diploma of Library and Information Services

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Study your way

Industry-relevant teachers

Core units

Elective units

South Bank

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Diploma of Library and Information Services

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Resources required

Placement

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Library and Information Services

Careers