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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.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$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

Ways to study
  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On campus with some online
28 Jan 2025
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.

demo

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. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 4 days per 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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
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.

demo

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
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 4 days per 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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
03 Mar 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.

demo

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. 

03 Mar 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Average course duration up to 2 years
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
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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

Download Brochure

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 - $18,097 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.

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees 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