Library and Information Technology

If you enjoy working in a library setting and have an interest in technology, you should consider enrolling in the Library and Information Technology (LIT) program. Students in this program tend to be detail oriented. They enjoy assisting others and utilizing computer technology.

The LIT program is suitable for persons seeking entry-level employment in either public or private libraries. The curriculum is also ideal for current paraprofessional and professional library employees who seek specialized training in new technologies.

Graduates of the LIT program are generally employed in either library technical services or public services.

In both, they utilize technical expertise to assist in either library operations or client services.

As a specialist in technical library services, graduates of the LIT program work in cataloging, requisitioning of library materials, or collection management. In the public service sector, graduates assist clients with locating needed materials and they respond to reference requests.

Graduates are employed in libraries, media areas, learning resources, information and instructional materials centers and with other organizations engaged in library-related activities. They are prepared for jobs with any organization that use technology to process, manage, and communicate information.

The CCCC Library and Information Technology program is the only one of its kind in North Carolina and one of only four in the United States.

The first unique feature is that it has been developed in cooperation with library professionals across the state and nation making sure that the focus of providing staff development needs is preserved.

The second unique feature is that this program is offered totally via distance education meaning that a student may earn an Associate Degree in Library and Information Technology, a diploma, or a certificate by using the Internet in your own home or at your own workplace. As a distance education program, students from across the state are utilizing this unique learning opportunity.

The highly specialized instruction is led by an outstanding faculty of professional librarians and teachers. All members of the faculty have a minimum of an advanced degree, all with an earned Master's Degree in Library Science and some with an earned Doctorate Degree in the field.

The curriculum was developed and continues to be refined with the assistance of an active and diverse Advisory Committee. The committee includes professional librarians from public and private institutions including community colleges, public school systems and major state universities.

As a distance education program, the LIT instruction is literally available at all times of the day and night. Students are able to fit their academic endeavors around their busy professional and personal lives. All library courses are offered by CCCC. Students have the option of taking related area classes via distance education at CCCC or by enrolling at local community colleges.

A variety of credentials is available. An Associate in Applied Science Degree, diploma, and certificate are offered.

Subject matter covered in the LIT program includes information resources and services, aquistions and collection management, cataloging and classifying, library program development, electronic databases, public services operations, and audiovisual equipment operations and maintenance. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on technology courses including computer applications, the Internet, operating systems, PC diagnostics and configurations, web development tools, and networking.

When do I have to come to the CCCC campus?
Library and Information Technology students are not required to come to a CCCC campus at any time. Procedures have been established for submitting assignments and taking exams, student advising, course registration and payment, bookstore purchases, and course orientation.

Do I have to take all of the courses for this program through CCCC?
All of the library-related courses must be taken online through CCCC. Other courses in the program may be taken from CCCC through Distance Education or may be taken from a community college of the student's choice.

What are the students like who take this program?
Most of the students in the Library and Information Technology program currently work in libraries. They are a wonderful source of information for students interested in obtaining their first library jobs.

How do Library and Info Technology students and instructors communicate?
A strong emphasis is placed on what is called Discussion Board participation in the library-related courses. Students are assigned specific topics to discuss and classmates and instructors respond. There is some flexibility in when students participate in the Discussion Board, but definite requirements need to be met. The requirements are clearly outlined by instructors. In addition, students and instructors communicate through email and by telephone.

How much work is involved in the library related courses?
Although there is flexibility in the library-related online courses, students should not expect them to be easier than courses in a traditional classroom setting. For example, there are definite due dates and expectations for assignments.
As with all college courses, students should expect to spend, on the average, two hours per week for each course's semester hour credit. Therefore, if a course is a 3 semester hour credit course, students can expect to spent 6 hours per week in course preparation.