A career in libraries offers you the chance to work in a variety of public and private libraries, hospitals, courts, schools, universities and other government organisations. You can work in direct contact with library users or stay behind the scenes in technical services, organising information for web-based databases.
North Metropolitan TAFE’s library programs will provide you with a wide range of skills on how to search for, organise and provide information. You will use a wide range of technologies, learn how to provide good customer service, supervise and lead teams, establish good working relationships and plan your own career development. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a supervised work placement where you will be able to apply what you have learned.
There is a variety of Library courses to choose from, including a short course, skill set or nationally accredited qualifications, available via on campus (full-time) or online study.
Course list
Library Digital Technologies Skills
Gain the skills required to work in WA libraries
This skill set covers digital skills required to work in a range of library settings.
Gain the skills required to work in WA libraries
This course has been developed in consultation with WA libraries and covers the skills and knowledge required to record and prioritise client support activities, determine required resources, and solve client information and communications technology (ICT) problems. You will also learn to use a range of multimedia equipment and library programs.
This course is delivered fully online.
You'll gain these skills:
- Support customers via successful communication techniques for handling diverse enquires
- Understand various operating systems and interfaces
- Essential software and hardware troubleshooting
- Issue logging, organising maintenance, sustainability, security, privacy and related OH&S issues
- Use multimedia programs and digital media collections, such as Microsoft Office, Blogs, Kanopy, OverDrive, BorrowBox, Story Box Library, Busy Things, ClickView, and government online services (ie myGov)
- Maintain multimedia, and correct minor operational faults, and reviewing the use of multimedia in libraries
To enrol in this course you will need to have:
- Sound English language skills
- Ability to use computers efficiently and autonomously
The course lecturer has 30 years experience and over 15 years of experience training students enrolled in Library and Information Services award courses at North Metropolitan TAFE. She also provided training to government professionals.
Library Essential Skills
An introduction to the essentials of working in a library
You'll gain skills in communication and customer service, searching databases, as well as basic IT troubleshooting and staging public activities and events.
A comprehensive foundation
This course will introduce you to the essentials of working in a library. You'll gain skills in communication and customer service, searching databases, as well as basic IT troubleshooting and staging public activities and events.
This course is delivered fully online.
You'll gain these skills:
- Communication and customer service - identify needs and priorities of customers, communicate with the customer and respond to customer feedback and complaints.
- Database and search engine searching - review a range of databases, and develop the skills necessary to formulate effective search strategies.
- Basic IT troubleshooting - covers client information and communications technology problems.
- Team work and workplace training - working with others, and learn workplace training techniques.
- Staging public activities and events - develop a program of events, and produce a project plan and run sheet.
- Library information literacy - includes independent learning and keeping up to date within the library industry
To enrol in this course you will need to have:
- Sound English language skills
- Ability to use computers efficiently and autonomously
The course lecturer, has 30 years industry experience and over 15 years of experience training students enrolled in Library and Information Services award courses at North Metropolitan TAFE. She also provides training to government professionals.
Certificate III in Library and Information Services
A growing sector that is vital to many industries
In this practical course you'll learn to order, prepare, organise, locate and promote library resources and information using current software and social media, online catalogues and databases, multi-media and photography equipment.
Connect with people, engage with information and promote literacy and the value of libraries in the community
Our Certificate III will give you the skills and knowledge to assist in the organisation and operation of systems for handling recorded material - ultimately helping clients gain access to information.
This course, based at our Perth campus located alongside the State Library of Western Australia, has a strong customer service focus, and provides learning opportunities through practical hands-on activities, industry visits and guest speakers. Your lecturers in this course are library professionals, up-to-date with industry best practice and with strong connections with local library staff and organisations.
This is an ever growing and changing sector and is a vital component across various industries.
North Metropolitan TAFE gives you the option of studying this course on campus OR online. Studying full-time on campus will take 6 months, while students enrolling online or part-time should aim to complete the course within 12 months.
Certificate IV in Library and Information Services
Build on the skills gained in the Certificate III in Library and Information Services
You'll gain a broad range of skills including leadership for library teams, the cataloguing and organisation of library resources, researching and information retrieval, as well as website maintenance and using social media tools.
Provide excellent customer service in a library environment
In this Certificate IV course you will gain knowledge and skills in the delivery of library and related library technologies and processes. Your studies could lead to employment in a broad range of environments such as public, hospital, law, university or school libraries. Or you may find work in the information based organisations, such as a web-based database service.
Your lecturers in this course are library professionals, up-to-date with industry best practice and with strong connections with local library staff and organisations.
North Metropolitan TAFE gives you the option of studying this course on campus (6 months full-time) or online & part-time (students should aim to complete the course within 12 months).
Diploma of Library and Information Services
Advance your skills in library and information services
On successful completion of this course you will be able to apply for membership to the Australian Library and Information Association and you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in public, academic and special libraries, such as health and law, or other information organisations.
Gain advanced skills and knowledge for your career in library and information services
This course will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to work in public, academic and special libraries, such as health and law, or other information organisations. Our lecturers are library professionals, up-to-date with industry best practice and with strong connections with local library staff and organisations.
On successful completion of this course you will be able to apply to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) for professional (Library Technician) membership – ALIATec.