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QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Library and Information Services


 National Code: BSB50520
 TAFE SA Code: TP01239


2026 start

Description

In this nationally recognised Diploma qualification, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to work in libraries. You will be equipped to take on leadership responsibilities, including leading teams, developing and promoting events, and supporting staff who manage collections.

Graduates of this course may apply to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) for Library Technician membership.

Your lecturers are library professionals with strong connections to South Australian libraries and remain up to date with industry best practice.

This course is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Award Course
Duration
Example Career Profile
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18 months 

Full Time or Part Time equivalent

Library Assistant
Library Assistant
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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Adelaide City

Closed

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply on Mon 3 Aug 2026
Virtual Classroom

Closed

Virtual Classroom Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply on Mon 3 Aug 2026

Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • No course admission requirements
  • Completion of a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Assessment (LLND)

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
We recommend that you have either:

  • Commenced the Certificate IV in Library and Information before starting this course OR
  • Experience in the Library Sector

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
This course is either a blend of virtual online classes or face to face classes which are scheduled at locations and times outlined in the information session conducted by lecturers.

Industry Conditions and Skills
Ability to:

  • Work online with Library Management Systems, Catalogues and Databases
  • Conduct research
  • Communicate effectively
  • Work individually and as part of a team Interest in:
  • Libraries, Information Management, and Researching
  • Library Management Systems, catalogues and databases
  • People and Customer Service

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
You will need access to a computer and the internet, as well as a webcam and related software.

Vocational Placements
Vocational Placement 70 hours

Mandatory Requirements

  • Police Check
  • Working With Children Check

Fees

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 18 month course
Full Fee
$2,430
$7,290

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Library technicians are skilled staff who manage and organise collections in conjunction with a librarian whose role is that of a manager. Working in libraries offers opportunities in accessing the latest information technology, helping people to source information and literature for pleasure and study, protecting freedom of access to information and enjoying a wide range of jobs for every interest.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Library and Information Services (BSB50520)
    This course teaches students how to provide quality customer service, support users in their use of multimedia technology and use cataloguing tools. Additionally, this course will increase student understanding of copyright requirements and workplace health and safety. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 4 core units and 12 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Consolidate and maintain library industry knowledge 60
    Extend own information literacy skills to locate information 50
    Identify and resolve client ICT problems 40
    Monitor compliance with copyright and licence requirements 20

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Contribute to collection Management 50
    Develop and promote library activities, events and public programs 60
    Implement customer service strategies 40
    Lead team effectiveness 50
    Maintain digital repositories 45
    Obtain information from external and networked sources 20
    Promote literature and reading 50
    Provide subject access and classify material 100
    Search library and information databases 30
    Undertake cataloguing activities 100
    Undertake project work 60
    Use Advanced Functions of Integrated Library Management Systems 35

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Diploma of Library and Information Services
TP01239
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