Diploma of Library and Information Services

Overview

Want to work with interesting content in a linguistically rich and culturally diverse environment? Our Diploma of Library and Information Services is an industry-accredited course that prepares you to work with large volumes of information across agencies institutions and organisations. Develop cataloguing and collection management skills, customer service expertise, and digital skills to work in a diverse range of industries.

Get a copy of our course guide

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Are you in high school?

Back by popular demand: A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student. See what uni is really like with hands-on workshops, presentations and more across different study areas.

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Skills you’ll learn

Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Research
Initiative and enterprise
Planning and organising technology

Your career opportunities

Library assistant
Library technician
Systems librarian
Digital services officer
Information services officer
Special collections officer

Further education

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400278804

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Hawthorn

Professional accreditation

Australian Library and Information Association

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history.

Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Other requirements

Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy competencies and basic computer and internet skills.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Diploma of Library and Information Services (Online delivery)

Discover more (Diploma of Library and Information Services (Online delivery))
Diploma of Accounting and Finance

Discover more (Diploma of Accounting and Finance)
Diploma of Business

Discover more (Diploma of Business)

Course structure

Students are required to complete 16 units, listed below. This course is delivered full-time over one year with students undertaking four nine week blocks during the year. Classes run three days a week with one day delivered in our online classroom using video conferencing.

Core units

Elective units

hours

Placement

Diploma

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 810

Your units

Diploma of Library and Information Services

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Consolidate & maintain library industry knowledge Core unit	BSBINS407
Monitor compliance with copyright & licence requirements Core unit	BSBINS503
Extend own literacy skills to locate information Core unit	BSBINS602
Identify and resolve client ICT problems Core unit	ICTSAS432
Elective units
Search library and information databases Elective unit	BSBINS404
Use advanced functions of integrated library management systems Elective unit	BSBINS507
Promote literature & reading Elective unit	BSBINS509
Develop community & stakeholder relationships in a library environment Elective unit	BSBINS510
Develop & promote library activities, events & public programs Elective unit	BSBINS511
Undertake cataloguing activities Elective unit	BSBINS516
Contribute to collection management Elective unit	BSBINS604
Provide subject access and classify material Elective unit	BSBINS505
Deliver & monitor a service to customers Elective unit	BSBOPS304
Review and maintain organisation’s digital presence Elective unit	BSBTEC405
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices Elective unit	BSBXCS402
Provide work skill instruction Elective unit	TAEDEL311

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$17,740

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$12,660

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Financials
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Learn more about concession rates

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents

BSB50520

Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code

BSB50520

Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400278804

Apply through VTAC

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Location

Start dates

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

"Completing the Diploma opened new opportunities for me both at work and to further my studies. At work, I was able to apply for temporary higher duties positions where the qualification was a mandatory requirement. The Diploma also gave me the opportunity to further progress onto postgraduate studies to become a qualified librarian with some experience."

Brad , Diploma of Library and Information Services

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

International student visa

Location options

Professional accreditation

Australian Library and Information Association

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Diploma of Library and Information Services

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)