Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services

The Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 3 will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as digital resourcing, accessing information, local studies and family history.

This qualification covers approaches to the organisation of information and/or material; understanding the libraries, archives and information services environment; and supporting users to make use of digital resources.

This qualification is available through approved centres.

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What does this qualification cover?

This qualification offers centres flexibility and choice because of the comprehensive range of optional Units.

Learners can progress to a range of courses at a higher level including Diploma in Cultural Heritage at level 5, allowing centres to retain or build student numbers.

This Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 3 can be offered in any of the following modes:

  • full-time
  • part-time (eg day-release)
  • open and distance learning
  • infill into existing classes
  • evening provision

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners to education
  • people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • individuals who wish to start their own business

It may be of interest to those who have already completed the Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services or who have any carried out any previous work within this area.

Apprenticeships

This Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 3 is included as a component in the Level 3 Libraries, Archives, Records and Information Management Services Apprenticeship framework.

Learners may wish to do this qualification as part of the Apprenticeship, or on its own.   If learners complete this qualification as part of the Apprenticeship they will be required to undergo additional training, over and above the core qualification, in areas including employment rights and responsibility and/or English and maths.

They may wish to consider taking this qualification outside of the Apprenticeship framework:

  • to maximise their employment opportunities within this sector, as not all employers offer Apprenticeship places for this particular job role
  • the full Apprenticeship may not be relevant to those who are already in employment but wish to gain recognition and/or certification of their skills
  • if they meet the entry requirements to take the qualification but not those required for the apprenticeship route

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Progression

Learners who have achieved the Diploma can progress to job roles relating to their chosen pathway.

  • Archive Co-ordinator: with responsibilities such as managing access to information, resources, materials and facilities.
  • Records Co-ordinator: with responsibilities such as retaining and co-ordinating access to information, resources, materials and facilities.
  • Senior Library Assistant: with responsibilities such as complying with policies and legislation.
  • Information Services Co-ordinator: with responsibilities such as creating information communities.
  • Library Services Supervisor: with responsibilities such as supervising volunteers and frontline staff.

Learners can also do further qualifications to build on their skills, for example:

  • Professional degrees and postgraduate qualifications in Libraries, Archives, Records and Information Management Services
  • Professional qualifications and awards of professional bodies
  • The Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Libraries, Archives, Records and Information Services

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Qualification structure

The Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services at QCF level 3 requires the learner to achieve a minimum of 45 credits: 18 credits from the four Mandatory Core Units in Group A, plus at least 27 credits from the Optional Units in Group B. At least 6 credits must come from Group B1 and at least 6 credits from Group B2. Learners may choose the remaining 15 credits from Groups B1, B2 or B3 taking account of any barred combinations.

Group Award code: GK14 57 (45 QCF credit points)
Ofqual Qualification Code: 601/4927/9

For information on the structure of this qualification, please refer to the Qualification Structure.

Unit and Assessment Specifications and Assessment Guidance for these qualifications are available on SQA's Secure website. These are available from your centre's SQA co-ordinator. For further information, please contact mycentre@sqa.org.uk

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How to assess

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each Unit specification gives information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for the Unit.

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