Does the Diploma of Library and Information Science make me a chartered librarian?

Chartered status is awarded by professional bodies and usually requires additional accredited qualifications and a portfolio. The diploma is a strong foundation but is not a chartered route on its own.

Will I learn cataloguing and metadata standards?

Yes — cataloguing principles, classification systems and metadata work are core to the Diploma of Library and Information Science. Specific tools and standards used in practical work are confirmed at enrolment.

Is this diploma suitable for school librarianship?

Many learners use it to move from teaching assistant or classroom roles into school library work. Requirements for school librarian posts vary by country and school, so check local guidance.

Can the Diploma of Library and Information Science be studied online?

Yes — online and blended modes are available. HICL confirms the exact format per intake.

Fees vary by mode and intake. Contact HICL admissions for the current schedule.

Diploma of Library and Information Science | HICL | Harold International College of London

Diploma of Library and Information Science at HICL

Libraries are not what they were and that's a good thing. Public libraries run digital skills sessions for older adults, school libraries are reading-engagement hubs, academic libraries publish open-access content, and corporate information teams manage knowledge bases worth more than the office they sit in. The Diploma of Library and Information Science is for people who want to step into that profession with proper grounding.

This is a mid-tier qualification. It assumes you take information work seriously and gives you a solid foundation in cataloguing, classification, reader services and the digital systems that now sit at the heart of the field.

The job has changed; the discipline still matters

Cataloguing, metadata, controlled vocabularies and reference services aren't quaint — they're what make modern digital collections findable. The Diploma of Library and Information Science teaches the underlying discipline, then layers in digital library systems, copyright and licensing essentials, and the user-experience side of running a library or information service well.

Who This Diploma Is For

Library assistants and paraprofessionals wanting a formal qualification.
Teachers and teaching assistants moving towards a school librarian role.
Career changers from academic, NGO or publishing backgrounds.
Information officers in corporate or government settings.

Where graduates typically go

Graduates of the Diploma of Library and Information Science typically move into library assistant, school librarian, records and information officer, knowledge management support, and archives assistant roles. Senior roles such as Chartered Librarian usually require further accredited qualifications; check the requirements of the relevant professional body in your jurisdiction (for example CILIP in the UK).

How the programme is delivered

HICL runs the Diploma of Library and Information Science in formats including online, blended and on-campus. Online study suits learners already working in libraries or information teams. Module structure and assessment patterns are confirmed at enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Completed secondary schooling or equivalent.
English language: IELTS 5.5 or accepted equivalent.
Minimum age 18 at the start of the programme.
Comfort with computers, search interfaces and basic data work.

Apply for the Diploma of Library and Information Science

If you take libraries, archives and information services seriously and want a recognised qualification to match, the Diploma of Library and Information Science is a sensible choice. Click Enroll Now to apply — HICL admissions usually respond within one working day with intake dates and document checklist.