Education · 1 of 4

The path

One college diploma. No degree, no licence, no exam.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   English is the main requirement. Good computer skills help more than you would guess.

2. 2

   Apply to a library technician program

   Months ahead

   Some programs ask for a letter about why you want the field, an interview and a written test. Seats fill fast.

3. 3

   Two-year diploma

   2 years

   Cataloguing, reference, library software, collections and serving the public. Several colleges offer it online or part time.

4. 4

   Field placement

   Placements in real libraries, usually unpaid and required to graduate. They are also how most people get hired.

5. 5

   First job

   Months to 2 years

   Often casual or part-time shifts at first, then a permanent posting.