Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability
SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the
Fact Sheet.
A detailed
Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.
Transfer Credit
Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Some transfer credit options for this program include:
- transfer of 60 credit units toward a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree in Communication Studies at Athabasca University
- transfer of 15 credit units toward a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Regina
- transfer of 6 credit units toward a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Regina
- transfer of 24 credit units toward a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan
- transfer of 9 credit units toward a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Saskatchewan
CKEY 189 Keyboarding 1
You will build skill and develop speed using both the alphabetic keyboard and the numeric keypad. Rapid touch keyboarding with a high degree of accuracy will be emphasized. You will be encouraged to set individual goals to increase your speed and accuracy levels. You will be required to attain a speed of 30 words per minute on three-minute timings.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
CKEY 184
COMM 381 Communications 1
You will study the relevant terms and concepts related to the process of communication will help you understand the skills needed to achieve effective communication in a variety of dyadic and small group situations.
2.0
Credit Units
32.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
COMM 183
COMM 196
COMP 171 Introduction to Microsoft Word
Your studies will introduce you to basic word processing skills such as creating, editing and formatting documents, building tables, using templates and applying styles.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
CKEY 187
COAP 196
COAP 343
COMP 120
COMP 154
COMP 173 Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and Web Publishing
Your studies will introduce you to basic skills in the use of PowerPoint software for designing, editing and delivering presentations. You will learn the fundamentals of web publishing for simple web page development.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
COAP 196
COMP 120
COMP 174 Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1
You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to format spreadsheet elements, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard
Course Attributes:
Equivalent Course(s):
COAP 138
COAP 197
COAP 344
COMP 120
HIST 280 World History
You will receive a broad outline of world history from a variety of perspectives (including social, religious, political, cultural, chronological and thematic). You will be introduced to the process of historical research and the skills and tools needed to complete a research project.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
LIB_ 192 Introduction to Information Resources
You will be introduced to reference service and general information resources (including dictionaries, encyclopedias, ready reference and indexes). You will use both print and electronic resources.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
LIB_ 196 Descriptive Cataloguing: Monographs
You will create original and/or derived records for an electronic library catalogue. The course content includes the purpose and use of library catalogues, descriptive and entry heading cataloguing for books (including the construction of headings for corporate bodies and complex personal names), and the creation and use of authority files using the current international cataloguing rules, Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) coding and online authority records.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
LIB_ 198 Circulation and Interlibrary Loan
You will examine the public image created by staff and by the physical facility in various types of libraries. You will review and evaluate circulation systems, processes, routines and policies. You will examine print and online reserve collections in academic and school libraries. Theory and practice will help you learn how to handle interlibrary loans as a borrower and as a lender.
3.0
Credit Units
44.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
ORTN 190 Introduction to Library Service
You will examine various library organizational structures, personnel descriptions and duties, and materials and services to specific patrons. Library and Archives Canada, other major Canadian libraries, the Saskatchewan library system and other library partnerships will be discussed.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
WORK 194 Introductory Work Experience
You will be placed in a Saskatoon library to become better acquainted with day to day operations of a library. Assignments will vary and will be dependent upon the library but will be within your educational experience.
0.0
Credit Units
27.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Prior Learning, Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group
Equivalent Course(s):
PRAC 188
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
AV__ 180 Audiovisual Techniques
You will develop basic skills in audiovisual production. You will focus on effective use, operating and maintaining equipment, and producing materials for quality presentations.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
CDNS 280 Canadian Government
You will become familiar with the history of the Canadian government and system of parliament (including the constitution from 1867 to present). You will learn the broad principles of government and parliament. This includes the concepts of executive federalism and responsible government.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
COMM 113 Communications 2
After reviewing relevant terms and concepts related to the process of communication, you will apply them to develop attitudes and skills needed for successful communication at the library. You will develop a positive image of service and competence in written and oral presentations. You will also receive instruction and practice to create clear written documents and presentations which exhibit effective organization, research, documentation and language skills.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
COMM 192
Prerequisites:
COMM 381 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 191 Readers' Services
Focusing on school and public libraries, you will examine the roles and functions of readers' advisors. You will study fiction reference sources, readers' advisory interviews, genre types and representative examples, and a variety of fiction promotion techniques.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 197 General Information Resources
You will examine information resources in biography in library science and in the publishing trade. You will examine library and publishing trade bibliographies and evaluative guides to reference collections. You will use both print and electronic resources.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
LIB 192 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 199 Subject Cataloguing
In your continuing study of the organization of library materials, you will assign Dewey Decimal classification numbers, Library of Congress subject headings, and Library of Congress classification numbers to library materials. You will construct records for monographs for an online catalogue with complete descriptive and subject cataloguing (original and/or derived).
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
LIB 196 Minimum Grade of 60
LIT_ 280 Literature and Composition
You will become familiar with representative works from each of the four major genres of poetry, short fiction, the novel and drama with examples coming from non-Canadian (British, Commonwealth, European in translation and American) literature in English. You will also become familiar with critical vocabulary and discuss and evaluate critically representative works from each genre. You will receive instruction and practice in critical essay writing. Effective organization, college-level research skills and the effective use of language, sentences and paragraphs in creating clear writing will be emphasized.
5.0
Credit Units
80.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
WORK 285 Work Experience 1
You will participate in a three-week supervised work placement in a Saskatoon library. The tasks assigned will be typical of a library technician and within your educational experience. Depending on the hours of the particular library, you may experience shift and weekend work.
0.0
Credit Units
105.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group
Equivalent Course(s):
PRAC 111
Prerequisites:
WORK 194 Minimum Grade of CO
and LIB 196 Minimum Grade of 60
CKEY 186 Keyboarding 2
You will continue to build skill using the entire alphabetic keyboard. You will be encouraged to work on individual goals to increase speed and/or accuracy levels. The minimum speed requirement is 35 net words per minute on three 5-minute timed writings.
1.0
Credit Units
16.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
CKEY 122
TYPG 144
Prerequisites:
CKEY 189 Minimum Grade of 60
COAP 292 Libraries 2.0+
Building on your information seeking skills from year one, you will develop advanced searching strategies for databases and Internet resources, examine and evaluate search engines and websites, evaluate social networking strategies and applications used by various types of libraries, and examine current issues in information technology applications in libraries.
3.0
Credit Units
46.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
and CKEY 189 Minimum Grade of 60
and COMP 171 Minimum Grade of 60
and COMP 174 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 290 Descriptive and Subject Cataloguing: Nonbook Materials and
Electronic Resources
Building on your knowledge of traditional descriptive and subject cataloguing, you will create records for nonbook materials and Internet resources, print and electronic serials, print and electronic government documents, and special information files. You will examine various alternative standardized bibliographic description formats for information resources available via the Internet. Using online searching and automated cataloguing applications, you will complete an extensive practical assignment on the descriptive and subject cataloguing (original and derived) of library materials within an integrated library system.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
LIB 199 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 291 Information Resources: Social Sciences
You will evaluate information sources in the social sciences including business, commerce and law, education, health sciences, government reference sources, sport and recreation, history and geography. You will use both print and electronic resources.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
LIB 197 Minimum Grade of 60
MGMT 282 Library Management - Theory and Practice
You will focus on the principles of management with particular emphasis upon the role of the technician as supervisor within school, public, academic and special libraries. Management styles, planning, formal and informal organizations, staff selection, supervision, and leadership styles, motivation, evaluation and budgeting will be covered. You will be expected to integrate the theoretical framework with practical applications through case studies, readings, simulations and class discussion.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
PRPL 284 Public Relations and Programming
You will examine ways of marketing the library to the community. You will discuss current topics relating to programming for the entire community. Planning and executing visual displays and programs will be emphasized.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s):
PRPL 180
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
CKEY 188 Word Processing
You will learn to prepare a variety of documents relative to their field of study while expanding their expertise in using more advanced Microsoft Word features.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
CKEY 189 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 193 Libraries of the Future
You will investigate and discuss the impact of new technologies and changes in current political, economic, and social climates on the delivery of information and services within various types of library systems provincially, nationally and internationally.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 292 Acquisitions and Maintenance of Library Materials
You will focus on collection assessment and development and acquisition of library materials and integrated library systems, continued examination and application of Library of Congress classification, and the maintenance of library materials. Using online searching and automated cataloguing applications, you will complete an extensive practical assignment on the descriptive and subject cataloguing (original and derived) of library materials within an integrated library system.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
LIB 290 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 293 Information Resources: Humanities and Science and
Technology
You will evaluate information sources in the humanities and in science and technology including religion, mythology and philosophy, fine and performing arts, literature, native studies and natural sciences and technology.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
LIB 291 Minimum Grade of 60
LIT_ 281 Canadian Literature in English
You will read, discuss and critically evaluate representative works of poetry and prose from each of four historical periods of Canadian literature in English. Works to be considered will include Saskatchewan literature and First Nations, Inuit and Metis work written in or translated into English.
5.0
Credit Units
80.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s):
LIT 180
LIT 181
NAST 280 Native Studies
You will focus on the historical and contemporary issues facing First Nations, Inuit and Metis people in Canada. You will examine the role Aboriginal people have played in the development of Canadian society and how Aboriginal cultures have changed as a result of contact with Europeans and the Canadian state.
5.0
Credit Units
80.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
PSYC 187 Introduction to Psychology
You will study mental processes and behaviour. These include theoretical approaches, history and methods of study as well as major research findings within various subfields of psychology.
5.0
Credit Units
80.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Equivalent Course(s):
PSYC 180
PSYC 183
PSYC 184
WORK 286 Work Experience 2
You will participate in a three-week supervised work placement in a Saskatchewan library. You will use your previous library experience and additional classroom theory in a library setting where you will perform typical library technician duties at an advanced level. Depending on the hours of the particular library assignment you may experience shift and weekend work. Your placement will be outside commuting distances from Saskatoon.
0.0
Credit Units
105.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Work Experience -Individual, Work Experience - Group
Equivalent Course(s):
PRAC 112
Prerequisites:
WORK 285 Minimum Grade of CO
and LIB 290 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 180 Libraries of the Past and Present
Building on your introduction to Canadian library development in ORTN 190, you will examine the origins of libraries and the historical evolution of national, academic, public, school and special libraries with emphasis on the European and U.S. experiences since 1500.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 194 Introduction to Archives and Records Management
You will be introduced to the field of archives and records management, including an overview of archival principles. You will discuss the functions of archival and records management programs and how they inter-relate. You will receive a broad orientation to work in archival and records management systems.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
LIB_ 282 Storytelling
You will examine the role storytelling has in the development of literacy skills and look at family literacy programs. Building on the knowledge of children¿s literature theory and material titles, you will prepare and present literature using picture books, flannel boards, puppets and the "told" story. You will plan, prepare and present story time programs for children.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
LIT 182 Minimum Grade of 60
LIT_ 182 Children's Materials and Services
You will discuss the history of children's literature and become familiar with representative works of contemporary children's material in fiction and non fiction in print and non print format. You will examine the criteria used to select children's material for school and public libraries. Promotion of children's material will be discussed.
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
LIT_ 183 Library Materials and Services for Teens
You will examine the physical, social, emotional and intellectual factors that influence teen reading/viewing habits and the criteria for selecting materials for teens. You will be exposed to a variety of fiction genres, various methods of presentation, and the major trends and issues regarding services for teens in public and school libraries
3.0
Credit Units
48.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
Prerequisites:
ORTN 190 Minimum Grade of 60
Electives
One elective is required in Year 1 - Semester 2
Two electives are required in Year 2 - Semester 4
