Cuesta College offers a mature and robust program in Library/Information Technology. The program has been in existence for four decades. In each of the past two semesters we have enrolled more than 130 students who were taking from 1 to 6 different courses at a time. Our online offerings allow students to proceed at their own pace. Students come from all parts of California and some come from out-of-state. Ambitious students have completed our required core courses in two semesters. Four semesters is more typical. Students with heavy work and family responsibilities may take even longer.

Interpersonal Interaction

Librarianship is a people-oriented occupation. No other career field is more vital to preserving our democratic rights than one that helps all individuals have free and unfettered access to the information they need to discharge their responsibilities as citizens, to earn a living and to lead a meaningful life. That is why both our faculty and our Advisory Committee of employers are committed to including human interaction and skill development in our program as well as facility in using the latest technology. As a result we require two one-day visits to the San Luis Obispo campus during the program. Typically, this will be the first and last semesters in which students are enrolled. We also build as much interactivity as possible into each course. We want to get to know our students and we want them to get to know us and to know their fellow students. A network of supportive professional colleagues can be as essential to success in this career field as is the acquisition of job related knowledge.

Program Tracks

The Library/Information Technology curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful vocational career in the organizing and managing of information. It is offered in two academic programs. Students may chose the path leading to an Associate in Science Degree or one leading to a Certificate of Proficiency. Both provide instruction in the skills and background needed to enter into or to gain advancement in an occupational setting.

Required and elective classes for the Certificate and Degree Program can be completed in an online modality.

We also offer a parallel program in Web Development Technologies with some classes offered in an online mode while others are taught onsite at the San Luis Obispo Campus of Cuesta College.