Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Technology Requirements

Students must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Additionally, students will be required to have a webcam and headset with a microphone and speakers. Students may purchase a webcam and headset from anywhere they choose: Logitech USB Headset Mono 650 and the Logitech Webcam C310 HD.

This program is offered in a fully online format. Students are expected to complete assignments and tests through Canvas, an online learning management system. Having access to a laptop/computer with reliable Wi-Fi will be necessary. Please check your laptop/computer to make sure that it meets the minimum recommended specifications below:

Windows/PC	Mac
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (preferred) Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit) RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: 2.4+ GHz	Operating System: Mojave v10.14 or later (preferred) High Sierra v10.13 or later RAM: 8GB Hard Drive: 256GB SSD Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 GHz or faster

804-134 Mathematical Reasoning

Students may be eligible to earn credit for the Mathematical Reasoning course if they have taken the WorkKeys assessment or scored a 25 or higher on the Math section of the ACT. If students have met the ACT score or taken the WorkKeys test or would like to take the WorkKeys in lieu of taking the Mathematical Reasoning course, please contact the Credit for Prior Learning CPL@cvtc.edu for more details. Students are advised to contact CPL prior to the semester starting or within the first week of the class to ensure that if they pursue CPL, they are eligible for a tuition refund.  

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Computer Literacy

To be successful in this program, students must possess basic computer skills before entry, including basic computer operations and basic keyboarding skills. 

In the first semester, 890-115 Online Success Strategies, students will learn how to be successful in an online learning environment and emphasizes online learner support and technologies. Foundations of Library & Information Services (557-111) provides students with an introduction to libraries, library science, and library jobs. Also in first semester, 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite introduces word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications.

Instructional Delivery Method - Online

Library and Information Services core program courses (course number beginning with 557) are offered fully online. General education courses (course number beginning with 8) are also available online. Should a learner wish to take general education courses at one of our local campuses in a more traditional format, face-to-face sections may also be available. A high degree of self-motivation and time management skills are critical to success as you will follow an instructor's timeline with due dates for assigned work and are required to participate regularly. Check the course offerings listing at cvtc.edu/coursesearch.

Choosing an Emphasis

The program offers 2 different pathways:

• Public Libraries – 557-113 Basic Public Library Administration, 557-143 Adult Literature & Services, AND 557-147 Advanced Public Library Administration
• School/Academic Libraries – 557-115 School Library Principles AND 557-125 Children's Literature & Services

Wisconsin Public Library Director DPI Certification

The following courses can be taken to be eligible for the WI Public Library Director DPI Certification (Grades II and III libraries):

• 557-113 Basic Public Library Administration (Offered in the Fall)
• 557-117 Managing & Organizing Collections (Offered in the Spring)
• 557-127 Outreach & Community Service (Offered in the Fall)
• 557-147 Advanced Public Library Administration (Offered in the Spring)

More information can be found at dpi.wi.gov/pld/certification or by meeting with your advisor.

Grade "C" Requirement

The four above-mentioned DPI certification courses, along with 557-111 Foundations of Library & Information Services must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements. These courses are noted with an * on the program requirements sheet.

Library Mentorship (557-141)

The LIS practicum provides hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced librarians or library staff. Students are expected to complete 120 hours of service at an approved library location and engage in a concentration of interest to gain valuable work experience. This course will also prepare students for work in libraries by completing a resume, portfolio, cover letter, and practicing interviewing techniques. Instructor approval is required prior to placement.

Pre-Program Students

Students who have pre-program status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-program status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admission requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. By completing these courses ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. It is strongly recommended that pre-program students complete these courses while waiting to enroll (or before enrolling) in the core program. Students who complete these courses as pre-program students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially.

These courses are typically taken by pre-program students:

• 557-117 Managing & Organizing Collections
• 557-125 Children's Literature & Services
• 557-143 Adult Literature & Services
• 890-115 Online Success Strategies
• 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite
• 801-136 English Composition 1
• 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication
• 809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies
• 809-198 Introduction to Psychology
• 804-134 Mathematical Reasoning

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Required 100-Level Courses	Alternate 200-Level Courses
801-136 English Composition 1	801-219 English Composition 1
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication	810-205 Interpersonal/Small Group Communication
809-198 Introduction to Psychology	809-251 General Psychology
809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies	809-272 Race & Ethnicity in the U.S.

ALL LIS program credits will transfer to UW-Milwaukee's Information Science & Technology (IST) online program. If you are interested in transferring, discuss options with your academic advisor.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student’s program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Last Updated: March 4, 2024 @ 3:37 p.m.