Can I be exempted from some courses because of work experience?

Unfortunately, no. The Ministry requires that all courses must be completed in order for you to earn an ILT diploma. The bright side of this is that you will find that your learning curve is easier, and that the classroom experience will be more rewarding because you bring some practical knowledge to it.

Can I take a single course to upgrade my skills?

Specific library courses may be taken for professional development purposes if the student already has a diploma or degree in library and information studies. Regular tuition fees apply since this qualifies as part-time study.

How is fieldwork arranged?

The department arranges fieldwork (stage) placements in consultation with students, to provide students with a range of experiences. Each student has two five-week fieldwork placements in the sixth semester, one in a library and one in an archives/records management setting.

How much will it cost me?

Tuition fees: There are no tuition fees for full-time students (see “What is a regular course load? ” below). In special cases, such as medical need, or if only 1-2 courses are required to finish a diploma, students may be permitted to carry a part-time load. In these cases they may be required to pay per-course tuition fees.

The following types of fees are charged:
– Full-time application: $35
– Part-time application: $35

Student Fees per semester
– Full-time: $142
– Part-time: $33 per course

Tuition fees
– Full-time: $0
– Part-time: $2/credit hour
(e.g. course given 3 hours/week over 15 weeks: 3 x 15 x $2 = $90)

* All fees mentioned were in effect for the fall 2010 Semester, and are subject to change without notice.
Books: We usually suggest students should expect to pay $200-$400 per term depending on the number of courses and their requirements.

I am returning to school because I want to retrain/re-enter the workforce. Will I feel out-of-place with all the young people who are right out of high school?

The program has a very mixed student body. Career programs appeal to people who for one reason or another want to prepare themselves for the workplace. This includes young people who have finished a pre-university DEC, but who now feel the need for practical skills for the job market, as well as older people who have decided to return to the workplace after raising children or because they want a career change. Some of our students do come directly from high school, but there is always a large component of mature students and most consider that the mix is enjoyable. See the information below concerning courses taken elsewhere.

I have a university degree. Can I still study in this program?

Yes, you may. However, if you have a university degree, you should consider the two-year Masters programs offered at McGill University and Université de Montréal. The Masters programs are more theoretical and issues-oriented, with strong components of information science research and management. However, students with university degrees do choose to come to the ILT program, for a variety of reasons. They may prefer the hands-on, practical aspects of information management, or the location may be easier for them to attend. The lack of grade-point requirements and the low cost of CEGEP education may also be factors. See also information below concerning courses taken elsewhere.

I have missed the March 1 deadline. Can I still apply?

Yes, applications are accepted as long as there are places available in the program. Do not hesitate to contact the department to find out if there is room. Note: You must use the SRAM online application service athttp://sram.omnivox.ca .

What are general education courses and can I be exempted from them?

General education courses are the basic courses required of every CEGEP student: English, French, Humanities, Physical Education and complementaries (electives) from outside the Social science disciplines. Everyone is required to take them and the only way to be exempted from them is if you completed the requirements in a previous DEC or have other post-secondary equivalencies. Many mature students feel that they should be excused from Physical Education. However, it is a requirement that must be fulfilled unless there is a medical reason for substitution, and most people find that they are able to find courses that correspond to their interests and/or skill levels, such as general fitness, golf, walking, swimming and weight training.

What is a regular course load?

Any person who takes 12 hours of courses (usually 3- 4 courses) per week is considered a full-time student. However, 12 hours represents only part of the full program. A regular full-time course load in the Information & Library Technologies program is 7-8 courses per semester (up to 28 hours of classes per week). Generally speaking, it is not possible for students to choose to take less than the 12 hour minimum. Exceptions may be made for such cases as medical need or the finishing of diploma requirements, and in such cases there may be tuition fees. Many students choose to follow the minimum number of courses for a full-time status as they have work or family responsibilities. In these cases, course choices should be made in conjunction with the Chairperson and/or Academic Advising. We strongly suggest that students take the first term full-time if they possibly can, as it makes it easier to sequence the courses that follow, but it is not absolutely necessary. A lower course load means the program will take 4-5 years to complete.

When can I start the program?

Students are normally admitted for the session starting at the end of August. Applicants with previous courses in library or information studies may be considered for January entry. Applicants anxious to start their studies in the January session should consider speaking to an Academic advisor about applying to a pre-university program so that they can start with some of their general education courses. They would then be expected to transfer to the ILT program for the following August.

Will I be given credit for courses taken elsewhere?

You will receive credit for any general education courses completed at the CEGEP level. If you have completed a DEC, you will probably have few if any courses to do outside of the ILT concentration. Some courses done at the university level that fit into the categories of English Literature, French, Humanities (history, religion, philosophy) or Science may also be credited. You would need to see an Academic Advisor at the College with your transcripts to see what might be applicable, and then each applicable course would be considered for an equivalency. This can be done once you are accepted or after you start school. Courses in library or information studies completed elsewhere will be considered for credit on a case-by-case basis. Contact the program Chairperson for more information about this.
Students who have completed all or most of their general education courses are admitted to the Intensive stream. This gives the the opportunity to finish their diplomas in 2 years rather than the standard 3 years. However, since the Intensive full course load is very heavy (8 courses) many students choose to reduce their workload to spread it over 3 years. This is a particularly interesting option for mature students who have work or family obligations.