Skip to Section
Submitter's Information
Colin Williams
Librarian; Curriculum Chair
Los Angeles
Long Beach City College
CTE Dean
Gita Runkle
Log in to view CTE Dean's Email.
Program Details
Library & Information Science, Bachelor of Science
New Program
Library Science, General (160100)
09/01/27
Catalog Description
This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career and post-baccalaureate educational experience in library and information science. This program will enhance employability in corporate, nonprofit, and government roles where a master's degree is not required. Graduates will meet the evolving demands of information settings, including corporate media spaces, modern libraries, archives, and information centers where workforce needs exist in digital asset management, UX/UI, coding, metadata, and project management. The curriculum reflects core concepts that are balanced with evolving demands around Artificial Intelligence, data fluency, and leadership in information environments.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize and apply advanced concepts in library and information science to design innovative digital resource management systems that address the needs of modern libraries and information centers.
- Evaluate and critique current trends and challenges in information ethics, digital literacy, and information management to propose solutions that align with evolving societal and technological demands.
- Lead and implement strategic initiatives for library services and digital asset management, demonstrating effective decision-making, project management, and communication skills in a variety of professional settings.
Program Requirements and Recommended Skills
- Satisfactory completion of the Cal-GETC general education pattern prior to the start of upper division coursework;
- The program is completely online via the Canvas Learning Management System. All classes are conducted asynchronously. Recommended students have strong digital literacy (experience with databases, online research, and cataloging software).
- Recommended students have effective communication skills (written and verbal).
- Recommended students have the ability to analyze and interpret research materials.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in all LIB courses
Admission to Long Beach City College does not guarantee admission into the Library Science baccalaureate degree. Students who wish to declare a major in the baccalaureate degree pilot programs must meet minimum criteria in order to be admitted into the program, including:
- Enrollment in upper division courses shall be limited to students admitted to a baccalaureate program at a California community college.
- Official High school transcripts, a GED test with a minimum score of 450 on the five-test battery, or high school proficiency examination.
- Satisfactory completion of ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing or C1001H Critical Thinking and Writing – Honors.
- Priority enrollment is granted to applicants who have completed a Library Technician/Technology Associate’s Degree or certificate in library science or related field.
Projected completers for the proposed Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science at Long Beach City College are based on a combination of existing enrollment trends in the existing associate degree and certificate programs, projected enrollment in the bachelor degree, strong student interest in the new degree, and a structured four-year pathway designed to support student persistence. The college anticipates that completer numbers will remain strong due to ongoing interest from both current students and new applicants drawn by the affordability, flexibility, and career relevance of the degree.
- Completions for the existing programs are on the rise, from 20 total program awards in 2020-2021 to 52 total awards in 2023-2024 (160% increase).
- And the program boasts an impressive average success rate of 77%, beating both institution-set-standards and local stretch goals.
The college anticipates that completer numbers will remain strong due to ongoing interest from both current students and new applicants drawn by the affordability, flexibility, and career relevance of the degree.
Based on these factors, the Library conservatively estimates the following completer projections for the bachelor’s program:
- Year 1: 15–20 completers (from an initial cohort of 25–35 students, allowing for part-time status and transition time).
- Year 2: 25–30 completers .
- Year 3 and beyond: 35–45 annual completers, reflecting full implementation, ongoing interest, and additional cohorts progressing through the program.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Baccalaureate of Science (B.S.) Degree
Program Goals & Objectives
This program is designed to expand access to affordable, high-quality education for students pursuing careers in library and information services. Building on our well-established associate degree and certificate programs in Library Technician, the bachelor’s degree creates a clear, available pathway for students who seek career advancement or plan to pursue graduate study in the field of a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program to become librarians. The program responds directly to workforce needs and student demand, addressing the growing number of entry- and mid-level positions that require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification.
This program integrates both traditional (library) and emerging (information science) aspects of the profession. Coursework in areas such as digitization, metadata, information retrieval, and community engagement prepare students for roles in public libraries, academic institutions, museums, archives, and businesses with online libraries and digital asset management projects such as Disney, Netflix, The Broad, Vans, Regents of the University of California, and Scripps Health. The curriculum was also developed in collaboration with faculty, employers, and university partners to ensure alignment with regional job opportunities and graduate-level expectations, particularly those of Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs at institutions like San Jose State University, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC).
Student input played a significant role in shaping the program. Through a student interest survey, many students expressed a desire to continue their education without the financial burden or logistical complications of transferring to a four-year university. The program is designed for online delivery, making it accessible to working adults and nontraditional learners across the state. It will also act as an enrollment feeder into the San Jose State University’s completely online master’s degree program, reinforcing and preparing students for an online education. And, a required capstone experience, either a fieldwork placement or a research project, ensures students apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, strengthening both job readiness and academic confidence.
The program also reflects LBCC’s broader mission to serve a diverse student population and reduce systemic barriers to higher education. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and college that serves an ethnically diverse community and student body, we foresee this program assisting in diversifying the library and information science workforce by creating equitable pathways to leadership.
This degree represents not just an academic credential, but a meaningful investment in educational mobility, workforce development, and community impact. It positions the library and LBCC as a leader in reimagining how community colleges can serve students, the profession, and the public good through innovation and inclusive design.
Course Units and Hours
n/a
63
120
Course Report
Students are required to complete units in the following divisions, totaling 120 total units for bachelor's degree .
- 34 units Lower-Division General Education (Cal-GETC)
- 9 units Upper-Division General Education (LBCC Upper Division GE)
- 30 units Lower-Division Major Coursework
- 33 units Upper-Division Major Coursework
- 14 units Restricted Electives (to reach 120 units)
Proposed Sequence:
- Semester 1 15 units
- Semester 2 16 units
- Semester 3 16 units
- Semester 4 15 units
- Semester 5 15 units
- Semester 6 15 units
- Semester 7 15 units
- Semester 8 13 units
- Total: 120 units
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED CORE UPPER-DIVISION COURSES
LIB 910 Foundations of Library Science 3 units Year 3
LIB 913 Serving Communities & Organizations 3 units Year 3
LIB 916 Comparative Librarianship 3 units Year 3
LIB 920 Foundations of Information Science 3 units Year 3
LIB 923 Foundations of Information Architecture 3 units Year 2
LIB 930 Digital Libraries & Digitization 3 units Year 4
LIB 933 Large Language Models & AI in Libraries 3 units Year 4
LIB 936 AI, Metadata, and Knowledge Management 3 units Year 4
LIB 940 Library Organizational Leadership 3 units Year 4
LIB 950 Assessment & Data-Driven Services 3 units Year 4
LIB 999 Capstone Work Experience or Advanced Research 3 units Year 4
Subtotal Upper Division Major Units 33
COMPLETE FIFTEEN (15) LOWER-DIVISION UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING :
BCOM 15 Business Communications 3 units Year 1/2
BCOM 263 Customer Service 3 units Year 1/2
COMM 31 Elements of Leadership Communication 3 units Year 1/2
COSA 25 Microsoft Access for Windows 3 units Year 1/2
COSA 55 AI and Machine Learning Foundations 3 units Year 1/2
COSA 60 Fundamentals of Generative AI 3 units Year 1/2
MGMT 49 Introduction to Management 3 units Year 1/2
MGMT 58 Leadership and Supervision 3 units Year 1/2
Subtotal Lower-Division Units 15
COMPLETE FIFTEEN (15) LOWER-DIVISION UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
COSW 10 Beginning Website Development 4 units Year 2/3
COSW 20 Front End Website Development 4 units Year 2/3
COSW 230 Web Development Frameworks 4 units Year 2/3
COSW 240 Intro to Content Management Systems 3 units Year 2/3
CS 11 Introduction to Computer Science-C++ 3 units Year 2/3
CS 21 Introduction to Computer Science-Java 3 units Year 2/3
CS 22 Data Structures and Algorithms 3 units Year 2/3
CS 31 Introduction to Computer Science-Python 3 units Year 2/3
LIB1 Introduction to Information 2 units Year 2/3
Subtotal Lower-Division Units 15
Total Upper-Division Major Units: 33
Total Lower-Division Major Units: 30
Total Major Units: 63
COMPLETE THE LOWER-DIVISION GENERAL EDUCATION Cal-GETC PATTERN
Cal-GETC General Education 34 units Year 1, 2
Subtotal Lower-Division GE Units: 34
COMPLETE THE UPPER-DIVISION LBCC GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
ENGL 900 Advanced Technical Writing 3 units Year 3
COMM 900 Advanced Oral Communication 3 units Year 4
COSA 900 Advanced Critical Computation 3 units Year 4
OR LIB 990 Advanced Research Methodologies 3 units Year 4
Subtotal Upper-Division GE Units 9
Total Upper-Division Major and GE Units 42
COMPLETE AT LEAST FOURTEEN (14) LOWER-DIVISION RESTRICTED ELECTIVE UNITS:
ACCTG 229 Spreadsheet Accounting 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
BCOM 260 Channels of Business Communication 1 units Year 1/2/3/4
BCOM 262 Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace 1 units Year 1,2,3,4
BCOM 264 Business Telecommuting Fundamentals 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
COMM 20 Elements of Interpersonal Communication 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
COSP 7 Programming Concepts and Methodologies 4 units Year 1/2/3/4
COSP 38 Database Concepts 4 units Year 1/2/3/4
COSP 231 Intro to Data Analytics/Modeling 1 unit Year 1/2/3/4
COSP 237 Database Programming with SQL 4 units Year 1/2/3/4
LIB 2 Introduction to Academic Research 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
MGMT 60 Management & Organization Behavior 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
PSYCH 11 Social Psychology 3 units Year 1/2/3/4
Subtotal Restricted Elective Units: 14
Total Program Units: 120
UNIT CALCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
34 units Lower-Division General Education (Cal-GETC)
9 units Upper-Division General Education (LBCC Upper Division GE)
30 units Lower-Division Major Coursework
33 units Upper-Division Major Coursework
14 units Restricted Electives (to reach 120 units)
______________________________
120 total units for bachelor's degree
Proposed Sequence:
Semester 1 15 units
Semester 2 16 units
Semester 3 16 units
Semester 4 15 units
Semester 5 15 units
Semester 6 15 units
Semester 7 15 units
Semester 8 13 units
Total: 120 units
Semester 1 (15 units)
Cal-GETC AREA 1A: English Composition 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 5A: Physical Science 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 4: Social & Behavioral Science 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. COSA 25 Microsoft Access for Windows 3 units
Restricted Elective Lower Div i.e. CS 22 Data Structures & Algorithms 3 units
Semester 2 (16 units)
Cal-GETC AREA 1B: Critical Thinking & Composition 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 5B & 5C: Biological Science & Lab 4 units
Cal-GETC AREA 4: Social & Behavioral Science (from a different discipline) 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. COMM 31 Elements of Leadership Communication 3 units
Restricted Elective Lower Div i.e. ACCTG 229 Spreadsheet Accounting 3 units
Semester 3 (16 units)
Cal-GETC AREA 1C: Oral Communication 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 3A: Arts 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. COSA 3 Technology and Society 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. BCOM 15 Business Communications 3 units
Restricted Elective Lower Div i.e. COSP 7 Programming Concepts and Methodologies 4 units
Semester 4 (15 units)
Cal-GETC AREA 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 3B: Humanities 3 units
Cal-GETC AREA 6: Ethnic Studies 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. MGMT 49 Introduction to Management 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. COSA 55 AI and Machine Learning Foundations 3 units
Semester 5 (15 units)
LIB 910 Foundations of Library Science 3 units
LIB 913 Serving Communities & Organizations 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. CS 22 Data Structures and Algorithms 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. CS 31 Introduction to Computer Science-Python 3 units
Upper-Div GE: ENGL 900 Advanced Technical Writing 3 units
Semester 6 (15 units)
LIB 916 Comparative Librarianship 3 units
LIB 920 Foundations of Information Science 3 units
LIB 923 Foundations of Information Architecture 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. COSW 240 Intro to Content Management Systems 3 units
Major Lower Div i.e. CS 11 Introduction to Computer Science-C++ 3 units
Semester 7 (15 units)
LIB 930 Digital Libraries & Digitization 3 units
LIB 933 Large Language Models & AI in Libraries 3 units
LIB 936 AI, Metadata, and Knowledge Management 3 units
Restricted Elective Lower Div i.e. PSYCH 11 Social Psychology 3 units
Upper-Div GE: COMM 900 Advanced Oral Communication 3 units
Semester 8 (13 units)
LIB 940 Library Organizational Leadership 3 units
LIB 950 Assessment & Data-Driven Services 3 units
LIB 999 Capstone Work Experience or Advanced Research 3 units
Restricted Elective Lower Div i.e. COSP 231 Intro to Data Analytics/Modeling 1 unit
Upper-Div GE: COSA 900 Advanced Critical Computation 3 units
Supporting Documents
Los Angeles Regional Questions
Long Beach Community College District
Long Beach City College
Gita Runkle is Alternate Voting Member (Starla Thomas is out of the office through June 2025)
Log in to view Email.
Log in to view Phone.
New Program
The Bachelor Degree in Library & Information Science will be housed within the Library Science discipline and Library Department.
There are similar lower-division programs at LBCC:
- Associate in Science Degrees
- Library Technician - Associate in Science
- Certificates of Achievement
- Library Technician - Certificate of Achievement
- Certificates of Completion (Noncredit)
- Library Technician - Certificate of Completion
- Library Technician Basic Digitization - Certificate of Completion
- Library Technician Public Services - Certificate of Completion
- Library Technician School & Youth Services - Certificate of Completion
- Library Technician Technical Services - Certificate of Completion
There are similar lower-division programs at neighboring community colleges, including Santa Ana and Pasadena City Colleges where associate degrees and certificates in Library Technician/Technology exist.
Additional sister colleges have been consulted and included in the Advisory Committee to garner feedback and consultation.
In sum, librarians and administrators at the following City/Community Colleges have been consulted via email on March 24, 2025 and via the Advisory Committee on April 11, 2025:
- Pasadena City College
- Santa Ana City College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Palomar Community College
- City College of San Francisco
- Santa Monica City College
Long Beach City College currently offers a Library Technician Associate of Science degree (TOP Code: 1602.00). The existing Associate of Science in Library Technician program is designated as CTE and Transfer. The existing Library Technician programs will continue to be offered alongside the proposed BDP to provide a seamless educational pathway from associate to bachelor’s level.
Recent curriculum development has incorporated a Certificate of Achievement and four noncredit Certificates of Completion. Over the past four years, these programs have seen increased enrollment and completion rates. The college’s existing Associate of Science in Library Technician, Certificates of Achievement, and noncredit Certificates of Completion have demonstrated steady and growing enrollment, with increasing numbers of major declarations, course enrollments, and completions across credit and noncredit certificates. These upward trends point to both the sustainability and scalability of a bachelor’s-level extension.
Altogether, enrollment in the programs is up from an unduplicated headcount of 80 students in the program during Fall 2020 to 200 students in Spring 2024 (150% increase). Completions for the programs are on the rise, from 20 total program awards in 2020-2021 to 52 total awards in 2023-2024 (160% increase). The number of declared majors has also risen from 104 in 2019-2020 to 218 in 2023-2024 (109% increase). The program boasts an impressive average success rate of 77%, beating both institution-set-standards and local stretch goals.
The proposed baccalaureate program’s online format is expected to increase access and retention, particularly for working adults and students with caregiving responsibilities. The college anticipates strong retention and persistence in the proposed baccalaureate program, given that the program will be built on an existing structure with dedicated library faculty, a proven curriculum, and long-standing student-faculty engagement.
The college anticipates strong retention and persistence in the proposed baccalaureate program, given that the program will be built on an existing structure with dedicated library faculty, a proven curriculum, and long-standing student-faculty engagement.
In the enrollment chart below, existing 200-level courses are credit-bearing, while 600-level courses are existing noncredit. We feel it is important to include both as we consider projecting enrollment in the baccalaureate degree program, as these existing courses represent an interest and commitment to gaining skills and higher education in the library science discipline.
|
| 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | ||
Course | Course Title | Annual # Sections | Annual Enrollment | Annual # Sections | Annual Enrollment |
LIB1 | Introduction to Information | 5 | 107 | 5 | 98 |
LIB2 | Introduction to Academic Research | 4 | 43 | 1 | 4 |
LIB200 | Foundations of Library Services | 5 | 92 | 5 | 103 |
LIB210 | Introduction to Access Services | 2 | 50 | 4 | 82 |
LIB220 | Introduction to Acquisitions | 1 | 29 | 4 | 98 |
LIB230 | Technology and Teamwork | 4 | 58 | 3 | 65 |
LIB240 | Introduction to Cataloging | 1 | 24 | 2 | 32 |
LIB250 | Introduction to Youth Services | 2 | 43 | 2 | 45 |
LIB251 | School Library Media Assistant | 1 | 16 | ||
LIB271WE | Work Experience | 3 | 10 | 7 | 15 |
LIB600 | Foundations of Library Services | 5 | 58 | 5 | 62 |
LIB601 | Introduction to Information | 5 | 31 | 5 | 40 |
LIB602 | Introduction to Academic Research | 4 | 12 | 1 | 6 |
LIB610 | Introduction to Access Services | 2 | 12 | 4 | 56 |
LIB620 | Introduction to Acquisitions | 1 | 8 | 4 | 46 |
LIB630 | Technology and Teamwork | 4 | 41 | 3 | 36 |
LIB640 | Introduction to Cataloging | 1 | 11 | 2 | 9 |
LIB650 | Introduction to Youth Services | 2 | 29 | 2 | 33 |
LIB651 | School Library Media Assistant | 1 | 24 | ||
Coupled with existing quantitative enrollment data, we also draw on the strong interest in the proposed baccalaureate program expressed by current and prospective students in the program..
111 LBCC students have offered their support for the program by answering relevant questions in a survey. 86.5% of student respondents (96 out of 111) report being “very interested” in pursuing a bachelor's degree in library science if it was offered at LBCC. 9% reported being “somewhat interested” and 4.5% reported being “not at all interested.”
Creating a bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science will fill a major gap in accessible education, reducing barriers for students who cannot afford to pursue a graduate degree immediately. Online delivery was preferred by most respondents, and several students cited cost, flexibility, and interest in MLIS advancement as motivators.
As the biggest advantage of earning a bachelor's in library science, students frequently selected, "Opportunities to pursue getting a master's degree in library science," and "More opportunities to intern and build my professional network."
Free responses expanding on the proposed degree generated themes around strong support for the program and its necessity; workforce advancement and enhanced career opportunities; accessibility and affordability; and equity and expanding access to underrepresented students. Some relevant quotes from students include:
“As Greg Lucas, California State Librarian, mentioned, Strong Libraries build Strong Communities. A program that promotes and provides more knowledge and skills for library education benefits everyone.”
“I will be graduating in December of this year with my AS in Library Science! I would love to continue toward a bachelors!!!”
“This is an excellent opportunity for me. I would love to complete my degree but cannot afford to do so at a four-year college.”
“Supporting this because it will also be a path for students to earn their MLIS after they graduate with a bachelor's degree.”
Government (63%), Educational Services (17%), and Information (11%)
N/A New Program
Submission Details
05/30/25 - 04:55 PM
06/09/25 - 04:17 PM by Gray Rakow
Recommended
Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Library & Information Science, Bachelor of Science". to Colin Williams's drafts. This message will be sent to c3williams@lbcc.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
Gray Rakow Super User · 06/09/25
Updated the ACRL letter per the college's request
Gray Rakow Super User · 06/04/25
Included additional collegial consultation documentation with the LAWC voting members