The IRM program is designed to meet the needs of a changing information economy.
Organizations create and use an unprecedented amount of digital data, which has fundamentally changed the ways in which we work, communicate and provide services. Advances in information technology have created increased demand from employers for graduates with expanded technology skills to manage digital data and convert it into useful information.
The IRM program is a unique 4-year program that enables students to graduate with both a Bachelor of Information Technology degree and a Library and Information Technician diploma. The blended University and College program combines a strong theoretical education with practical experience. The flexible structure of the program also enables students to incorporate a minor of their choice to develop a subject area speciality.
The IRM program provides the opportunity to learn about information systems in both the classroom and the real world.
This skill set includes a broad understanding of information management, as well as specific capabilities in managing digital resources such as web development, database development and data analytics. This provides an important context as education in the library and information technology field moves beyond the traditional library setting, towards electronic and social media, to encompass a wide range of occupations in both the private and public sectors.
These developments have prompted Carleton University and Algonquin College to develop a new program to meet the needs of a changing information economy. The IRM program provides the opportunity to learn about information systems in both the classroom and the real world.
Bridge for LIT Diploma Students
A bridge program has been designed for students who already have an LIT diploma to reduce the time to obtain the BIT degree. More information is available upon request from the IRM Coordinator
Co-Operative Education
A flexible co-operative education option will be available to IRM students. The co-op option enables students to gain up to five terms of work experience related to the field of information technology and information resource management. Co-op employment can be in government agencies, libraries, or the private sector.
Future Opportunities
Graduates will have both a degree and a diploma, opening the door to a broad range of career opportunities to manage digital resources and services; students will gain marketable skill set and a number of competitive advantages in the employment market including practical job-related experience gained through practicum and senior year projects.
Tuned into Industry
Both institutions regularly consult with representatives from related industries in order to track changing trends in IT, Digital Resource Management, and Library Resources. This also helps you to build contacts for both co-op and future employment.
The Capital Advantage
There are few better places in which to study and live than Ottawa, the nation’s capital. With more than 1,800 high-technology companies and a wide range of governmental departments, non-profit organizations and research institutions.
Laboratory Facilities
An up-to-date computer lab specifically maintained for the program provides access to the latest technology in the field. The newly renovated and award-winning MacOdrum Library provides many state-of-the-art facilities including the Discovery Centre for Undergraduate Research and Student Engagement, which facilitates students realize their full potential through collaborative and interactive learning. The Library provides a designated space adjacent to the Discovery Centre for IRM students to research, collaborate and study.
Facility Highlights
- Virtual Machine Datacentre
- Practicuum Studies in full collaboration with MacOdrum Library
- Discovery Centre for Digital Exploration
- Computer laboratories equiped with latest analytics software
How the Program Works
Once registered in the IRM program, students are members of both Algonquin and Carleton. Both institutions offer the benefit of outstanding facilities, teaching staff, resources and expertise.
Note: The program has been designed for full-time studies; to ensure the necessary student/teacher interaction, enrolment in the program is limited.
