What jobs can I get with a Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services?

This qualification prepares you for entry-level roles such as library assistant, archive assistant, or information officer in public libraries, academic institutions, or corporate information centres. It can also lead to further study at Level 3 or apprenticeships in library and information management.

Do I need to know about computers for this course?

Yes, basic computer skills are essential as you will use library management systems, online catalogues, and digital databases. The course covers how technology supports information services, so being comfortable with software like Microsoft Office and web browsers is helpful.

How is the qualification assessed?

Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical tasks, and possibly a written exam. You may need to complete projects on classification, cataloguing, or user services, demonstrating your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

What is the difference between a library and an archive?

Libraries primarily hold published materials (books, journals, DVDs) for current use, while archives preserve unique, historical records (letters, photographs, official documents) for long-term research. Both involve organisation and access, but archives focus on provenance and original order.

Can I study this course online?

Many institutions offer this qualification through blended learning or fully online modes, using virtual learning environments for resources and assignments. However, practical elements like work placements may require in-person attendance.

What is copyright and why is it important in information services?

Copyright is a legal right that protects creators' works from unauthorised use. In information services, you must ensure that copying, lending, or digitising materials complies with copyright law, such as obtaining permissions or relying on fair dealing exceptions for education.

Creating and maintaining a user-focussed environment

PEARSON EDI

vocational

This element equips learners with the essential skills to create and sustain a welcoming, efficient environment in library, archive, and information service settings. It covers the proactive maintenance of facility standards, effective handling of user feedback, clear directional guidance, and the design, installation, and upkeep of attractive displays to enhance user engagement. Mastery of these competencies ensures that service users experience a consistently high-quality, user-centric atmosphere that supports their information needs.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Pearson EDI Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services (QCF)

Topic Overview

The Pearson EDI Level 2 Certificate in Libraries, Archives and Information Services (QCF) provides a foundational understanding of how libraries, archives, and information services operate within the publishing and media sector. This qualification covers the core principles of information management, including classification, cataloguing, and user services, which are essential for supporting access to published materials and digital content. Students explore the role of these institutions in preserving cultural heritage and facilitating learning, making it a vital stepping stone for careers in librarianship, archiving, or information management.

This certificate is designed for those who wish to develop practical skills in organising and retrieving information, whether in physical or digital formats. It covers key areas such as customer service in information settings, the legal and ethical frameworks governing information use, and the impact of technology on information services. By understanding how libraries and archives support the publishing industry—from managing collections to promoting literacy—students gain insights into the broader media landscape and the importance of information accessibility.

The qualification fits within the wider subject of Publishing & Media by highlighting the infrastructure that supports content distribution and preservation. Students learn how information professionals collaborate with publishers, authors, and media organisations to ensure that materials are effectively catalogued, stored, and made available to users. This knowledge is crucial for anyone aiming to work in roles that bridge content creation and public access, such as library assistants, archive technicians, or digital information officers.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Classification systems: Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and other schemes used to organise library materials by subject, enabling efficient retrieval.
→Cataloguing standards: Applying rules like AACR2 or RDA to create consistent bibliographic records, including author, title, and subject headings.
→User services: Providing reference assistance, circulation services, and information literacy instruction to meet diverse user needs.
→Preservation and conservation: Techniques for maintaining physical and digital materials, including environmental controls and digitisation processes.
→Legal and ethical frameworks: Complying with copyright law, data protection (e.g., GDPR), and professional codes of conduct in information services.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Be able to maintain acceptable standards for users of Libraries, Archives or Information Services (LAIS) facilities, Understand how to minimise disruption to users of Libraries, Archives or Information Services, Be able to deal with users’ comments, Be able to provide directions on the use of facilities, Be able to set up a display, Be able to maintain and dismantle a display

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating the application of organisational policies to maintain cleanliness, safety, and order within the LAIS facility.
Award credit for evidencing strategies to minimise noise, interruptions, or other disruptions that may negatively impact users.
Award credit for accurately recording and responding to user comments or complaints in line with service protocols.
Award credit for providing clear, accurate, and courteous verbal or written directions regarding facility layout, resources, and equipment.
Award credit for planning a display with a clear theme, appropriate materials, and consideration of target audience, in accordance with organisational guidelines.
Award credit for demonstrating proper maintenance of a display (e.g., replenishing stock, repairing damage) and systematic dismantling with minimal disruption to users.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡For assignments, provide concrete examples from a real or simulated LAIS environment to show practical application of standards maintenance.
💡When evidencing handling of user comments, include both positive and negative feedback scenarios to demonstrate a balanced approach.
💡In practical assessments for setting up a display, prepare a clear plan that links the display's purpose to the needs of the community or user group.
💡Use photographs, floor plans, or diagrams to support your evidence for providing directions and for display setups, as visual evidence can strengthen your portfolio.
💡Review your organisation's customer service policy and display guidelines before the assessment to ensure your responses align with expected standards.
💡When answering questions on classification, always provide specific examples of how a book would be classified using DDC, including the main class and subdivisions, to demonstrate practical understanding.
💡For cataloguing tasks, remember to include all essential elements: author, title, edition, publisher, and date. Use standard abbreviations and punctuation as per the cataloguing code you are studying.
💡In user service scenarios, emphasise the importance of active listening and tailoring responses to the user's level of knowledge. Show how you would handle a query step-by-step, from clarifying the need to locating the information.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Failing to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour or conditions according to the specific service's standards, leading to inconsistent enforcement.
Overlooking the importance of non-verbal communication and active listening when dealing with user comments, resulting in unresolved issues.
Neglecting to regularly check and update displays, causing them to become outdated, untidy, or irrelevant to users.
Providing directions that are too complex or jargon-filled, confusing users rather than helping them.
Assuming that minimal disruption means complete silence, rather than understanding that different zones have different noise tolerance levels.
Misconception: Libraries are only about books. Correction: Modern libraries offer digital resources, multimedia, community spaces, and online databases, serving as hubs for information access in various formats.
Misconception: Archiving is just storing old documents. Correction: Archives involve active curation, appraisal, and description to ensure records are accessible and meaningful for research and legal purposes.
Misconception: Information services are static. Correction: They constantly evolve with technology, requiring skills in digital literacy, data management, and user engagement to remain relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of the publishing industry and media landscape, including how books, journals, and digital content are produced and distributed.
•Familiarity with computer applications such as word processing and databases, as many information services rely on digital tools.
•Good communication skills, both written and verbal, as the qualification involves interacting with users and documenting information.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Be able to maintain acceptable standards for users of Libraries, Archives or Information Services (LAIS) facilities, Understand how to minimise disruption to users of Libraries, Archives or Information Services, Be able to deal with users’ comments, Be able to provide directions on the use of facilities, Be able to set up a display, Be able to maintain and dismantle a display

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Creating and maintaining a user-focussed environment

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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Related Topics in PEARSON EDI vocational Publishing & Media