| Qualification | Awarded
From–To | Superseded By | Accrediting Body | Minimum
Pre-requisites | Level | Length & Purpose |
| Certificate in Cataloguing | 2004– | Current | The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand | B Bursary (Open if over 20yrs) | Undergraduate Diploma (NZQA Level 5) | Distance delivery at student's own pace. 3 courses, equivalent to 1 semester full time. |
| Diploma in Information and Library Studies (Level 5) | 1998–
Matriculation
1999 | Current | The Open Polytechnic of NZ | B Bursary (Open if over 20yrs) | Undergraduate Diploma (NZQA Level 5) A 1st level vocational library qualification. | Distance delivery at student's own pace. |
| Diploma in Information and Library Studies (Level 6) | 1999–
Matriculation
2000 | Current | The Open Polytechnic of NZ | B Bursary (DipILS Level 5) | Undergraduate Diploma. NZQA Level 6. A 2nd level vocational library qualification. | Distance delivery at student's own pace. |
| Diploma in Maori and Information Management | 1999–
Matriculation | Current | Te Wananga o Raukawa | Not specified | Not specified. | Not specified. |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Information & Library Studies) | 1999– | Current | The Open Polytechnic of NZ | B Bursary | Bachelor degree. Major: Library and Information Studies. A professional library qualification. | Distance delivery at student's own pace. |
| Bachelor of Arts(Information & Library Studies) (single major in Information & Library Studies, double majors in Information & Library Studies and Humanities; Information & Library Studies and Communication) | 2001– | Current | The Open Polytechnic of NZ | B Bursary | Bachelor degree majoring in Library and Information studies. A professional library qualification. | Distance delivery at student's own pace. |
| Master of Library & Information Studies
(MLIS) | 1996– | Current | Victoria University of Wellington | Undergraduate degree, library experience | Professional masters degree in librarianship and information studies. A post-graduate level professional qualification | One year (three trimesters) full-time study; Up to 4 years part-time or distance study |
| Master of Arts (Library & Information Studies) (MA) | 1985– | Current | Victoria University of Wellington | Honours Degree & a previous library qualification or extensive professional experience | Advanced research-based masters degree. | One year minimum but length of time varies. Presentation of thesis or thesis and course work. |
| Master of Information Management | 2001 | Current | Victoria University of Wellington | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, significant job experience and acceptance by Programme Director | 180 points. Important research component | One year fulltime or 2/3 years part time |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Library and Information Studies) (PhD) | 1996– | Current | Victoria University of Wellington | MLIS or MA (Library and Information Studies) of a high standing; plus extensive professional experience. | Highest level research-based post-graduate qualification | Two years minimum, but length of time varies. Presentation of thesis |
| Diploma in Information Studies (spec Teacher Librarianship) Graduate Diploma in Education (No specialism in Teacher Librarianship but modules available) | 1991–2006
2005- | Being phased out Current | The University of Auckland | Teaching qualifications
Certification plus access to a class | Graduate Diplomas – National Diplomas recognised by NZQA. | Fulltime or Part-time distance delivery over 3 or 4 years. |
| Qualifications no longer offered |
| NZ Library Studies Certificate (NZLS Cert) | 1993–1998 | The Open Polytechnic of NZ
Diplomas | Wellington College of Education | University Entrance | A vocational library qualification, but held by many graduates and library managers.
| 'Apprenticeship' over 2 years with distance delivery and study while working in a library and two 2 week block courses. |
| NZ Library Studies Certificate (NZLS Cert) | 1981–1992 | The Open Polytechnic of NZ Dip. | Wellington College of Education | University Entrance | Although designed for non–graduates, the ability to study at a distance meant that these courses were completed by many with | 'Apprenticeship' over two years with study while working in a library and three 6 week block courses. |
| NZ Library Assoc. Certificate (NZLA Cert) | 1945–1980 | NZLS Cert | For NZLA by NZ Library School | University Entrance, plus employment in a library at least 15hpw | degrees and/or managers in smaller centres. | 'Apprenticeship' over three years with study while working and three 4 week block courses. |
| Diploma of the NZ Library School (DipNZLS) | 1946–1979 | Dip. Libr | NZ Library School (Dept. of Education) | Undergraduate degree | Post-graduate Diploma | One year full-time. |
| Diploma in Librarianship / Diploma in Library & Information Studies (DipLibr) | 1981–1992
1991–1996 | MLIS | Victoria University of Wellington | Undergraduate degree | Post-graduate Diploma
An advanced professional qualification. | One year (two semester) full-time study; 2 years part-time or distance study. |
| Diploma of Teacher-Librarianship | 1986–1988 | Dip. TchLib | Wellington College of Education | Qualified certificated experienced teacher. | Graduate Diploma & Higher or Advanced Diploma of Teaching. | One year specialist course. |
| Certificate in Library Services in Schools | 1995–2006 | Phased out | The University of Auckland | Employment in a school | An initial vocational school focussed library qualification. | Part-time distance delivery over 2 or 3 years. |
