Do you have frontline staff that are new to librarianship? Send them to our new online course, Fundamentals of Librarianship for Frontline Staff, designed to equip library staff who don’t have an MLS degree with the essential knowledge and skills needed to fully understand the ‘how and why’ of library work. Jam packed with resources, we will cover the foundational values of libraries along with the basics of collection development and the fundamentals of library programs, services, and community engagement. It all starts on October 1.
Course Program
Week 1: Fundamentals of Core Library Values
Session 1 | 2:00-3:00 EST Core Values of Library Science: Neutrality, Inclusivity, Privacy What are some of the core values that libraries share? How do libraries make decisions based on those values? This session will discuss neutrality, inclusivity, and privacy as some of the universal values of libraries. You will leave this session with a better understanding of why your library takes particular stances and creates some of its most foundational policies.
Session 2 | 3:15-4:15 EST Core Values of Library Science: Intellectual Freedom What kinds of freedom do libraries believe in? What do intellectual freedom and freedom of speech look like in a library context? This session will continue the conversation about core library values, this time focusing on intellectual freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom to read.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Session 1 | 2:00-3:00 EST Core Values of Library Science: Neutrality, Inclusivity, Privacy What are some of the core values that libraries share? How do libraries make decisions based on those values? This session will discuss neutrality, inclusivity, and privacy as some of the universal values of libraries. You will leave this session with a better understanding of why your library takes particular stances and creates some of its most foundational policies.
Session 2 | 3:15-4:15 EST Core Values of Library Science: Intellectual Freedom What kinds of freedom do libraries believe in? What do intellectual freedom and freedom of speech look like in a library context? This session will continue the conversation about core library values, this time focusing on intellectual freedom, freedom of speech, and freedom to read.
Workshop Q&A | 4:15-4:30 EST An introduction to this week’s assignment and an overview of what to expect from the online workshop in this course.
Week 2: Fundamentals of Information Literacy and Collection Development
Session 1 | 2:00-3:00 EST Information Literacy: Identifying Mis- and Disinformation How can you identify mis- and disinformation in a time when AI and deep fakes are becoming more and more convincing? What is the library's role in vetting material and helping patrons understand factual information? This session will help you understand how to vet information for yourself and give you tools to help patrons with information literacy.
Session 2 | 3:15-4:15 EST Collection Development 101: Understanding the Basics How and why do libraries purchase their collections? How do libraries try to ensure credibility and reflect community needs in collections? And what happens when there are challenges to collections? This session will provide a foundational overview of the how and why of collection development, including the rationale behind decision making and a high-level overview of the weeding process.
Workshop Q&A | 4:15-4:30 EST An introduction to this week’s assignment and an overview of what to expect from the online workshop in this course.
Week 3: Fundamentals of Library Programs, Services, and Community Engagement
Session 1 | 2:00-3:00 EST The Why and How of Library Programs and Services Libraries are about more than just books! What kinds of programs and services do libraries offer, and why? This session will discuss the wide-reaching types of events, classes, programs, and services that libraries might offer. You will leave with a better understanding of the scope and role of the library in your community.
Session 2 | 3:15-4:15 EST Foundations of Community Engagement How do libraries know what their community wants? How do you figure out who you're serving and how do you make them feel valued? This session will discuss the foundations of community engagement, relationship building, and data analysis. You will learn the basics of community data collection and analysis to help you better understand and build relationships with the people you serve.
Workshop Q&A | 4:15-4:30 EST An introduction to this week’s assignment and an overview of what to expect from the online workshop in this course.
Managing Conflict with Colleagues and Patrons
2-Week Online Course + Workshop
Tuesdays, Nov. 12 and 19, 2024
Want more for frontline staff? Make sure to take a look at our two-week online course Managing Conflict with Colleagues and Patrons starting November 12.
Why take this course: This interactive, online course will provide you ample opportunities to role play and workshop real-life challenging scenarios asynchronously with peer groups. You will leave this course with the practical skills and confidence to maintain calm during tense situations, adapt to challenges as they arise, and know when, if, and how to engage with conflict at work.
Who should take this course: This course is geared toward public-facing librarians and staff; however, all levels of librarians, including managers and directors, will benefit from learning how to manage conflict.
* October Library Management Training 8-week course not eligible for 50% discount.
No promo code needed for purchase of Spring course. Once order has been completed a 50% off code will be emailed to you.
Must purchase first course on or before June 5, 2024.
*Free seat must be of equal or lesser value. Good for new registrations only. All seats must be booked together, including any free seats earned. Offer good thru June 5, 2024.
School Library Journal (an MSI Information Services company), 7858 Industrial Parkway, Plain City, OH 43064, United States
