Foundations of Library Services

Register for this six-week online course.

Note: This class is almost full.

Tuesday, September 27 – Monday, November 7, 2022.

Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of the mission, ethics and core values of libraries? Are you interested in better understanding the staffing and governing structures of libraries (with a focus on public libraries)? Would you like a broad introduction to various aspects of library service, including reference, circulation, cataloging, and collection development? Most importantly, do you want to understand how each of these elements translates into better service for library users? As a result of your active participation in the course you will learn the:

• Mission and roles of libraries
• Ethics and values of the profession, including an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records, and privacy issues
• Core role of library policies (and knowing when exceptions are appropriate)
• Basic principles of:
  • Reference and information services
  • Circulation, including interlibrary loan and collection maintenance;
  • Cataloging and classification systems;
  • Acquisitions and collection development.
• Value of keeping your knowledge and skills current, including involvement in professional associations
• Roles of library staff in different types of libraries
• Basics of how libraries are governed and funded
• Value of cooperating with other libraries to enhance services
• Basics of quality customer service
• Importance of recognizing and responding to diversity in user needs and preferences for resources and services.

Whether you are new or not-so-new to public libraries, you’ll come away from this course with resources, best practices, and useful advice to help you build a solid foundation of understanding that will guide your work in public libraries.

Course Description: In this asynchronous (self-directed) course, you will find weekly readings, useful resources, and practical assignments. Each week, learners will be expected to interact in the online discussion forums and complete an assignment. The instructor will participate in the discussion forms and will provide feedback. One “live” virtual meeting will be offered during the course: Wednesday, October 26th, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. This meeting will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live session.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: The Mission and Roles of Libraries
• Week 2: Ethics and Values of the Profession
• Week 3: Library Policies
• Week 4: Overview of Core Library Functions
• Week 5: Library Structures and Governance
• Week 6: Customer Service

Instructor: Stephanie Chase

See full course information here.

CALL SPONSORED: CALL is offering a limited number of free seats to California library staff in this Infopeople course. Please use the link above to register for one of these no-cost seats. In order to gain the most impact from learning events sponsored by the CALL grant we ask that all participants engage fully (attend, participate, discuss and share). If you are unable or not willing to agree to this, please be kind and leave a seat or place for someone else.