Courses

All courses are:

Designed for non-native English speakers

Asynchronous access (available regardless of time zone)

Focused on foundational work that supports library functions

Each week may involve a reading documents, watching a video, completing an assignment, and answering a survey.

Weekly group video chat with the instructor and other participants for question and answer discussion is available and optional.

Completion of all 6 courses results in a Library Support Staff Certificate

Courses designed for the training of Library Assistants (support staff) working in international school libraries.

Course 1: Introduction to the International School Library (4 weeks)

This course will cover the foundations of school libraries – What do we do? Why do we do it? What boundaries or limits are appropriate? What are typical library operations? Participants will be introduced to professional associations for best practices and support.

Course 2: Circulation Tasks (4 weeks)

This course will cover tasks involved in lending library materials to the school community members. Special attention will be given to the physical organization of library materials, tracking materials that are borrowed, encouraging return of materials, and general customer service.

Course 3: Cataloging English books (8 weeks)

This course will explain the use and creation of MARC records for circulation and inventory purposes. This will include a detailed look at the contents of a catalog record, how to evaluate imported records, and how to enter correct data. Information that can enhance access and statistical analysis will be discussed.

Course 4: Cataloging non-English books and non-books (3 weeks)

This course will build on what was learned in Course 3. This will include a what additional information is needed in a record for materials in other languages or non-print formats (DVD, CD, digital).

Course 5: Collection Development (4 weeks)

This course will explain the criteria for evaluating and building a library collection that supports the curriculum and student literacy development. Special attention will be paid to diversity and cultural representation.

Course 6: Collection Maintenance [weeding] (4 weeks)

This course will include criteria for evaluating existing library items for potential replacement or removal from circulation. Project management and reasonable goals will be discussed.