Our online, on-the-job training program is designed for people who work in academic and research libraries as support staff, library assistants and associates, and technicians. The program is appropriate for individuals who serve in specialized support functions in such libraries, including public relations, web development, and human resources. In addition, this program is useful for fund-raisers and members of governing boards who need an overview of library services and responsibilities. Be sure to ask us about our new program, coming in Fall 2008, for people who work in public libraries as support staff, assistants and associates, and technicians.

The class offers the opportunity to explore some of the "big picture" issues in libraries beyond the specific tasks of the everyday job. Some of the issues we explore include an overview of library values, functions, and practices; an understanding of how each function fits into the mission and processes of the library; support for the development of excellent service skills; and the chance to consider your own performance and your library's operation within the broader context of best library practices. You will have the chance to interact with staff from a wide variety of institutions and learn how other libraries are addressing the business of libraries today. Assignments in the class often involve exploring how your own library implements policies and practices in the different areas we cover.

This program was originally developed with a 2002 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in partnership with New York Public Library and Rutgers University Libraries.

Curriculum Overview

The training program includes the following topics:

Introduction - an introduction to how the online program works; a chance to get to know the other people in the class; a discussion of library organizations and of library staff and their roles in libraries

Effectiveness on the Job - an opportunity to consider personal work habits and improve competencies in the areas of time management, communication, teamwork and conflict resolution, meeting participation, problem solving

Library Foundations - brief history of libraries; types of academic and research libraries, organizations that serve libraries; principles and values in the library community such as The Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics; library missions; networks and consortia

Technology in Libraries - understanding operating systems, hardware of various types, software, PDAs, databases, Web 2.0 (blogs, wikis, rss feeds, podcasts, webcasts, webinars and more), portals; how to troubleshoot computer problems; LANs; WANs; the Internet and its history, a description of its current state, using search engines; email and Internet use policies

Library Collections - collection development; interlibrary loan and document delivery; circulation functions including reserves, circulation systems, confidentiality of records, statistics, interlibrary loan and document delivery, and non-circulating collections; stack maintenance; copyright and plagiarism; special collections; preservation, including materials composition, storage and handling, preservation programs and treatments

Providing Access to Information - how we store information and bibliographic information; integrated library systems; bibliographic control; serials; descriptive cataloging, authority control; MARC; subject access to collections; metadata

Public Services - discussion of what constitutes public services in a library; types of library users; service policies; model behaviors at a service desk; appropriate levels of information; tips for dealing with difficult people; intercultural communication; the reference process; the research process; library instruction; exhibits and events

Digital Libraries - defining what digital library activities are; what is involved in acquiring, describing, providing access to, and preserving items in digital libraries; creating collections; accessing digital resources; understanding the impact of digital libraries

Within each module we also discuss the major trends and what the future may bring.

Registration Information

The Online Library Assistant Training Program is designed for people who have been employed in college, university, or research libraries for fewer than three years. The next class will run in fall semester 2008 - September 15 to November 21. The program requires a commitment of about five to seven hours per week, including readings, assignments, and discussions. Because of this time commitment, most people will find that it is best to have your library sponsor you in the program and give you time on the job to work on it.

The program runs online asynchronously, which means that you can log on during the times that are convenient for you each week. However, there is a great deal of interaction in the class and you are expected to participate in the discussions and complete assignments within the class schedule and deadlines.

Would online learning be a good experience for you? Successful online students tend to be self-motivated, fairly organized, and comfortable learning by reading and writing. You don't have to be a computer whiz kid, but you should have experience with word processing, email, sending attachments, navigating websites, and basic Internet searching. You must have regular access to the Internet because you will have to get into class at least several times a week, and you should have your own email account. When you enroll with us you will have access to a 24/7 helpdesk, available by phone toll-free or via email.

Individuals who successfully complete the work for the class will receive a certificate.

The cost for fall 2008 is $500 per person. There are currently no group rates available.

People who have finished the class have said...

"It was a well rounded overview of libraries. I found out much more about my own library and its functions through this course. Now I have a better understanding of the various departments."
-Lucinda Naboa, Evening Circulation Supervisor, University of Mary Washington, Virginia

"I would recommend this program to others. Loved this course!!"
-Sharon Thurston, Library Assistant at North Carolina State University Libraries

"It forced me to step out of my box and explore what is going on around me. I believe I questioned and discussed different issues with every one of our staff members. I have a better understanding of how our library operates - I got the 'big picture.'"
-Library assistant from Pennsylvania

"All the information that I learned in this course will benefit my current job."
-Lien Tran, Library Associate, Capital Community College Library, Connecticut

"I recommended to my employer to let as many support staff take this course as possible. It is worth the time and money spent on it."
-Abraham C. Lin, Administrative Assistant, Adelphi University Library

How to Apply

Applications for the training program will be accepted from individuals who meet the following criteria:

(1) you have been employed in a college, university, or research library for more than six months but less than five years;

(2) you have basic computer and Internet skills, including the ability to use a keyboard and mouse, open a web browser, and navigate through websites; and

(3) you are proficient in written English.

To apply, please submit the following two items together:

1. A completed registration form that you can print from this website (click to get to the PDF file), and
   
2. A personal statement of one page or less that outlines your experience in libraries, your current job title and responsibilities, your computer skills, and why you are interested in enrolling in this training program.

Enrollment is limited to 25 individuals per class section. We will admit qualified applicants on a space-available basis.