Professional Development Opportunities
Cataloging/Metadata
Original Descriptive Cataloging of Digital Resources Using RDA (MCLS)
Here is your chance to work with RDA (Resource Description and Access) as applied to the original cataloging of digital resources. This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to original catalog digital resources using such tools as the RDA toolkit, and the Library of Congress-Program for Cooperative Cataloging Policy Statements. The class will address original cataloging in the MARC format. Among the topics discussed will be the chief source of information, physical description, primary access point, and the choice of additional access points. Assignment of subject headings for digital resources will also be discussed. Participants will learn the appropriate MARC fixed and variable fields for digital resources, and will study the relationships among these fields. Several MARC record examples will be examined and a number of hands-on exercises will be included. The booklet for this workshop contains an RDA Workflow providing the relevant RDA rules, the Library of Congress-Program for Cooperative Cataloging Policy Statements and MARC coding information. The OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards will also be used.
November 1-3, 10 AM – 12 PM Eastern
$100 (Member)/$200 (Non-member)
Just Enough to be Dangerous: Cataloging for Non-Catalogers (New!) (MCLS)
Have you thought that those catalogers have been talking a new language lately? Does it sound like Alphabet Soup is being served in Tech Services? You’ve figured out that RDA is Resources, Description and Access (the newest cataloging standard, implemented in 2013 to replace AACR2.) But what about FRBR, FRAD, LCSH, SHM, FAST, and LRM?? And what in the world is Bibframe?
This overview course will help you communicate with catalogers … or, at least help you know what facial expression to use during conversations about bibliographic records, authority work, workflows, and data entry. You will learn how to read a MARC record and discover how a cataloger comes up with what is in a bibliographic record.
November 3, 2-4 PM Eastern
$60 (Member)/$120 (Non-member)
Fundamentals of Cataloging 2022 - Session 6.0 (ALA eLearning)
Fundamentals of Cataloging 2022 - Session 6.1 (ALA eLearning)
The Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC) is a six-week online course that provides an introduction to the principles, policies and practices of cataloging in libraries. It is designed for librarians and library support staff new to cataloging; librarians and library support staff from other units who want to know more about cataloging; LSSC candidates pursuing certification in the Cataloging and Classification competency set; and experienced cataloging librarians and support staff seeking continuing education and networking opportunities.
November 7 – December 16
$196.71 (Core members)/$224.10 (ALA members)/$249 (Non-members)
Serials Cataloging (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on the basic principles of serials cataloging from understanding the nature and type of serials (including series and analytics), interpreting serial authority records, identifying a matching record/copy cataloging of serials, to original description of serials under RDA guidelines. This class will focus on practical description with a discussion of emerging trends in serials cataloging. Students will be immersed in serials cataloging, gaining a solid foundation in serials and serials cataloging. By the end of the course students will: Understand the terminology associated with serials and characteristics of serials and periodicals including how they differ from monographic records, with the ability to interpret series authority records and make decisions on treatment, as needed; Expand upon searching and bibliographic record analysis skills developing a critical eye towards a “good” serials record for copy cataloging with an understanding of RDA elements for serials, title changes, and when an original record is needed; Develop skills to create RDA description for serials through analyzing records and practice based exercises; Explore emerging trends in serials as impacted by the Library Reference Model (LRM) and larger trends in publication.
November 7 – December 4
$200
RDF, RDFa and Structured Data Vocabularies (Library Juice Academy)
This course will provide a deep dive into RDFa and applying vocabularies to resource description. Using RDFa we will explore how to mark up existing human-readable Web page content to express machine-readable data (RDF triples) that can be utilized by search engines, metadata systems, and content management systems.
November 7 – December 4
$200
Object Cataloging for a Library of Things (New!) (MCLS)
This workshop teaches participants how to catalog a variety of manufactured, handmade, and naturally occurring objects (models, games, toys, etc.) based on best practices from the Online Audiovisual Catalogers (OLAC) and OCLC’s Bibliographic Formats and Standards. The class will address copy and original cataloging in the MARC format with an emphasis on local discovery over RDA compliance. The instruction will cover several issues pertinent to object cataloging such as how to identify salient features, use sales catalogs as reference sources, and differentiate between multiple items of a similar type. Several MARC record examples will be examined, and three hands-on exercises will be included. (Participants are encouraged to bring a manufactured item for these exercises.)
November 8-10, 2-4 PM Eastern
$100 (Member)/$200 (Non-member)
Cataloging with Variant Titles (MCLS)
Adding variant titles to a cataloging record can be rewarding for user search and discovery. It also helps catalogers distinguish between cataloging records and reduce the number of duplicate cataloging records in shared databases. This session presents best practices for adding variant titles to monograph bibliographic records once the source of title and the title proper has been determined. RDA defines a variant title as a title associated with a resource that differs from a title recorded as a title proper, a parallel title proper, an other title information, a parallel other title information, an earlier title proper, a later title proper, etc. This session will give examples of all these types of variant titles, especially using MARC field 246. It will focus on clarifying primary relationships between a work, expression, and manifestation, and not on recording titles which are related works and not on preferred titles (uniform titles). RDA also asks catalogers to determine and record variant titles which are important for identification or access. This can be difficult out-of-context! This session will share some guidelines on how to determine what is best for your catalog users. Attendees will be given examples and exercises in order to improve their skills in adding variant titles to cataloging records.
November 10, 10AM – 12 PM Eastern
$60 (Member)/$120 (Non-member)
Know & Go: Creating Linked Data with Sinopia (Amigos Library Services)
Sinopia is a free, web-based tool for creating linked data that allows catalogers to create metadata in a linked data environment. As libraries prepare to move toward a linked data production environment, learn how to create templates, enter data, and link the data to other vocabularies. Gain practical knowledge of linked data and a sense of how libraries are using Sinopia.
November 21, 1:30-2:30 PM Central
Free (Member)/$35 (Non-member)
Introduction to Linked Data (Library Juice Academy)
This course is an expansion of the “Introduction to RDF” course. Here we will build on the foundations established in the previous course (RDF, SKOS, OWL, URIs, etc.) and focus on Linked Data. This course is part of the Certificate in XML and RDF-Based Systems.
December 5 – January 1, 2023
$200
Using MarcEdit (Library Juice Academy)
This four week course will provide hands-on instruction to build, edit and manipulate library data using MarcEdit. This course will cover both basic functionality as well as more sophisticated uses making it appropriate for both new and experienced users of MarcEdit. This course can be taken as one of eight courses needed to earn our Certificate in Cataloging and Technical Services, but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well.
December 5 – January 1, 2023
$200
Basics of RDA Conceptual Models (MCLS)
Learn the basics of conceptual models used in RDA: Resources Description and Access and understand how they are used in cataloging to support discovery. This workshop will review two concepts which we currently use in cataloging: Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD). It will also introduce the new IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) which is incorporated into the new RDA Toolkit. The workshop emphasizes understanding the practical application of these models in RDA cataloging. It provides cataloging examples in MARC 21 for various formats, with an emphasis on books. Exercises and a resource list for further learning are also included. A basic understanding of the MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data is needed for the course.
December 8, 10 AM – 12 PM Eastern
$60 (Member)/$120 (Non-member)
Know & Go: Getting Started with Application Profiles (Amigos Library Services)
Application profiles provide structure for library data, both for human users and machines. Whether working with non-MARC metadata for digital items or thinking about creating a local subset of RDA elements for more traditional cataloging, knowing how application profiles work can help streamline metadata production. This session discusses how application profiles can help library data, and how to create them.
December 19, 1:30-2:30 PM Central
Free (Member)/$35 (Non-member)
Digital Collections
Assessing Digital Collections Using DEIA (Library Juice Academy)
This course demonstrates how you can create and perform your own Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) assessment of your current digital collections (digitized archives and special collections). Focusing on the overwhelming need to make digital collections in libraries and museums less white, less ableist, less racist, and less bigoted, this course provides methodology and select literature on how you can conduct your own DEIA assessment, and how to actualize change in a post-assessment environment. This course will center on one principle each week, discussing how to improve your: diversity of digital items, representation in subject matter, digital collections’ metadata and descriptions, and accessible formatting and presentation, respectfully. Performing a DEIA assessment on a regular basis will directly inform your practice, that of your colleagues, and will improve the field of digital librarianship.
November 7 – December 4
$200
Ethics and Sustainability for Digital Curation (Library Juice Academy)
It’s not just about digitizing or capturing unique born-digital material to preserve it and put it online for unfettered access in an institutional repository or digital special collections platform. The responsible information professional needs to approach their task within a framework that supports ethical curation of digital collections and also includes the necessary component of financial and preservation sustainability. This course will explore ethical frameworks in various disciplines, from radical librarianship, to archives, and to community-centered and human rights documentation initiatives, in order to lay a working framework for stewarding digital collections in a responsible manner, no matter the setting, institution or purpose. This course can be taken as one of six courses needed to earn our Certificate in Digital Curation, but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well.
December 5 – January 1, 2023
$200
Doing Digital Preservation (Amigos Library Services)
For libraries that collect and create digital objects, digital preservation is the elephant in the room. Digital objects are fragile and even libraries that are careful about backing up their collections must still hope for the best. This session identifies common threats to digital objects, explores Open Archival Information System (OAIS) basics, and offers practical solutions for preserving electronic collections. Learners will gain the confidence and skills to build a sustainable digital preservation program.
November 7 & 9, 2-4 PM Central
$180 (Member)/$360 (Non-member)
Getting Started With Digital Image Collections (Library Juice Academy)
This course is primarily aimed at librarians who are new to managing special image collections and who wish to learn more about beginning a digitization program. Through readings, individual exercises, and class discussions, students will develop an understanding of the following key components of digitization project planning: evaluation and preparation of resources, building sustainable workflows and storage environments, and usability assessment.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200
Leadership/Management
Recruiting and Retaining Librarians from Underrepresented Minoritized Groups (Library Juice Academy)
This course will address recruitment strategies that will improve your chance of attracting a diverse pool of applicants and minimize the influence of unintended biases in the selection process. Of course, hiring is just the first step to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We will also address factors that influence the long term retention of librarians from underrepresented minority groups.
November 7 – December 4
$200
Supervisor Series: Learning to Manage for New Managers (New!) (MCLS)
Making the transition from doing work yourself to managing others can feel overwhelming. No doubt, taking on a managerial role for the first time can be hard. You may be supervising former colleagues or getting to know an entirely new organization and set of employees. You’ll feel pressure from below and above. So how do you set yourself up for success? It can be helpful to think about effective and ineffective managers you have encountered in your career.
This workshop is designed to help minimize the stress and walk you through the process of management by targeting five specific areas. You’ll learn to successfully handle staff, projects, performance, conflict, and even yourself as you evaluate and continuously improve your effectiveness as a manager.
December 1, 10 AM – 3 PM Eastern
$80 (Member)/$160 (Non-member)
Introduction to Project Management (Library Juice Academy)
Project Management is a fast-growing discipline and set of techniques useful in all professional fields. Join Robin Hastings in this 4-week course on Project Management as she takes you through the basics of how to manage projects efficiently and effectively.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200
Leadership Essentials (Library Juice Academy)
During this course you will explore who you want to be as a leader and leverage leadership models to help you apply this content to a broader institutional context. This will enable you to support others in growing as professionals through applications of inclusive leadership, intentional change, and building on your strengths.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200
Technology/Coding
Python for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
We often are told ‘learn to code’ but not given a clear purpose or direction to realize this goal. This is especially true for workers in the Library field. This course will attempt to address this challenge by providing a great introduction to data science aimed at all learners. Participants will be introduced to the Python programming language and how it can be used to analyize data. This includes organizing and writing code in Jupyter Notebooks, manipulating data with the Pandas, visualizing data with the Matplotlib, and making predictions with data using the scikit-learn library. No previous programming experience is required or expected. Exercises will be drawn from topics that resonate with the daily work of Librarians and those in related fields. For example, participants will learn how to analyze a quantity of Sci Hub usage data, and will examine DOI data harvested from the Crossref API. No software installation will be required to participate in this class; all programming work will be done using the online Google Colab environment.
November 7 – December 4
$200
Do-It-Yourself Usability Testing (Library Juice Academy)
This four-week course will take a deep dive into practical DIY usability testing and empower you to collect valuable user feedback, even if you have zero budget for usability testing. In this course, you will learn how to use free tools to conduct a range of usability tests from start to finish. You will learn how to develop a research plan, identify and recruit good test participants, conduct in-person and remote testing on a range of device types (desktop, mobile, and tablet), record observations, analyze your findings, and present actionable recommendations. We will also examine strategies for moving from recommendation to action to create more usable online interfaces based on what you learn in usability tests. This course can be taken as one of six courses needed to earn our Certificate in User Experience (UX), but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well.
November 7 – December 3
$200
Introduction to GIS and GeoWeb Technologies (Library Juice Academy)
This course will introduce students to a variety of mapping tools and GIS technologies such Google Earth and the creation of dynamic KML files; ArcGIS Online and webmap publishing; Google Fusion Tables and geocoding; and GIS fundamentals with geospatial data creation. Students will be able to apply their GIS skills in their reference work, in digitization projects, in webpages, in library instruction, and more. Through hands-on exercises, pre-recorded demonstrations and lectures, students will receive a thorough overview of mapping resources that will enhance and expose their library’s resources.
November 7 – December 4
$200
Web Accessibility: Techniques for Design and Testing (Library Juice Academy)
Whether you are designing a new web application or making revisions to an existing site, accessibility is a key part of the process. Given that approximately 1 in 5 people in the U.S. and a total of 1 billion people worldwide have a disability, ensuring that your online presence is usable for those with disabilities and those using assistive devices allows you to expand your audience while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practices. In this course, you will learn how to integrate accessibility into your planning, design, and testing processes.
December 5 – January 1, 2023
$200
The SPARQL Fundamentals: The Semantic Web in Action (Library Juice Academy)
This course will focus on the SPARQL 1.1 query language (used to query RDF and semantic data) as well as the concept of the semantic ‘triple’ and RDF triplestores (a type of database for semantic data). One of the primary goals of this course is for the student to understand how Semantic and Linked Data is used, accessed, and disseminated on the web.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200
Introduction to Regular Expressions (Library Juice Academy)
In this introductory course we’ll cover common Regular Expression syntax and provide examples that will work in several regular expression implementations. You will learn to write regular expressions that will be usable for a wide variety of tasks in a wide variety of tools and scenarios. We will use a freely available web tool to practice writing expressions, but if you have a specific regular expression needs (e.g. library applications and tools) we will take some time to explore how to write regular expressions for those scenarios as well. This course complements our Certificate in XML and RDF-Based Systems.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200
Miscellaneous
Introduction to Technical Services in Special Collections (Library Juice Academy)
Are you new to a special collections environment, or are you interested in moving in that direction? Learn why repositories collect what they do, and how to best steward rare and unique holdings. This course offers students a broad overview of some of the back-end functions of special collections librarianship: collection development; collection management; cataloging and processing; and digitization.
January 2 – 29, 2023
$200