Professional Development Opportunities
Acquisitions
Fundamentals of Acquisitions 2023 - Session 5.0 (ALA eLearning)
In FOA, we distinguish between collection development, which involves the selection of materials for the library; and acquisitions, which orders, receives, and pays for those materials. In many libraries, selecting and acquiring materials may be done in the same department—in the smallest libraries perhaps even by the same person. In larger libraries, selection may be done by a collection development department and/or designated subject specialists, while a separate department acquires the selected materials. In essence, acquisitions is the business operation, bringing materials into the library and licensing access to library collections and resources.
October 2 – November 10
$249 (Non-member) / $224.10 (ALA member or Student) / $196.71 (Core member)
How to Build and Defend Inclusive Collections (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Create library collections that are inclusive and reflect a diverse range of people, stories, and experiences by learning how to conduct a diversity audit, ensure representation, and defend your collections against censorship challenges. Library collections must be diverse and inclusive, offering windows into and reflections of the vast array of people, stories and experiences that make up our world. In this course, you’ll learn from an outstanding group of experts as they explore key concepts essential to cultivating and promoting inclusive and equitable collections. You’ll conduct a diversity and inclusion audit of your collections, and hear about ways to include wider perspectives from and about LGBTQIA+ people, Black, indigenous, and people of color, and historically underrepresented ethnicities, cultures, and religions. You’ll learn how to ensure that your collections are more reflective of the diversity of your community and the larger world and how to establish policies for keeping your inclusive collections safe against book challenges.
October 25, November 1 and 8, 2p ET
$307.59
Cataloging/Metadata
Real World Objects: Linked Data in Library Metadata & Cataloging (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on learning how to enrich and expand library metadata and cataloging data, adding data from established authoritative sources and at-large, general web resources, following guidelines of the Programme for Cooperative Cataloging. This class will cover basic principles of RWOs (Real World Objects) and linked data through the lens of MARC and Dublin Core records. Students will become familiar with the fundamental principles of RWOs and linked data, understanding the types and formatting of data that have been identified as applicable to library data. Additionally, students will gain insights into the future of cataloging and metadata work - the intersection of library data with the larger web, interoperability, and cataloging/metadata work as preparation for the future. By the end of the course students will: Develop a firm understanding of the basic principles of Real World Objects (RWOs), as established by PCC; Understand the challenges and opportunities of expanding library metadata beyond traditional authoritative resources; Be able to properly format a RWO as linked data in both MARC and Dublin Core data; Understand the goals of RWOs and linked data in the larger landscape of library metadata, cataloging, and web work.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Understanding the BIBFRAME Model and Vocabulary (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on learning the basic principles of BIBFRAME 2.0, the bibliographic framework and vocabulary that is a likely replacement for MARC. Students will become familiar with the BIBFRAME model and principles that are applicable to practical application of cataloging and metadata and will create BIBFRAME records in the BIBFRAME Editor. A look at future developments will be included, including those that are part of the Linked Data for Production (LD4P) project.
September 4 – October 1
$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.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Using OpenRefine for Library Metadata (Library Juice Academy)
OpenRefine is a free open-source tool that makes editing messy metadata easier through clustering, faceting, advanced find and replace scripting, and linked data reconciliation in a spreadsheet-like environment. In addition to cleaning up metadata, OpenRefine’s linked data and URL building tools can extend metadata through databases and API calls.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Graphic Detail: Cataloging Graphic Formats (MCLS)
Cataloging graphic novels (and related resources) isn’t hard but it can be complicated. From the basic monograph vs serial treatment to the considerations needed for access points we’ll look at where to get started and where to go after that.
September 6, 2-4p ET
$120 (Non-member) / $60 (Member)
Authorities (MCLS)
This workshop will teach participants guidelines for selection of authority records, content and interpretation of authority records, and an explanation of each field, subfield, and data element in the authority record. Goals for this workshop are for participants to be able to establish correct access points for cataloging and to interpret the content and coding of authority records during this process. Additionally, participants will learn how to create corporate and personal name headings with appropriate cross references, explanatory references, and source data information.
September 19-21, 2-4p ET
$200 (Non-member) / $100 (Member)
RDA for Audio Recordings (Amigos)
Audio recordings require a unique cataloging skillset from working with print books. This workshop covers the RDA instructions relevant to cataloging carrier-based and digital audio recordings. Topics covered include descriptive elements, choice of preferred source of information, access points, and relationship elements. This course is designed for catalogers who feel comfortable with RDA records for print resources and would like to feel more confident about RDA for audio materials.
September 19 and 21, 2-4p CT
$360 (Non-member) / $180 (Member)
Rare Book Cataloging: An Introduction (MCLS)
Are those 200-year-old books still languishing in your backlog, waiting for a cataloger with the right expertise? Or are you wondering how to create records for rare books that conform to best practices? Whether for research or in the classroom, rare books are being used in an ever increasing variety of ways. To facilitate these many uses, and as we transition to a cataloging environment more closely tied to the web, it’s more important than ever to provide the right information and to structure this information as richly as possible. This introduction to creating original and copy cataloging records for rare books will provide you with the necessary foundation to do just that. Working in MARC format, we’ll cover the application of the rules set forth in Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books). While we’ll focus on books produced during the hand-press period (ca. 1454–ca. 1830), we’ll touch on the challenges of applying DCRM(B) to more modern material. Coverage will include the principles underlying rare book cataloging; proper transcription of the title page; the basics of bibliographical description, including format and signatures; the concept of the ideal copy; note fields, controlled vocabularies, and specialized access points used by rare book catalogers; the documentation of copy-specific information; and the selection of records when copy cataloging.
September 26-28, 10a-12p ET
$200 (Non-member) / $100 (Member)
Serials Cataloging (MCLS)
This course provides the basic principles of original and copy cataloging of print serials with a focus on the elements contained in the RDA CONSER standard record (CSR), including appropriate MARC 21 tagging, as well as problem-solving and decision-making relative to serials cataloging.
October 17-19, 2-4p ET
$200 (Non-member) / $100 (Member)
Digital Collections
Digital Repository Fundamentals and Design (Library Juice Academy)
Digital repositories allow libraries, archives and museums to disseminate and create access to unique digital collections related to institutional academic output or digital special collections. Digital repository options vary widely, from proprietary to open source; and platforms specialized for specific use cases, such as institutional academic production, audiovisual materials, cultural heritage collections, and community and tribal collections. This course is designed to give the student the fundamentals of selecting, designing and implementing the digital repository solution that is right for their particular institutional, academic or personal project. 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.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Metadata and Description for Digital Special Collections (Library Juice Academy)
Methods and standards for metadata and description for unique digital collections are varied and present digital curators, catalogers and metadata librarians with a wide array of options, which can at times seem daunting. This course is designed to give the student an overview of current standards, schemas and applications of medatada models designed for the description and organization of digital collections, whether they be materials in an institutional repository or digital special collections. 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. 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.
October 2-29
$200
Electronic Resource Management
Introduction to Electronic Resource Management in Academic Libraries (Library Juice Academy)
This course is designed to serve as an introductory class to electronic resource management in an academic library setting. It is geared towards those are just starting out in electronic resource management roles and are new and active practitioners. Electronic resource management is a critical function of the academic library, especially given the predominance of electronic resources in contemporary collections as well as the growth in online courses offered by colleges and universities. In this six week course, students will learn the basic principles of electronic resource management, centered on the primary tasks of activation/deactivation of resources in discovery, their ongoing maintenance and management, and troubleshooting and resolving access issues with them.
September 4 – October 14
$300
Fundamentals of Digital Library Projects 2023 - Session 5.0 (ALA eLearning)
This six-week online course introduces students to the breadth of considerations, standards and skills needed to successfully launch and manage a digital library program. The course will provide opportunity for hands-on activities to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills within the context of a digital library.
September 25 – November 3
$249 (Non-member) / $224.10 (ALA member or Student) / $196.71 (Core member)
Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions 2023 - Session 5.0 (ALA eLearning)
This four-week online course provides an overview of acquiring, providing access to, administering, supporting, and monitoring access to electronic resources. The course offers a basic background in electronic resource acquisitions including: product trials, licensing, purchasing methods, and pricing models. An overview of the sometimes complex relationships between vendors, publishers, platform providers, and libraries is also provided.
October 16 – November 10
$209 (Non-member) / $188.10 (ALA member or Student) / $165.11 (Core member)
Leadership/Management
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.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Implementing and Managing Organizational Change (Library Juice Academy)
This course will help you navigate the myriad of change models that exist while identifying strategies to effectuate transformational change-one which is self-sustaining, occurs system-wide, and involves both internal and external stakeholders. You will work on identifying your organization’s readiness for change as well as specific strategies to implement and assess how your organization has evolved.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Streamlining Library Workflows and Processes (Amigos)
A well-run library depends on established processes and workflows to get work done. But this can also raise the risk of doing things “because that’s how it’s always been done.” Identify and eliminate redundant and time-consuming tasks, automate repetitive processes, and prioritize essential activities using workflow analyses, process mapping, task prioritization, and automation tools. Form a plan for the continuous evaluation of processes and workflows resulting in improved service quality and enhanced user satisfaction.
September 12 and 14, 2-4p CT
$360 (Non-member) / $180 (Member)
Fundamentals of Management 2023 - Session 6.0 (ALA eLearning)
The Fundamentals of Management course is designed for new managers to build the skill set they need to successfully lead their department or organization, as well as support existing managers looking to improve their skills.
September 18 – October 13
$209 (Non-member) / $188.10 (ALA member or Student) / $165.11 (Core member)
Managing Difficult Conversations with Colleagues and Staff (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Learn strategies for engaging in difficult conversations with people at work, such as giving a colleague or direct report critical feedback, approaching your manager with a concern, or even engaging a disgruntled patron. You will learn tenets of cultural humility regarding language, as well as how to assess your own communication styles in order to bring self-awareness into all conversations.
September 21, 2-4p ET
$101.79
Library Management: Motivating & Retaining Employees (Amigos)
Libraries are facing unprecedented challenges in attracting, developing, and retaining talented staff. Now more than ever, managers and leaders must create a positive workplace culture, offer a strategic vision, and foster communication to motivate and retain library staff. With helpful guidance and model practices, conquer the managerial challenges that damage staff morale and mitigate their impact.
September 27, 2-4p CT
$180 (Non-member) / $90 (Member)
Supervisor Series: Learning to Manage for New Managers (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.
September 28, 10a-3p ET
$160 (Non-member) / $80 (Member)
Employee Recruitment, Retention, and Development (Library Juice Academy)
Employees are the heart of any organization. But it takes a coordinated effort to make everyone feel valued and supported from the moment they enter the organization and throughout their entire career. This course will provide strategies for supporting employees from developing a recruitment strategy focused on diversity, onboarding, professional development, and career planning.
October 2-29
$200
Project Management Fundamentals for Librarians (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Drive greater impact in your community, and realize greater efficiency and confidence in your work, by becoming proficient in project management skills. Entrenching a project management mindset in an organization’s culture and learning to master project management techniques together as a team are crucial elements in achieving and maintaining strategic goals set forth by your organization. Project management skills and strategies are useful in all kinds of situations, not just formal projects! It’s a way of thinking and approaching all kinds of problems or challenges, and is a crucial skill for more than just library leaders. Support staff, service librarians, and anyone who helps develop and implement programs for their communities will benefit from learning how to create and follow through with a project scope and sequence.
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 2-4p ET
$342.24
Technology/Coding
Introduction to Wikidata (Library Juice Academy)
Linked open data is an increasingly vital component of data management for library and archival collections. Wikidata is one of the most popular and widely accessible platforms for linked open data usage, and is a great fit for repositories looking to increase the visibility of their online collections. This course will cover linked open data specifically within the Wikidata environment. The class will teach librarians, archivists, and other information professionals the basics they need to create Wikidata profiles, upload collections in bulk using free online tools, and access and manipulate collections data via platforms like the SPARQL Query Service. No previous knowledge of linked data or data analytics is required to participate. No software downloads will be required.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Linked Data and Libraries (Amigos)
Linked data is a method of representing and sharing data that connects information across different sources and domains. It can offer many benefits to libraries through improved data quality, enhanced discoverability of resources, and data sharing among institutions. This course covers the principles of linked data and demonstrates the use of semantically rich data in libraries.
September 5 and 7, 2-4p CT
$360 (Non-member) / $180 (Member)
Know & Go: Wikidata and Libraries (Amigos)
Library projects utilizing Wikidata, the Wikimedia Foundation’s free and open knowledge base for linked data, are becoming increasingly common. As more library staff realize how Wikidata’s power can be harnessed to enhance user discovery, hear how libraries use this tool and learn how to edit and enhance Wikidata information for your own projects.
September 11, 1:30-2:30p CT
$35 (Non-member) / Free (Member)
Multilingual Content and its Use (NISO)
Historically, the lingua franca of science has been English, but there is growing recognition that this places an unacceptable barrier to inclusion, equity, and access for information creators and consumers alike. And, there are, of course, exceptions, for example, where the ascendency of a discipline in a particular country (Italian dominance in astronomy or Russian in space science) has meant that English-language speakers are likewise excluded from full participation. In an age of machine translation, can we overcome this barrier to access? Is the current technology up to the challenge? Our speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities for maximizing the use of multilingual content?
September 13, 11a-12:30p
$135 (Non-member) / $100 (SSP member) / $30 (Student, Unemployed, or Retired)
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.
October 2-29
$200
Building Connectivity Between Diverse and Diffused Resources (NISO)
Scholarly outputs reside on a variety of platforms – institutional repositories, discipline-specific preprint servers, and commercially-owned services such as GitHub or Figshare. How do you maximize discovery and monitor usage of a scholarly output when it may not be hosted in a single location? The participants in this round table discussion will help us brainstorm how to build the best solution together to this challenge for scholars, researchers, information professionals, and students.
October 11, 11a-12:30p
$135 (Non-member) / $100 (SSP member) / $30 (Student, Unemployed, or Retired)
NISO Tech Summit (NISO)
The modern information environment is a complex network of software and operating systems that are expected to perform new functions across both old and new hardware. What are the big challenges facing content providers, service providers, and platform hosts? What are the smaller speed bumps that impede our progress in building more efficient and effective digital information environments? The theme and program for this event will be developed In collaboration with a committee of stakeholders, who collectively reflect the overall interests of the information community.
October 25-26
$255 (Non-member) / $190 (NISO Voting, LSA, NASIG Members) / $50 (FT Student, Unemployed, Retired)
Miscellaneous
Exploring and Applying Critical Theory: An Introduction for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
Critical approaches to librarianship help us think about the ways that our work is fundamentally political and theoretical. These approaches firmly assert that social justice and critique should be a central goal and professional responsibility of librarianship and are used, therefore, to inform more inclusive policy, curriculum, and communication. As critical librarianship gains in popularity and visibility there is a growing demand for spaces where beginners can explore and unpack what it means to be ‘critical.’ This course will aim to provide such a space, focusing specifically on the field of critical theory as a foundation of critical librarianship. “Theory” in general is often perceived as a barrier to entry for participation in critical conversations and practices, so this course will aim to explore what (critical) theory is and what it does, introduce some fundamentals of critical theory, and discuss how to identify theories and epistemologies that resonate with each practitioner. In the course of exploring the basics of critical theory in this way, we will also critique how theory is often conceived of and used in scholarly discourse. We will end the course by exploring how critical theory has been, and could be, actualized in librarianship.
September 4 – October 1
$200
Libraries Address Inequities an Online Conference (Amigos)
People experience inequities - instances of injustice and unfairness – in many parts of their lives and may even experience them when engaging with library policies, services, or programs. Central to the mission of libraries is a commitment to addressing long-entrenched and newly emerging inequities in society - whether inequities in access to information, education, opportunity, or representation. Addressing inequities requires assessment of library resources, examination of existing programs and services, and direct engagement with the communities experiencing inequity or injustice. How are libraries stepping up to address inequities across their communities? And how is that central part of our mission changing, becoming more challenging, or more rewarding? This conference will examine ways in which libraries build partnerships, raise community awareness, and center dialogue in addressing known and emerging inequities.
September 7, 10a-4p CT
Free (Amigos member, LIS Student) / $249 (Non-member)
How To Build an Antiracist Library Culture (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Through this course, you’ll learn about the concrete actions library leaders are taking to help cultivate an antiracist, inclusive library culture—from examining the impacts of implicit bias, to evaluating spaces, programs, and services and examining policies and practices through an antiracist lens—to ensure that there is a shared value of antiracism at the library. Practical coursework, along with targeted support, will take you from theory to application, providing tools and resources that will help you to transform your library culture and services by examining them through an equity lens.
September 26, October 3 and 10, 2-3:45p ET
$307.59