Professional Development Opportunities
Acquisitions
Collection Management: Selection and Acquisition (Amigos Library Services)
A vibrant and relevant library collection doesn’t just happen – there are strategies and techniques behind this work. Taking in the evolving landscape of digital acquisitions, open-access materials, and subscription models, this course will review the principles and methods for collection acquisition and selection with careful consideration of resource allocation and budgets. Balancing the information needs of library users with the diversity of formats and acquisition models, libraries can build collections that work for their communities.
March 5 & 7, 2024, 2-4p CST
$360 (Non-member) / $180 (Amigos member)
Cataloging/Metadata
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.
January 1-28, 2024
$200
Introduction to Metadata (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on learning the basic principles of metadata including types of metadata, metadata schemas (EAD, MOD, MAD, Dublin Core, VRACore), mapping between schemas, and a brief overview of metadata expressed in XML. Additionally, MARC and Dublin Core metadata records will be compared, providing insights into the similarities of description and the differences.
Students will become familiar with the different types of metadata, understand the basic principles of metadata, the terminology and structure of XML expressed metadata and build critical skills applicable to systems work, cataloging, metadata work, and general web work.
January 1-28, 2024
$200
Authority Control (Library Juice Academy)
Authority control is a process that ensures all access points in a record are consistent across a library’s database, but it is a process that many librarians find mysterious. In this course we will demystify authority control and explore the value it adds to library catalogs through a comprehensive overview of authority control work.
January 1-28, 2024
$200
Using and Understanding Library of Congress Classification (ALA eLearning)
Bobby Bothmann’s expert cataloging instructions offer you a comprehensive grounding in Library of Congress Classification (LCC) principles and practice. Starting with the basics, this eCourse will teach you how to assign LCC numbers with correct meaning in hierarchy, build numbers using tables, and apply numbers that help patrons browse your library.
January 8 – February 4, 2024
$209 (Non-member) / $188.10 (ALA member)
Cataloging with RDA (Amigos Library Services)
Effectively cataloging with RDA brings together specific skills and knowledge - the intricate landscape of the IFLA Library Resource Model, the complexities of RDA entities and elements, and the craft of articulating relationships between resources and entities. This introduction will highlight invaluable features of the RDA Toolkit and review some of the latest developments in the structure. Gain a solid foundation in RDA and become fully prepared to integrate the RDA Toolkit into your technical work.
January 10 & 17, 2024
$360 (Non-member) / $180 (Amigos member)
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.
February 5 – March 3, 2024
$200
Controlled Vocabularies and Taxonomies (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on learning the basic principles of controlled vocabularies and taxonomies including terminology, common vocabularies used in library and metadata work including those from Library of Congress, Getty, among others, and guidance on development and planning of taxonomy implementation plans. Students will become familiar with the fundamental principles of taxonomy and controlled vocabularies, understand usage and common controlled vocabularies for institutional repository, cataloging, digital archives, and web related metadata work, and be able to develop their own taxonomy implementation plans. By the end of the course students will: Develop a firm understanding of taxonomies and their use across library and web platforms; Understand the terminology and structure associated with taxonomies and controlled vocabularies; Explore controlled vocabularies from the Library of Congress, Getty, and other vocabularies; Create a taxonomy implementation plan and identify relevant controlled vocabularies. This is an asynchronous course with built-in course materials and a series of weekly assignments. Some course materials may be recorded. 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.
March 4-31, 2024
$200
LRM: A New Foundation for RDA & the RDA Toolkit (Library Juice Academy)
This course focuses on learning the new Library Reference Model (LRM) which is the foundation for the R3 (RDA Toolkit revision) and BIBFRAME 2.0. The LRM is an evolving model that merges the RDA foundational frameworks of RDA, FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records), FRAD (Functional Requirements for Authority Data), and FRSAD (Functional Requirements of Subject Authority Data). The LRM focuses on aligning terminologies with larger data communities of practice, refining the FRBR User Tasks, eliminating inconsistencies between the three models, and embracing linked data practices. This new model brings significant changes in how we think about data, to the RDA Toolkit, and to BIBFRAME.
March 4-31, 2024
$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.
March 4-31, 2024
$200
Intermediate Cataloging: Subject Analysis (Amigos Library Services)
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively categorize and organize resources in a library or information system. Explore the principles and techniques of subject analysis, including the application of standardized subject headings and thesauri. Learn how to create accurate and consistent subject descriptions, improving the discoverability of materials for library users.
March 12, 2024, 10:30-12:30p CDT
$180 (Non-member) / $90 (Amigos member)
Digital Collections
Grant Writing for Digital Collections in Libraries & Museums (Library Juice Academy)
This course discusses local, regional, and national grant planning and writing, for the purposes of digital collections creation. Emphasizing the granular detail needed for successful grant submissions, this course will include sections on digitization explanation, metadata description, digital preservation and maintenance, harvesting and interoperability requirements, and specialized, user-friendly research applications that will make your application stand out, in order to secure funding.
January 1-28, 2024
$200
Creating Digital Exhibits (Library Juice Academy)
This course covers planning and development of unique digital exhibits that complement physical special collections or museum exhibits, as well as stand alone digital exhibits. Building upon archives and special collections training, the students in this course will learn how to propose, plan, and actualize sleek and sophisticated digital exhibits that feature digital objects from permanent, traveling, or donor-funded physical exhibits. Content management systems, plugins and exhibit features, file infrastructure, and policy development will be covered, and students will have the opportunity to discuss their current professional projects, needs, and future exhibits. This course is part of the Museum Informatics Certificate.
February 5 – March 3, 2024
$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. By the end of this course, students should be able to: Identify the basic components of electronic resource management; Use best principles to activate/deactivate and make discoverable/suppress electronic resources using an electronic resources management system; Use best principles to manage existing electronic resources using an electronic resource management system; Troubleshoot and resolve access issues with electronic resources.
January 1 – February 11, 2024
$300
Leadership/Management
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 1-28, 2024
$200
Library Management: Workplace Communication (Amigos Library Services)
Effective communication is often what sets great leaders apart. Through listening, questioning, and refining, managers can assertively provide direction and effective feedback to staff. Learn about the importance of non-verbal communication, active listening techniques, how to influence others, and having difficult conversations with your staff.
January 30, 2024, 2-4p CST
$180 (Non-member) / $90 (Amigos member)
Leadership Communication (Library Juice Academy)
Leadership communication is a difficult and complex art form to master. This course will give you the tools you need in order to successfully navigate communication at all different levels from interpersonal to groups, as well as help frame difficult conversations. In addition, you will explore how to manage effective teams and highlight processes for decision-making and discussion that foster a shared perspective and promote a space where good questions can be asked, intentions are clear, and assumptions are tested.
February 5 – March 3, 2024
$200
Student Staff Development (Library Juice Academy)
This course is based upon the premise that a student’s work in the library should be seen as part of his or her overall development as a learner and a complete individual. With that philosophy in mind, this course will teach you specific tools and methods to evaulate and improve your current process of hiring, training and developing your student staff. Specifically, the focus will be on methods and processes to help you hire the best students possible, clearly communicate your expectations to your student staff, measure their progress and ability while finding ways to motivate and engage them. Readings will be provided during the course.
March 4-31, 2024
$200
Technology/Coding
Excel for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
This class will teach the basics of working in Excel, including entering, structuring, manipulating, importing and exporting data. It will also cover some Excel functions and tools for basic data analysis. The class assignments will incorporate practical data tasks that you would encounter in a library or information management setting.
January 1-28, 2024
$200
Git and GitHub for Libraries (Library Juice Academy)
This course introduces the basic concepts and skills for using Git and GitHub, a popular version control system and platform, in a library setting. Git and GitHub are often used to manage open source software, library technology, and academic research projects. Individuals and teams use Git to record changes within a project’s source code and GitHub to share and publish their work online. Library staff are using these technologies to support work in a variety of contexts, including metadata, data analysis, digital humanities, open educational resources, archives, and open science. While this course focuses on the fundamentals of Git and GitHub, students will pick up some basic command-line and plain-text editing skills along the way.
February 5 – March 3, 2024
$200
Wikipedia Editing for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
In this course, you will learn how Wikipedia actually functions philosophically, structurally, and technically. You will create an account and work collaboratively with fellow participants to learn how to create and edit Wikipedia content while critically reflecting on adjacent topics like ethics, credibility, access, equity, and social justice. This course will give you the tools, skills, community, and confidence to incorporate Wikipedia into your work. No previous knowledge of editing Wikipedia required, and librarians and information workers at any and all types of institutions are welcome.
March 4-31, 2024
$200
Adopting Artificial Intelligence in Libraries (LJ & SLJ Professional Development)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has splashed into cultural awareness and usage, prompting librarians to question if and how to use AI in and for their libraries. This online course will focus on tangible ways to apply AI to your communication, programming, and workplace challenges. We will discuss the potential challenges regarding ethics and copyright, as well as the opportunities to engage new users and streamline your work. You’ll have a chance to get hands-on to play with commonly available tools and practice writing effective prompts.
March 5, 2024 12-4p ET
$249 – $295