Professional Development Opportunities
Acquisitions
Introduction to Library Acquisitions (Amigos)
Are you responsible for acquisitions at your library, but feeling like you don't know where to start? Or just looking to learn more about this area of library work? Acquisitions work, which involves ordering, receiving, and paying for library materials, is a very important factor in getting library patrons access to the resources they need. Topics covered include goals and methods of acquisitions, budget management, and relationship building with vendors and publishers.
December 4
Free (members)/$180 (non-members)
Cataloging/Metadata
Metadata Principles and Practices: Metadata Customization, Exchange, Transformation and
Migration (Amigos)
This third course in the Metadata Principles and Practices Series covers the processes by which institutions customize existing metadata standards, exchange and harvest metadata, transform metadata from one standard to another and migrate metadata to a newer standard. Topics to be covered include: metadata quality factors, application profiles, the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting, metadata crosswalks and stylesheets.
October 29
Free (members) / $180 (non-members)
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.
November 3 - November 30
$250
Introduction to Cataloging (Library Juice Academy)
Are you a librarian who has suddenly been given the responsibility of cataloging for your library, but you know little to nothing about how to do it? Or do you feel that a quick course on cataloging will simply make you a better librarian? Or perhaps it has been a long time since you did cataloging work and you need a refresher. This four-week course will introduce the tools and techniques of the trade, including descriptive cataloging (RDA), subject cataloging (classification and subject headings), and an introduction to Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC). The course promises to provide practical, hands-on training for non-catalogers, including sample workflows, an introduction to copy cataloging, and guides to make the job of cataloging easier.
November 3 - November 30
$250
RDF Fundamentals (Library Juice Academy)
This course will focus on the the basic concepts of the RDF, including URIs, triples, Subjects, Predicates, and Objects, and how to use vocabularies to describe RDF resources. We will work with an XML representation (serialization) of RDF and other representations as well (e.g. Turtle, N-Triples), and create some simple RDF resource descriptions (triples) to demonstrate how these descriptions can be used to describe resources and tolink/share information about resources.
This course will also introduce the following concepts: graph data and its relationship to RDF, fundamental concepts of Property Graphs and Knowledge Graphs, semantic vocabularies, ontologies, and knowledge organization systems.
The Introduction to RDF will lay the foundation for future study in semantic vocabularies, Linked Data, and semantic search and discovery in subsequent courses in the LJA RDF series.
November 3 - November 30
$250
Electronic Serials Cataloging (MCLS)
The Electronic Serials Cataloging Workshop will introduce attendees to current standards and practices, elements and terminology used in the cataloging of electronic serials. This course is based on Resource Description and Access (RDA) as interpreted by current CONSER policy and practice with special attention paid to the differences in the cataloging of print and electronic serials. Attendees will work through examples which will include the use of current tools and documentation.
November 4 – November 6
$100 (members) / $200 (non-members)
Introduction to BIBFRAME (MCLS)
This course gives an overview of BIBFRAME as one web ontology in the larger linked data landscape. Attendees will learn the basics of data models and ontologies, become familiar with the interacting cataloging standards expected to form the basis of BIBFRAME / linked data cataloging, and how the BIBFRAME vocabulary is structured. As time allows, a brief BIBFRAME cataloging demonstration will conclude the course.
November 5
$60 (members) / $120 (non-members)
Metadata Principles and Practices: Metadata Relationships (Amigos)
This final course in the Metadata Principles and Practices Series focuses on the role of expressing relationships in metadata to enhance resource discovery. Topics to be covered: how the Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard maintains links between metadata and the resources they describe; how the Semantic Web, RDF and Linked Data semantically articulate relationships between entities to aggregate metadata components and enable users to find resources related to their research interests; the Bibliographic Framework (BibFrame) as an application of RDF and its potential as a replacement for MARC 21
November 5
Free (members) / $180 (non-members)
Cataloging & Metadata Competencies in Practice (ALA Core)
This program will present new research on the understanding and use of the Core Competencies for Cataloging and Metadata Professional Librarians, which will be published this fall in the journal Library Resources and Technical Services. First released in 2017 and revised in 2023, the Core Competencies enumerates the skills and knowledge required for a career in cataloging. This 2024 study asked practitioners to rate their understanding of theoretical concepts from the Knowledge section of the Competencies, and the frequency with which they perform tasks from the Skills section. Demographics collected as part of the survey allow us to look at characteristics of practitioners in different types of libraries and with differing amounts of experience. Those interested in using the Core Competencies for professional development, teaching, or other purposes will learn which Core Competencies are performed frequently and with confidence, and which might need development due to novelty or infrequency of use.
November 5
$80.10 (ALA member) / $89 (non-member)
Integrating Resources Cataloging (MCLS)
Do you want to start cataloging online databases or websites and don’t know how to start? Not quite sure how the MARC record of a loose-leaf print title differs from that of ordinary print serials? This class will give you those answers and clear up any confusion or hesitance you have in cataloging those resources. AND, we will catalog a website from scratch during class!
November 12
$60 (members) / $120 (non-members)
Retroactive Addition of Homosaurus: An Evaluation (November 2025) (ALA Core)
Beginning in Fall 2021, Emory Libraries began collaboration with Backstage Library Works to test an automated process of converting Library of Congress Subject headings to Homosaurus terms. The project aimed to evaluate the results of the Backstage conversion process, to discuss how useful retroactive addition of Homosaurus terms will be for Emory users by enhancing the discoverability of LGBTQ resources, and to offer recommendations for a sustainable, ongoing process of adding Homosaurus terms to bibliographic records. Assessment of the conversion was conducted by a diverse team of volunteer librarians and PhD students whose experience contributed perspectives from technical services, user services, subject matter practitioners, and collection development. After implementation it became clear that additional changes to the automated process and ongoing maintenance of the crosswalk were required to ensure meaningful automated application of Homosaurus terms. This webinar will introduce details of the conversion evaluation process, describe the testing and assessment methods of the conversion results, outline the proposed recommendations for the process implementation and other possible strategies of retroactive addition of Homosaurus terms to bibliographic records. It will also cover post implementation review and ongoing maintenance required for this type of project. Though this project is limited to Homosaurus, the same strategies could be applied to implementing other alternative subject vocabularies.
November 18
$80.10 (ALA member) / $89 (non-member)
BIBFRAME Applications (MCLS)
This course offers a detailed exploration of recent BIBFRAME projects, tools, and implementations, and allows participants an opportunity for hands-on BIBFRAME cataloging.
November 19
$60 (members) / $120 (non-members)
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 20
$60 (members) / $120 (non-members)
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.
This course will introduce OpenRefine from a beginning level with installation, introduce how to effectively use standard features, and go on to introduce more advanced features such as reconciliation against Library of Congress Subject Headings linked data and creating an API call.
December 1 - December 28
$250
RDF, RDFa and Structured Data Vocabularies (Library Juice Academy)
This course will provide a deep dive into RDFa and a deep dive into how to work with vocabularies in RDF. 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.
Topics will include: the relationship between RDFa and RDF graph data, the full RDFa Lite specification, and some of the more useful features of RDFa Core including how to support RDFa in HTML4 and HTML5.
In addition, the course will cover RDF Site Summary or ‘Really Simple Syndication (RSS), a method for easily distributing a list of headlines, update notices, and sometimes content to a wide audience. RSS was originally related to RDF but has evolved over time.
December 1 - December 28
$250
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.
December 1 - December 28
$250
Advanced Serials Cataloging (MCLS)
This workshop builds on the basic Serials Cataloging workshop by providing additional case studies in serials cataloging as well as presenting topics not covered in the basic workshop. The specific goals of the workshop are to:
- Become familiar with complex linking relationships
- Understand the use of serial-specific form/genre terms and elements
- Become familiar with subject analysis practices for serials cataloging
- Interpret pre-RDA serial records
- Identify appropriate serial copy and needed edits
December 2 – December 4
$100 (members) / $200 (non-members)
Introduction to MarcEdit (Amigos)
Interested in doing more with your MARC records? Looking for an easy way to add or delete fields, split a batch of records into several groups, or extract particular fields to create a report? This introductory course will take on these tasks and more, starting with the basics of how to download and install the free MarcEdit software.
December 16
Free (members)
Digital Collections
Discover Hyku: Empowering Libraries with Open-Source Repository Solutions (Amigos)
This informative introduction to Hyku, the powerful open-source repository solution tailored for small- to medium-sized libraries, will demonstrate its uses as both an institutional repository and a digital repository for cultural heritage items, open educational resources, and theses and dissertations. Hyku offers intuitive upload processes and robust bulk import/export capabilities. Its shared search functionality across multiple Hyku libraries can enhance discoverability and collaboration. In addition to a review of Hyku's features, this session will highlight real-world use cases and ongoing development efforts, equipping libraries with the knowledge to leverage this tool for current needs. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore how Hyku can transform your library's digital repository management!
November 3
Free
Fundamentals of Digital Curation in Libraries, Archives, and Museums (Library Juice Academy)
This course is designed to give the student an overview of the fundamentals of digital curation theory and best practices in libraries, archives and museums. On completion of the course, the student will have a working knowledge of theory, best practices for establishing and maintaining digital curation programs and initiatives, and feedback on work on digital curation projects in the students’ own workplace or area of interest and study. 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 1 - December 28
$250
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.
November 3 - November 30
$250
Technology/Coding
Practical AI for Librarians: Tools and Applications in Everyday Work (Library Juice Academy)
This four-week course provides librarians with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications in library settings.
Participants will explore AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai, and Canva Magic Write for tasks including metadata creation, reference support, outreach, and programming. The course emphasizes ethical considerations, including privacy, transparency, and bias, and guides participants in developing best practices for AI use. By the end of the course, participants will create a practical deliverable (ie. a sample policy, workflow, or literacy program) tailored to their library, equipping them with actionable strategies for integrating AI into their work.
December 1 - December 28
$250
Miscellaneous
Introduction to Research Data Management (Library Juice Academy)
In this course you will learn about the diversity of data and the best practices that should be followed throughout the research data lifecycle to ensure that data are collected, organized, described, licensed, cited, preserved, shared, stored and reused ethically. We will discuss data governance, data privacy, data quality and data security among other topics. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify the components of a good data management plan, which will help you establish policies and appropriate infrastructures to support your institution in managing, sharing and reusing research data efficiently.
November 3 - December 14
$375