The Online Library Assistant Training Program is an online, on-the-job training program that offers you the opportunity to explore some of the "big picture" issues in libraries beyond the specific tasks of your everyday job.  The program currently addresses issues found in:  Academic & Research Libraries, School Libraries, and Public Libraries. The program will run this spring from September 21 to December 7.  Individuals who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate. 

Please click on the links in the menu below to read more about the program, the curriculum, the application instructions, and the feedback we've received from people who've completed the program.

General Information

Apply for fall 2009

Curriculum Overview - Academic & Research Libraries Program

Curriculum Overview - Public Libraries Program

Feedback from participants

Contact us

General Information

The Online Library Assistant Training Program is designed for people who have been employed in college, university, public, research, or K-12 school libraries for less than five years. The next class will run in fall semester 2009 from September 21 to December 7. 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. Individuals who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate. 

This program is appropriate for individuals who:

• work as support staff, library assistants/associates, and technicians
• serve in specialized support functions in libraries, including public relations, web development, and human resources
• need an overview of library services and responsibilities (like fund-raisers and members of governing boards)

Some of the issues you will explore in the program include:

• Library values, functions, and practices;
• 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 also have the opportunity 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 terms of the different areas we cover.

Program Delivery:

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.

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Curriculum Overview

The Academic & Research Libraries 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.

Curriculum Overview

The Public Libraries 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; library principles and values; library missions and visions; networks and consortia; and cooperation 

Technology in Libraries - understanding operating systems, hardware, software, backing up; troubleshooting problems; LANs; WANs; Wireless Networks; the Internet, web pages and evaluating web sites, social sites and problems; filtering and blocking; podcasts, blogs, wikis, rss feeds; downloading music, audiobooks, files; playaways; video gaming; and upcoming technologies

Library Collections - collection development; interlibrary loan and document delivery; patron privacy; rules for use of the collections and library space; stack maintenance; copyright; anspecial collections; preservation; simple book repairs do's and don'ts and care and maintenance of various components of the collection and the environmental issues and concerns

Library Use - cirulation; fines; patron privacy; rules for use of the collections and library sapce; delivering excellent customer service; exhibits, displays, and marketing; programming; legal ramifications of service; public events, disruptions, and distractions; dealing with people; conflict resolution; communication and diversity

Providing Access - storing information; describing information; subject access, controlled vocabularies, classification; MARC records; metadata; new library integrated systems and the future of cataloging and the rules governing it; creating a catalog record; identifying elements that help distinguish one item from another in teh collection

Public Services - levels of information interactions; behavior at a service desk; reference and research; library instruction; simple reference approaches to locating information in print and online; working with library users and understanging how to explain procedures and processes to them 

Programming Services and Marketing - exhibits, displays, and marketing; programming; legal ramifications of service; public events, disruptions, and distractions

Digital Libraries - defining what digital library activities are; organizing the acquisitions, description, access, and preservation of digital libraries; creating collections; accessing digital resources (online and through commercial databases); understanding the impact of digital libraries and how to help library users with them

Advocacy and Building Community - educating the public about library needs, programs, and problems; helping the library build communicty and meet its needs through materials, services, and programs

The goal of this program is to:

• offer you a broad perspective on the mission and functions of libraries (the "business" of libraries);
• help you consider the different roles of people who work in libraries;
• help you understand your role and contribution to the library organization;
• support your personal growth so you can have a productive and satisfying experience as a library employee

During the program you will asked to locate, read, and understand various policies in effect in your library.  There will be case studies and discussion of various approaches to common public service problems and working with other library staff.  Communication and conflict resolution tips and tricks will be explored.  Your supervisor or someone within you organization will be designated to act as a resource person or mentor to help you obtain an understanding of the policies and practices in place. Discussion and sharing of experience and problems is a driving force in this program.

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Application Instructions

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

(1) you have been employed in a college, university, public, research, or K-12 school 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 rolling, space-available basis. The cost for fall 2009 is $500 per person. There are currently no group rates available.

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People who have finished the program 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

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Contact Us

If you have additional questions about the Online Library Assistant Training Program, please contact us:

pds@comminfo.rutgers.edu

(732) 932-7169