Online Learning Opportunities

 

Free Online Learning Opportunities
ABLE Courses and SABLE Courses	A program developed to help library staff members who have no formal education in library science to acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to operate or work in a library. While these courses, which include collection development, technical services, public services, youth services, and interlibrary loan, are part of a larger CE program in Idaho, anyone may access the online tutorials.
Collection Development Training	Practical training in performing collection development activities in public libraries. Each activity is presented as a separate section with links to helpful Internet sites, lists of books and articles for further reading, and definitions of key terms.
© Primer	An interactive tutorial presenting an introduction to issues concerning copyright ownership and use of information. The tutorial, by the University of Maryland, includes illustrative scenarios and resources for further information and study.
Professionalism Tutorial	An online tutorial that discusses librarianship as a profession. While part of a larger training program for Texas librarians, anyone may access this useful tutorial.
Learning 2.0	The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County created this guided but self-directed project to encourage staff to learn about new technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today. While only PLCMC staff are eligible for the incentives, library staff everywhere are welcome to participate.
The Library of Congress: for Librarians and Archivists	A wide range of topics and formats of interest to librarians and archivists. Options include 26 Webcasts, MARC tutorials, and information sheets on preservation.
LIS Interactive Webcasting	A number of Webcast series offered by the University of Missouri. Tune in to live broadcasts, or listen to archived programs.
Nat’l Library of Medicine Distance Education Program Resources	Brief tutorials on various medical library resources such as PubMed and MedlinePLUS. Some include videos and handouts.
Ohio Library Council Online Learning	Tutorials on library marketing, reference, and general library practices for new employees. While the tutorials include some Ohio-specific content, they are general enough for use anywhere.
Reference Interview Skills	Information to help with reference interviews and questions.
Searching the Web	Tutorials for searching the web for the most useful information with little effort.
SirsiDynix Institute	An ongoing forum for professional development in the library community. The organization provides free, online access to industry-leading speakers and events through Webinars, both live and archived. The Web site also provides a newsletter and other timely resources.
SLA Online Presentations	Online presentations from SLA members and events. Archived presentations are available to members.
Training for OCLC Services	A variety of tutorials and materials about using OCLC services.
Virtual Reference Adventure	Offered by the Washington State Library, this self-paced tutorial was inspired by ‘choose your own adventure’ books (although options for a group learning experience are also offered).
WebJunction	An online community for library staff nationwide, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and associated with OCLC. Bulletin boards, pathfinders, articles, and other resources are provided. Online courses are available, some for free, others for a fee.

 

 

Fee-based Opportunities
ACRL e-Learning and ACRL Professional Tools	A number of live Webcasts and multiweek online seminars. Topics include blogging, information literacy, and assessing student outcomes.
ALA Online Learning	Several Web-based courses offered in conjunction with the Reference and User Services Association. Topics include readers’ advisory, the reference interview, and business reference.
Amigos Library Services Continuing Education Services	A large selection of self-paced and instructor-led online courses. Options include everything from government documents on the Internet to metadata for digitized resources to preservation.
SLA Connecting Information Professionals	For SLA members. SLA offers a range of online courses and live, interactive Web presentations.
Online Learning PLA	Several online courses from PLA. The courses feature simulations, interactive exercises, threaded discussions, and live chats with other learners and the instructor.
Education Institute	Audio conferences, online courses, audio courses, and a new web conference every Tuesday. Topics range from YA programming to copyright issues to genealogy, and much more.
Kovacs Consulting: Internet and World Wide Web Training and Consulting	Web-based continuing education for librarians and other information professionals. Courses include such titles as Small Business Research on the Web, Genealogical Research on the Web, and Electronic Collection Development.
MindLeaders	Many online software and business courses. A few Webinars are also available.
Simmons College Graduate School of LIS Online Workshops	Online workshops on a variety of topics with an emphasis on technology and young adult topics. Outlines are provided for each course.
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of LIS Continuing Education	A variety of online courses of different lengths. Topics include young adult books, genealogy, and PC troubleshooting.