Foundations of Library Services

Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of the mission, ethics and core values of libraries? Are you interested in better understanding the staffing and governing structures of libraries (with a focus on public libraries)? Would you like a broad introduction to various aspects of library service, including reference, circulation, cataloging, and collection development? Most importantly, do you want to understand how each of these elements translates into better service for library users? As a result of your active participation in the course you will learn the:

• Mission and roles of libraries
• Ethics and values of the profession, including an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records, and privacy issues
• Core role of library policies (and knowing when exceptions are appropriate)
• Basic principles of:
  • Reference and information services
  • Circulation, including interlibrary loan and collection maintenance;
  • Cataloging and classification systems;
  • Acquisitions and collection development.
• Value of keeping your knowledge and skills current, including involvement in professional associations
• Roles of library staff in different types of libraries
• Basics of how libraries are governed and funded
• Value of cooperating with other libraries to enhance services
• Basics of quality customer service
• Importance of recognizing and responding to diversity in user needs and preferences for resources and services.

Whether you are new or not-so-new to public libraries, you'll come away from this course with resources, best practices, and useful advice to help you build a solid foundation of understanding that will guide your work in public libraries.

Course Description: In this asynchronous (self-directed) course, you will find weekly readings, useful resources, and practical assignments. Each week, learners will be expected to interact in the online discussion forums and complete an assignment. The instructor will participate in the discussion forms and will provide feedback. One optional "live" virtual meeting will be offered during the course. This meeting will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live session.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: The Mission and Roles of Libraries
• Week 2: Ethics and Values of the Profession
• Week 3: Library Policies
• Week 4: Overview of Core Library Functions
• Week 5: Library Structures and Governance
• Week 6: Customer Service

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2½ hours per week, for a total of 15 course hours. Each week's module contains various options for assignments, discussions, or online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Any library staff or supporters who are relatively new to working in and for libraries. This course is particularly valuable for library support staff who want to gain a foundational understanding of public libraries.

Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC): This course is approved as covering the Foundations of Library Services competencies for the LSSC program.

Do you work in a rural or tribal library? If so, you may be eligible for a course fee waiver for this course. This Infopeople course has up to five no-cost seats allocated for rural or tribal libraries. Fill out a fee waiver request, and if a no-cost seat is available you will be notified via email.

tags: fundamentals, principles, core values, mission, policies, ethics