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School of Communication, Information and Library Studies
 
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  School of Communication, Information and Library Studies 2006-2008 Professional Development Studies Certificate Programs Library Assistant Training Program  

Library Assistant Training Program

This online, on-the-job training program is designed for people who work in academic and research libraries as support staff, library assistants and associates, and technicians. The program is also appropriate for individuals who serve in specialized support functions in such libraries, including public relations, web development, and human resources.

The class offers the opportunity to explore some of the "big picture" issues in libraries beyond the specific tasks of the everyday job. The program includes an overview of library values, functions, and practices; an understanding of 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 have the chance 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 the different areas we cover.

This program was originally developed with a 2002 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in partnership with New York Public Library and Rutgers University Libraries.

The 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, and 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, databases; 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; circulation functions including reserves, circulation systems, confidentiality of records, statistics, interlibrary loan and document delivery, and noncirculating 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 major trends are also covered.

The online library assistant training program for library assistants in academic and research libraries is generally offered each fall and spring term. For details about current offerings, visit http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/professional-development/online-library-assistant-training-program.html.


 
For additional information, contact RU-info at 732/932-info (4636) or colonel.henry@rutgers.edu.
Comments and corrections to: Campus Information Services.

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