Join the LibraryU Team!

The creation of course modules relies on the expertise of our library colleagues. A key step of the LibraryU <Reloaded> project is creation of course modules. In January, workshops were held throughout the state to introduce subject matter experts and potential module authors to the new authoring software. These workshops provided tips on how to design web based training.

We have developed two online modules that provide a step by step process (recipe) for creating a web based training module from scratch. These modules cover such ingredients as defining learning objectives, organizing your material into logical learning units, how to create learning activities that will help to reinforce your materials, and how to put it all together using the authoring software (IntraLearn). Don't worry if you do not know HTML, you don't have to! That is the benefit of the authoring software. Your subject matter expertise is by far the most important ingredient needed to create a successful module.

If you are interested in taking the online LibraryU training courses, you can self-register for these courses. Visit the LibraryU Learning Portal (http://learning.libraryu.org); click on "courses" on the left sidebar.

Training Priorities

In 2004, we identified a list of training priorities targeted for development. These modules were completed in the summer of 2004. Please visit LibraryU to experience the great "courses" (plenty of meat and potatoes, as well as some great desserts await).

Bolded topics indicate priority.

Administrative Skills

• Working with your Governing Body
• Policy development
• Budgeting
• Legislative Issues (CAPWIZ)
• Legal Issues (CIPA, Patriot Act, etc)
• Advocacy
• Supervisor Skills
• Long Range Planning
• Employee Skills
• Union Skills
• Disaster Recovery
• Measuring Effectiveness
• How to Negotiate Licenses

Cataloging

• Identifying Cataloging Problems
• Cataloging Terminology 101
• Matching Bibliographic Records
• Cataloging Standards
• LLSAP Overview
• Dewey 101
• LC 101
• Archives
• Copy Cataloging

Community Building

• Partnering/Collaboration/Networking
• Presentation Skills
• Gathering Community Information
• Developing Public School/Library Cooperation
• Organizational Memberships
• Multi-Typing
• Consortia

Customer Service

• Basics of Customer Service
• Circulation Skills
• Signage/Layout
• Readers Advisory
• Programming Development
• Service to Special Populations
  • Youth
  • Seniors
  • Home-Bound Population
• Collection Development
• Acquisitions
• Weeding/Pruning
• Processing
• ILL/Delivery
• Database searching (for ILL)
• Maintenance/Preservation
• Serials
• Digital Imaging
• Copyright

Information Services

• Virtual Reference Skills
• Subject Based Reference
  • Legal
  • Medical
  • Genealogy
• Reference Interview
• Online Resources
• FirstSearch
• Creating a reference collection on a budget
• Government documents, maps and patents
• Using Experts
• Youth Services Reference
• Novelist
• VIC, Find-it
• Boolean Searching
• Google
• Hidden Web
• Using basic print resources

Marketing

• Public Relations
• Partnerships
• Sponsorships
• Fund Raising
• Developing a Marketing Plan
• Special Event Planning

Public Library Trustees

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Legal Issues
• Orientation (Days and Dates)
• Evaluation of your Director
• Working with your Director
• Taxing/Levy
• History of Illinois Libraries
• Construction
• Tax Caps/TIFs

Public Sector

• Using FirstSearch
• Genealogy Research
• Homework Help
• Beginning Reference
  • Medical
  • Legal
  • Consumer
• Research