Library Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of Libraries

Traces libraries from ancient collections to modern institutions. Provides context for understanding how current practices emerged from historical needs.

Lesson 2 • Types of Libraries and Their Missions

Distinguishes public, academic, school, and special libraries by mission and audience. Helps students identify how context shapes library services and collections.

Lesson 3 • Core Values and Professional Ethics

Defines the ethical principles guiding library professionals, including intellectual freedom and privacy. Connects values to daily decision-making in library settings.

Lesson 1 • Subject Headings and Controlled Vocabulary

Teaches how controlled vocabulary standardizes subject access across catalogs. Students apply standard subject heading lists to catalog records.

Lesson 2 • Dewey Decimal Classification System

Covers the structure, schedules, and application of the Dewey Decimal system. Students practice assigning numbers to materials across subject areas.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Library Classification

Explains why classification systems exist and how they impose order on knowledge. Lays the conceptual groundwork for applying specific schemes.

Lesson 4 • Library of Congress Classification

Introduces the alphanumeric structure and subject schedules of the Library of Congress system. Students learn to navigate and apply it in academic settings.

Lesson 1 • MARC Format and Record Structure

Explains the MARC bibliographic format used to encode catalog records in library systems. Students create and interpret MARC records for common material types.

Lesson 2 • Cataloging Concepts and Workflow

Introduces the cataloging process from item receipt to record creation and quality review. Establishes vocabulary and workflow used throughout the chapter.

Lesson 3 • Descriptive Cataloging Standards

Covers current descriptive cataloging rules for identifying and describing library resources. Students apply standards to books, serials, and multimedia materials.

Lesson 4 • Catalog Maintenance and Record Updates

Addresses ongoing tasks of updating, correcting, and withdrawing catalog records. Ensures students can maintain catalog accuracy over time.

Lesson 1 • Selection Sources and Criteria

Covers review sources, vendor tools, and criteria used to evaluate materials for purchase. Students practice applying selection criteria to real titles.

Lesson 2 • Collection Development Policy

Explains the purpose and components of a formal collection development policy. Students draft policy statements covering scope, selection criteria, and reconsideration procedures.

Lesson 3 • Needs Assessment and Community Analysis

Teaches methods for analyzing patron demographics and information needs to guide selection. Connects community data to targeted collection decisions.

Lesson 4 • Weeding and Collection Evaluation

Presents systematic methods for evaluating and removing outdated or underused materials. Students apply weeding criteria to a sample collection segment.

Lesson 1 • Virtual and Chat Reference Services

Covers delivery of reference services through chat, email, and video platforms. Students adapt interview and search skills to asynchronous and synchronous digital formats.

Lesson 2 • Reference Source Evaluation

Covers criteria for evaluating print and electronic reference sources for accuracy and currency. Students assess sources across subject areas and formats.

Lesson 3 • Ready Reference and Quick Answer Services

Addresses fast-answer reference questions using almanacs, directories, and factual databases. Students build speed and accuracy in locating factual information.

Lesson 4 • Database Searching Strategies

Introduces Boolean logic, truncation, and advanced search techniques for library databases. Students apply strategies to retrieve precise results in subject databases.

Lesson 1 • Discovery Layers and OPAC Design

Explains how discovery layers and online catalogs present collections to patrons. Students evaluate OPAC interfaces for usability and accessibility.

Lesson 2 • Integrated Library Systems Overview

Introduces the modules and functions of an integrated library system (ILS). Students navigate circulation, cataloging, and acquisitions modules in a live or simulated environment.

Lesson 3 • Library Website and Content Management

Addresses the design and maintenance of library websites using content management systems. Students create and update web pages that support patron self-service.

Lesson 4 • Digital Repository Platforms

Covers platforms used to host institutional repositories and digital collections. Students upload, describe, and manage digital objects in a repository environment.

Lesson 1 • Marketing and Promoting Library Programs

Teaches how to create promotional materials and use social media to reach target audiences. Students produce a multi-channel marketing plan for a library program.

Lesson 2 • Outreach and Partnership Development

Covers strategies for building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations. Students identify potential partners and draft a partnership proposal.

Lesson 3 • Program Planning and Design

Introduces a structured approach to planning library programs from needs assessment to logistics. Students draft a complete program plan for a target audience.

Lesson 4 • Program Evaluation and Reporting

Presents methods for measuring program outcomes and communicating results to stakeholders. Students design an evaluation instrument and interpret sample data.

Lesson 1 • Assessment, Advocacy, and Reporting

Covers library assessment frameworks, data-driven advocacy, and communicating value to stakeholders. Students create an advocacy brief using library performance data.

Lesson 2 • Strategic Planning Process

Introduces environmental scanning, mission alignment, and goal-setting in library strategic planning. Students conduct a SWOT analysis and draft strategic goals.

Lesson 3 • Library Governance and Organizational Structure

Explains governance models, reporting structures, and the role of library boards and administrators. Students map an organizational chart and identify decision-making authority.

Lesson 4 • Budget Development and Financial Management

Covers the annual budget cycle, line-item budgeting, and financial reporting for libraries. Students draft a sample departmental budget with justifications.