Working in a Library Course

Lesson 1 • Types of Libraries and Their Missions

Covers public, academic, school, and special libraries and their distinct service goals. Establishes context for all subsequent library work.

Lesson 2 • Library Policies and Procedures Overview

Introduces core operational policies governing patron conduct, access, and staff behavior. Grounds staff in the rules that shape daily library operations.

Lesson 3 • Library Organizational Structure

Examines departmental divisions, reporting lines, and staff roles. Helps new staff understand where their position fits within the whole organization.

Lesson 1 • Collection Development Basics

Introduces selection criteria, collection policies, and acquisition workflows. Provides the foundation for understanding how materials enter the library.

Lesson 2 • Print and Physical Formats

Covers books, serials, maps, and audiovisual items as physical objects. Builds the format literacy needed for shelving, cataloging, and circulation tasks.

Lesson 3 • Handling and Preservation of Materials

Covers proper handling techniques, storage conditions, and basic repair for library materials. Protects the collection from damage caused by improper staff practices.

Lesson 4 • Digital and Electronic Resources

Examines e-books, databases, streaming media, and born-digital content. Connects digital resource awareness to patron assistance and collection management.

Lesson 1 • Metadata and Descriptive Standards

Surveys RDA, Dublin Core, and other descriptive standards used in modern cataloging. Broadens staff understanding beyond MARC to current metadata practice.

Lesson 2 • Catalog Records and MARC Format

Introduces bibliographic records, MARC fields, and how data is structured in library systems. Connects record structure to searching and patron assistance.

Lesson 3 • Using the Online Catalog Effectively

Teaches keyword, subject, and advanced search strategies within an integrated library system. Directly supports patron assistance and reference work.

Lesson 4 • Dewey Decimal Classification System

Explains the numeric structure, main classes, and subdivision logic of Dewey. Enables staff to shelve, locate, and explain Dewey-classified materials.

Lesson 1 • Patron Registration and Account Management

Teaches creating, editing, and maintaining patron records in the library system. Ensures accurate data that supports borrowing privileges and communication.

Lesson 2 • Check-Out and Check-In Procedures

Covers the full borrowing transaction cycle using integrated library system software. Builds speed and accuracy at the circulation desk.

Lesson 3 • Holds, Renewals, and Reserves

Explains placing and managing holds, processing renewals, and maintaining course reserves. Connects these workflows to patron satisfaction and collection access.

Lesson 4 • Interlibrary Loan Basics

Introduces borrowing and lending workflows between libraries for items not held locally. Expands patron access beyond the local collection.

Lesson 1 • Information Literacy Instruction

Covers frameworks for teaching patrons to find, evaluate, and use information ethically. Prepares staff to deliver one-on-one and group instruction sessions.

Lesson 2 • Readers Advisory Services

Introduces techniques for recommending fiction and nonfiction based on patron preferences. Builds patron engagement and supports collection use.

Lesson 3 • Reference Sources and Tools

Surveys print and digital reference sources including encyclopedias, indexes, and directories. Enables staff to match patron questions to the best available resource.

Lesson 4 • The Reference Interview Technique

Teaches open-ended questioning, active listening, and clarification strategies for patron inquiries. Forms the core interpersonal skill of effective reference service.

Lesson 1 • Digital Asset Management Tools

Introduces platforms for managing digital collections, institutional repositories, and media assets. Builds awareness of digital infrastructure beyond the ILS.

Lesson 2 • Technology Troubleshooting and Support

Teaches first-level troubleshooting for printers, computers, Wi-Fi, and library equipment. Reduces service disruptions and improves patron experience.

Lesson 3 • Integrated Library Systems Overview

Explains the modules, workflows, and data architecture of a modern ILS. Provides the conceptual map needed to use any ILS platform effectively.

Lesson 4 • Library Website and Online Presence

Covers content management for library websites, research guides, and social media channels. Ensures staff can maintain accurate and useful online patron resources.

Lesson 1 • Programming and Events Planning

Teaches needs assessment, program design, promotion, and evaluation for library events. Builds capacity to create programs that attract and serve the community.

Lesson 2 • Volunteer and Intern Management

Covers recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining library volunteers and interns. Builds the human resource capacity of the library at low cost.

Lesson 3 • Serving Diverse Patron Populations

Covers culturally responsive service, accessibility accommodations, and multilingual patron support. Ensures equitable service delivery across all patron groups.

Lesson 4 • Outreach and Community Partnerships

Covers strategies for building relationships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations. Extends library impact beyond the physical building.

Lesson 1 • Professional Development and Career Growth

Surveys continuing education, professional associations, conferences, and credentialing pathways. Motivates staff to invest in lifelong learning and career advancement.

Lesson 2 • Staff Supervision and Team Leadership

Introduces hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution for library supervisors. Prepares staff for leadership responsibilities within the organization.

Lesson 3 • Library Budgeting and Financial Management

Covers budget cycles, line-item tracking, grant funding, and expenditure reporting. Equips staff to manage or contribute to library financial processes responsibly.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Planning and Assessment

Teaches goal-setting frameworks, environmental scanning, and outcome-based assessment methods. Connects daily operations to long-term library mission and vision.