Current Issues in Libraries
Dates: Nov 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, 2007 and January 9 and 16, 2008 (Wednesdays)
Times:
Online synchronous sessions from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Central time.
Note: Although this course has been designed as a synchronous course, special arrangements can be made
to accommodate students unable to participate in live sessions.
Cost: $300
Instructor:
Rose M. Chenoweth, MLS, Alliance Library System
Intended audience: Librarians and information professionals
interested in current issues in libraries; CPLA program candidates
needing an elective course for certification. Note: While the course has a public library focus,
the issues covered are relevant to other types of libraries. The course syllabus is available for review upon request.
Course description: Utilizing information about international, federal, state, and local issues,
trends, and legislation and community demographics, readings on current library management issues, case studies,
and assignments, students will apply what they have learned to their own library. By the end of the course,
students will be able to identify at least five current issues or trends that affect public library management
and apply new skills to develop related services. They will analyze their current long range plan and services
in the light of this new knowledge and apply their new skills to develop a new service response for the library
in its changing community, goal, objectives, and one new service development plan. The service plan will
address relevant activity steps, gap analysis, and resource allocation to show the full development and
implementation of the service.
Course texts: Students will be asked to purchase the following text for the course: Garcia, June and Sandra Nelson.
2007 Public Library Service Responses. Public Library Association, 2007. The text may be purchased from the ALA Store
for $25/$22.50 for members. Also, if not already owned, the following book should be interlibrary loaned:
Nelson, Sandra, Ellen Altman, and Diane Mayo. Managing for Results: Effective Resource Allocation for Public Libraries.
American Library Association, c2000. The other required readings will be available online.
Delivery format: The course will be conducted via
the same technology used by the Graduate School of Library and Information
Science online education program (LEEP). The course will consist of 6 live
synchronous sessions of 2 hours each. Students will also be expected to participate
asynchronously during the 6 weeks via discussion boards.
Technology Requirements: Participants will need a reliable Internet
connection via modem, ISDN, DSL, cable or other dedicated connectivity. A 28.8
or higher speed modem and SLIP, PPP, or other TCP/IP connectivity is required.
Software requirements include a Java enabled Web Browser, Real Player software,
and Adobe Reader. Hardware requirements are: an IBM compatible Pentium II or
greater (at least 400mhz) with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP - or - Macintosh with OS
8 (or a more recent MacOS); 128MB RAM memory; a sound card with speakers and/or
earphones; and a color monitor with at least 800x600 resolution.
Registration
To enroll in this course, please complete this REGISTRATION FORM. If you have questions, contact Marianne Steadley,
217.244.2751 or steadley@uiuc.edu.
