--- On Tue, 6/4/10, ALA - Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) <rusa@ala.org> wrote:
From: ALA - Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) <rusa@ala.org>
Subject: Online Library Courses from the American Library Association
To: naglaxman@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, 6 April, 2010, 2:31
Dear ALA international colleague,
I wanted to let you know about some exciting upcoming learning opportunities from the Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association.
These library courses are all offered online, and are a great way to gain basic library reference and adult services skills. Many of them are also asynchronous, which means they do not have scheduled meeting times—so you can complete coursework from anywhere in the world! Click on the course titles below for more information about the class learning objectives, or go to the online registration page and sign up today!
Genealogy 101, May 17 - June 18
This new course is designed for reference staff with little to no experience in genealogy. Using a case study to frame the coursework, participants will learn about tools and techniques they can use to confidently assist patrons with family history research. A review of archival material, print reference tools and online sources is included in the curriculum.
Business Reference 101, May 10 - June 4
Appropriate for librarians and library staff of all types who wish to acquire business reference expertise. You will gain an understanding of the business reference process as well as an overview of business reference sources. Students will also have access to such proprietary business reference databases as Standard & Poor’s Net Advantage and Gale Cengage’s Business & Company Resource Center.
The Reference Interview, April 19 - May 21
This comprehensive course covers such reference interview topics as cultivating an approachable reference environment, successful questioning and listening techniques and appropriate follow-up methods. Staff of all levels at all types of libraries will find this content, presented in a multi-media format, helpful in their day-to-day engagement with library patrons.
Readers' Advisory 101, June 28 - Aug. 14
Through practice sessions, participants learn how to use RA tools, craft annotations, read in genres, articulate appeal and experiment with methods to offer RA services. Readers' Advisory 101 is tailored for those at all types of libraries—support staff, library technicians, newly hired reference librarians and those librarians who want to brush up on their skills. The topics covered are introductory in nature.
RUSA members receive the best rates on course registration rates, so if you are not a RUSA member, I invite you to join us. For $60 plus the cost of ALA membership, you’ll receive discounts on classes plus many other benefits. Visit MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "ala.us1.list-manage.com" claiming to be www.ala.org/membership, or phone us at 01-312-944-6780 and join the premiere organization of reference and user services professionals.
We look forward to having you in class!
Best Wishes,Susan Hornung
Executive Director, RUSA
