Service is the heart of libraries. This class will help you create the best possible array of services for your particular community.
You will learn how to assess your users’ needs, evaluate outreach opportunities, and leverage resources to provide superior service at your library. Explore, customer service, programming, reference fundamentals, and using technology to enhance services.
At a glance
When: Sept 20 – Dec 12, 2021
Where: Online
Cost: $425 (10% off if you register 2 weeks before the start date)
CE Credit: 3.5 CEUs/35 LEUs
Program: 304422
Questions? Contact Meredith Lowe or Anna Palmer
Register Online in July
Due to the continuation of remote work, please use the online registration option. If you need alternate arrangements, email Anna Palmer, ahpalmer@wisc.edu or Meredith Lowe, mclowe@wisc.edu. Alternate registration options may result in delays.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Login information will be emailed to you a few days before the course begins
Course description
This course is part of the Wisconsin Public Library Director Certification program.
This course is eligible for the Wisconsin Public Library Director Certification Course Scholarship.
Topics
- Community and user needs assessment
- Outreach to the community and community building
- Customer service
- Programming
- Readers’ advisory
- Reference interview
- Searching and research strategies
- Evaluating resources
- Legal/ethical issues in reference
- Training for staff and patrons to use resources
- Technology and physical space in service
- Networking with other institutions and professional allies
Expectations
Each week, you will be required to listen/read lectures, read/review resources, and participate actively in online discussions. There will be regularly scheduled assignments. The course is designed with working people in mind and assignments will be relevant and practical.
Instructors
Meredith Lowe and Anna Palmer are graduates of and now work at the UW-Madison Information School. They have worked in public services at public and academic libraries and taught a variety of online courses for librarians.