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We all have ideal versions of the perfect library and the perfect patron in our minds, but real life comes with real curveballs. How can a library prepare for the next difficult patron interaction? Evaluate (or develop) and revise policies to address new and ongoing situations. Improve communications skills among staff and patrons to better handle a variety of situations they are likely to encounter in the library. Take steps now to train staff, boost confidence in addressing situations, and support patrons respectfully and adequately.

This introduction to the key concepts and tools in reference and information services helps library staff become comfortable in the application of core reference principles and the use of print and electronic resources. Learners are exposed to real-world reference issues related to resource selection, user privacy, and confidentiality.

Effectively cataloging with RDA brings together specific skills and knowledge - the intricate landscape of the IFLA Library Reference Model, the complexities of RDA entities and elements, and the craft of articulating relationships between resources and entities. This introduction will highlight invaluable features of the RDA Toolkit and review some of the latest developments in the structure. Gain a solid foundation in RDA and become fully prepared to integrate the RDA Toolkit into your technical work.

Having a knowledge of your library's reference collection is central to helping your patrons with the answers they seek. This course will familiarize both librarians and paraprofessionals with an understanding of evaluating, acquiring, and using print and online reference sources.

A reference policy is the foundation upon which reference services are built upon. Learn how to create effective reference policies for in-person and online reference services. Also learn to write guidelines that will provide you, your colleagues, and patrons with the understanding of how reference services fit with the overall vision and mission of your library.

Whether public, academic, school or special, every manager of a library reference department is well aware that a dominant force driving the libraries of today is change. This course focuses on the changing needs of reference management and will provide attendees with the tools to put together an information audit for your reference department or library, provide a blueprint for departmental strategic planning, and offer examples of methods to assess the effectiveness of your reference department's services.

With the increasing prevalence of online learning, librarians must be adaptable in their teaching styles to meet the needs of students. Master best practices for online teaching, including designing engaging and interactive online lessons, assessing student learning, and delivering effective feedback. Overcome common challenges when teaching online, managing time and workload, maintaining student engagement, and ensuring accessibility for all learners.

For libraries that collect and create digital objects, digital preservation is the elephant in the room. Digital objects are fragile and even libraries that are careful about backing up their collections must still hope for the best. This session identifies common threats to digital objects, explores Open Archival Information System (OAIS) basics, and offers practical solutions for preserving electronic collections. Learners will gain the confidence and skills to build a sustainable digital preservation program.

From MARC bibliographic, and classification and categorization schemas, to basic copy cataloging, and other areas essential to the cataloging department, this course offers an in-depth training in cataloging and classification. It prepares participants to begin copy cataloging by demonstrating how to interpret bibliographic records and match to items in hand. Topics include terminology, resources, and workflow. Hands-on exercises (at least one per day) provide practice using new skills. Examples and exercises will be based on OCLC-MARC, and accessed through the Connexion cataloging interface.