The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has a full lineup of online classes available this fall.
We’re launching two new online courses on health reference and spatial literacy. We also have many of our basic reference and user services courses being offered again, including genealogy reference and business reference. A complete schedule, including links for complete course descriptions, is below.
Course topics are relevant to a variety of library professionals and library types including public, academic and special libraries. With the exception of Readers Advisory 101, all courses are asynchronous—participants log into the course at classes.ala.org and complete weekly coursework at their own pace.
Group discounts are available for two or more participants registering from the same library, library system or network. More information about RUSA’s online learning opportunities is available at the RUSA website. Questions about registration for both groups and individuals should be sent to the ALA registration team at [log in to unmask].
***Please share this schedule with any other distribution lists or colleagues who might find it of interest.***
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*NEW COURSE!* Introduction to Spatial Literacy and Online Mapping: Sept. 26-Oct. 14
Through podcasts and hands-on assignments, participants will explore uses for geographic information systems (GIS) technology within organizations and also its social uses beyond simple cartography. The course also covers the how-to of online mapping tools such as Google Earth, ArcExplorer, Scribble Maps and Google Maps. Relevant for public or reference librarians who want to organize information in a visual or geographic way to benefit the work of the library, to make information available to the community, or any number of needs. Get more information or register now.
*NEW COURSE!* Health Information 101: Sept. 26-Nov. 7
Participants will demystify and decode medical terminology, and learn the basics of evidence-based biomedical literature searching. They’ll also learn how to systematically evaluate a health website then look at some the best of best sites for medical, pharmaceutical and drug information. The course also addresses health literacy issues and how to create partnerships with hospital and academic medical librarians through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Get more information or register now.
Business Reference 101: Sept. 19-Oct.14 and Oct. 24-Nov. 18
Appropriate for librarians and library staff of all types who wish to acquire business reference expertise. The course demystifies such topics as SIC, NAICS codes, ROI and 10ks. Students will also have access to such proprietary business reference databases as Standard & Poor’s Net Advantage and Thomson/Gale’s Business & Company Resource Center. Get more information or register now.
Readers’ Advisory 101: Oct. 10-Nov. 27
Through practice sessions, participants will learn from instructor and RA expert Joyce Saricks 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. This course has scheduled weekly meeting times. Get more information or register now.
Genealogy 101: Sept. 19-Oct. 21
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, and will review archival material, print reference tools and online sources. Get more information or register now.
The Reference Interview: Nov. 1-Dec. 9
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. Get more information or register now.
Liz F. Markel, M.A.
Marketing & Programs Manager
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)
Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)
The American Library Association // 50 E. Huron Street // Chicago, IL 60611
800-545-2433 // p. 312-280-4398 // f. 312-280-5273 // e. [log in to unmask]
Find our divisions online at www.ala.org/rusa & www.ala.org/ascla