Library technicians are expected to communicate their services to the public, which often involves creating written documents, such as pathfinders, bibliographies, book reviews, and readers’ advisory lists. It is also necessary for library technicians to be able to think critically when determining which services and materials to provide to the public; thus, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing is essential to providing strong service in the library.
This course is designed for students to develop foundational writing skills necessary for working in a library setting. The writing process will begin with pre-writing skills, reading, writing, editing and revising. Students will explore grammar, mechanics, a variety of writing types and documentation. Students will begin with paragraph writing for short papers. They will examine, practice and work on different essay types, critique articles, research topics and apply proper documentation using MLA and APA style.
Students will learn techniques and processes involved in writing and speaking effectively in a professional setting. Students will review fundamental writing skills while applying these skills to routine types of library communication: letters, memos, short presentations and business reports.
This course focuses on the further development of the oral and written communication skills required by those working in the library field, with a focus on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills and marketing yourself for your future career.
Business Computing is a hands-on course in which students develop skills in the use of current Microsoft productivity software. Topics include introductory and intermediate skills in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as the integration of these applications.
This course is a general introduction to all aspects of subject cataloguing. You will acquire skills in assigning Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Subject Headings for Children (AC), and Canadian Subject Headings (CSH). Cross-references and authority records are covered. Other specialized indexing is briefly covered. You will learn to create call numbers using the Library of Congress Classification scheme and Cutter-Sanborn book numbers.
Records Management covers procedures and methods used by records management personnel in organizing their collections. This course is designed to enable students to gain an understanding of the records management system.
Archives and Preservation introduces students to archival principles. The study of the theory and practice of acquiring, appraising and accessioning records is taught.
This course is an introduction to various types of libraries, their organization, purpose, function and services. Students are introduced to library terminology and are taught skills in the use of libraries. Students acquire skills in basic library procedures such as simple book repair, materials processing, shelving and all aspects of circulation. Procedural variations according to type of library are also covered. Students visit a variety of libraries. Levels of library employees are studied with particular emphasis on the role and duties of library technicians. The importance of professional associations is covered.
This course is an introduction to descriptive cataloguing in machine-readable format (MARC) of monographs using Resource Description and Access Cataloguing Rules [RDA]. You will learn to choose appropriate access points and preferred form of personal and corporate names, cross-references for names and name authorities. You will be introduced to procedures for acquiring cataloguing copy, and how to use cataloguing modules in a variety of library-automated systems. Filing according to the latest edition of ALA filing rules is briefly covered.
Internet tools will be explored in-depth. Topics will include browsers and search engines, free and fee-based databases, listservs, newsgroups, blogs, wikis and other information resources on the Web.
You will learn to operate and maintain equipment as well as how to use new electronic media to provide service to library patrons and staff. You will study safety and security issues and criteria for the selection and purchase of equipment. The course also introduces you to types of major non-print formats and their storage, handling, preservation, circulation and scheduling.
Learn the basic techniques in collection development, community analysis, needs assessment and collection development policy. You will learn selection, verification, ordering and receiving procedures for books, serials, French and foreign language materials, pamphlets and government publications. Acquisitions procedures for handling gifts and exchanges and weeding are also covered. You will learn to create and maintain vertical files. You will examine the organization and function of the acquisitions department and its automation.
You will be introduced to the reference process with emphasis on both print and electronic sources used to answer ready reference questions. Types of sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, almanacs, periodical indexes, yearbooks and bibliographies. You will also learn how to conduct an reference interview. Basic bibliographic instruction and the creation of subject bibliographies and pathfinders are covered. You will learn interlibrary loan procedures and other methods of document delivery. Specialized services in various types of libraries are discussed.
Readers’ Advisory for Children provides an introduction to books for children from preschool to tweens, including picture books, easy readers, transitional fiction, genre novels, graphic novels, and popular nonfiction; and how to recommend these books to youth. We will discover methods to determine what a young person might like to read, and how to recommend and market books to children. Several different genres of literature written for young people will be examined. You will prepare and present different techniques for bringing children and books together: reading aloud/storytelling, writing annotations, using readers’ advisory websites and book talking. Current issues affecting children’s literature will also be discussed.
This course continues the introduction to all aspects of subject cataloguing. You will acquire skills in using the Sears Subject Headings and in creating call numbers using the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme and Cutter-Sanborn book numbers. Cross-references and authority records are covered.
This course provides a further look at bibliographic description concentrating on non-print materials and serials.
This course provides you with the opportunity to become familiar with the types of information resources pertaining to specialized disciplines within the social sciences and humanities fields. Emphasis will be placed on electronic resources including databases and web sites, but you are also expected to become familiar with print resources and specialized library collections for each discipline. The role of current awareness services and the needs of clients in various types of libraries are covered.
This course is selective study of Canadian politics with emphasis on multiple viewpoints pertaining to federal as well as provincial and municipal politics. The implications on policy formation and political behaviour of such factors as culture, regional diversity, the economy, labour, business and Canada's close ties with the USA are examined.
Readers’ Advisory for Young Adults provides an introduction to books for teens from ages 12-18, including, genre fiction, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, alternative formats, and books for reluctant readers. Through individual and group exercises, we will discover methods to determine what a young person might like to read and how to suggest and promote materials to those reading interests. You will prepare and present different techniques for bringing teens and books together, including creating: read-alike lists, book trailers, teen library programs, and giving presentations on teen books and authors. Current issues affecting literature for teens will also be discussed.
This course provides you with an introduction to the information resources available in a variety of science and technology disciplines. Emphasis is on the types of information sources available in each discipline, including databases, web sites, print resources, and specialized library collections. Also covered are some of the trends in scientific communication and publishing and their effect on library service.
You will be introduced to current management issues in libraries such as respectful workplace, employment equity, workplace health, safety, copyright, Internet filtering, etc.
Readers’ advisory is a service libraries provide to help patrons directly or indirectly locate reading materials appropriate to their needs. In this course, you will become familiar with reader’s advisory work for adults, particularly in the public library context. However, the methods used and issues presented will also readily apply to a wider variety of libraries and reading material. The primary issues of discussion and lecture will include, but may not be limited to: indirect and direct readers’ advisory for adults; reading appeals in genre fiction and popular non-fiction; and RA resources and tools for library technicians.
You will be introduced to promoting library use and marketing the library through print and non-print media.
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations.
You will work full-time in a library under the supervision of qualified librarians or library technicians for a two-week period. The field placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in courses to practical workplace settings and situations.