VIRTUAL Library Skills Academy

Eight-Week Virtual Online Program

REGISTRATION DEADLINE TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025. 

2025 Program Sessions 

Nonmember Rate - $240

This program is open to individuals already working or newly hired in libraries, or people interested in working in public and academic libraries. There are no materials required to be collected in advance of the first program.  All required materials will be distributed at each session.  

The intention of this program is to be an interactive experience for both presenters and participants. To receive a certificate, participants must attend all sessions within the program. Recordings and materials will be provided to our participants following the presentations for their review. 

Session I: Introduction

Faculty:
Ginger Tebo
School Library System Director
St. Lawrence-Lewis School Library System

Sarah Clark
Library Director
Voorheesville Public Library

Caitlin Kenney
Research and Reference Services Coordinator
Western New York Library Resources Council

Amy Peker
Associate Librarian, Digital Services and Government Documents
New York State Library

Description
An introduction to libraries and library services.  Discussion topics include the history of libraries, the foundational principles of library service, the major types of libraries, the different functional areas of library work, the various jobs and roles in library work, an overview of the current employment landscape in the library field, and a discussion of “hot topics” such as censorship, privacy, rights of access, social media, etc.

Learning Outcomes

1.     Understand the history of libraries and the profession’s ever evolving complexity.
2.     Understand core principles of library service and the place of libraries in a democratic society.
3.     Have a working knowledge of major library types - public, academic, school, special.
4.     Have a working knowledge of major functional areas of library work - circulation, reference, technical services, etc.
5.     Have a working knowledge of the various jobs and roles in library work.
6.     Achieve an overall understanding of libraries and library services in order to provide context for the other components of the course.

Session II: Reference Services

Faculty:
Maria Lowe
Assistant Deputy Director, Buffalo Libraries

Description
This component of the training program is an introduction to reference and information services in libraries. Topics include the reference interview, changing nature of reference services, the definition of reference and reference work, active listening, technologies for completing reference work, information literacy, information organization and information-seeking skills. The role of the library assistant in this aspect of library service is explored.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the nature, function, and organization of reference and information services and sources in different type libraries and information centers.
2. Develop an awareness of current and emerging trends in reference sources and services (e.g., chat reference, “roving reference,” print vs electronic resources).
3. Grasp the concept of and practice the “Reference Interview” and the Assistant’s role in providing reference service.  
4. Understand the multitude of perspectives of library users and how to address them in the reference interview.
5. Identify and access multiple reference tools to answer reference questions.
6. Evaluate information online and employ methods to teach information literacy to library users.

Session III: Public / Customer Service

Faculty:
Margie Menard
Library Director, Kingston Library

Description
An introduction to public services in libraries. This section covers access policies and procedures, collection management, customer service, and public relations.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Summarize the various aspects of customer service in the library setting, including Circulation Desk management, conflict resolution, and patron security.
2. Explain the role and philosophy of public services in a library environment, the differences in public services among different types of libraries, and the library assistant’s role in providing these services.
3. Describe how the library assistant provides access to library resources while protecting patrons’ privacy.
4. Understand the critical role of technology in serving patrons.

Session IV: Technical Services 

Faculty:
Stephanie Anderson
Head of Collection Management Services

What is library Technical Services and how does it fit into the overall library set-up? This session will provide background information on the basics of “tech services” including structure and non-cataloging responsibilities for this area of library services.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the relationship of technical services to the library as a whole and to the library's mission.
2. Describe the overall process for obtaining resources for the library's collections, and variations on that general process.
3. Describe the physical parts of a book and of other tangible resources acquired by libraries.

Session V: Introduction to Program Development

Tuesday, September 16, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Faculty:
James Richeson
Youth & Parent Services Librarian, Huntington Public Library

Description

An introduction to program development within the library. This session will cover how to plan, organize, and execute different types of programs for your library with strategies on how to identify programs patrons are looking for.

1. An overview of program planning, organizing, and execution.
2. How programs can look different across library types, demographics, and library sizes.
3. Strategies on how to identify programs needed for your library community.

Session VI: 

Introduction to Collection Development

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Faculty:
Jennifer Coulter
Library Director, Pound Ridge Public Library

Description
An introduction to collection development within the library. This session will cover how to maintain, update, and create a collection of materials for your library that is relevant and informed by your community.

Learning Outcomes

1. Provide a basic overview of collection development.
2. Overview of the different kinds of collection development beyond books - such as maintaining libraries of things, and other collections.
3. Discuss strategies of organizing collections of materials.
4. Touch upon ways to collaborate with the community in developing collections and ways to engage the library community in this process.

Session VII: Outreach, Promotions, and Advocacy

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Faculty:
Angela Newman
Continuing Educations and Communications Coordinator
North Country Library System

Description

An introduction to how libraries get the word out and engage their community.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding of outreach, community engagement, and partnerships.
2. Working strategies for displays and signage.
3. Understanding of the role of public relations, social media, and community reports.
4. The importance of advocacy: legislative, local government, and every day.

Session VIII: The Library & Your Community

Tuesday, October 7, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Faculty:
Joe Burke
Library Director, Altamont Public Library

Terry Kirchner
Executive Director, Westchester Library System

Le'Andre Peoples
Regional Assistant, Brooklyn Public Library

Description
An introduction to public services in libraries. This section covers the intersection of the library and the community it serves.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the various stakeholders of a library.
2. Organizational structure and how that interfaces with the community.
3. How library funding and budgets are interconnected with the community.