Today’s public libraries are thriving. Library boards and staff are working hard to provide relevant services and welcoming public spaces. Traditional services are augmented by new media and digital information with staff carrying out new roles and responsibilities. The library is a vital service with staff making a significant difference in their community. There is considerable optimism about the future of public libraries, with public support for public libraries remaining strong.

This course is for anyone who wants to better understand the potential for 21st-century public libraries and how libraries are a force for individual growth and development, social cohesion and community well-being. The material will also cover the context in which public libraries in Ontario are governed and funded, offering information on the purpose, governance and programs and services of public libraries.

This course focuses on the provision of reference service in the public library. It outlines the steps involved in the successful delivery of in-person or online reference service, including reference interviews, information sources, search strategies, and the evaluation of information sources.

The course provides a holistic and practical approach to marketing that is scalable for any sized library. Participants will learn about key marketing terms and how to apply them to libraries. The course covers the ongoing nature of marketing initiatives, how to initiate the marketing process, marketing plans, implementing promotions, evaluating and analyzing marketing efforts, as well as tips and tricks to improve library marketing success.

This course describes the process of collection development in the public library from beginning to end. It begins with a process for assessing your current collection as well as the community’s needs and goes on to discuss collection development policies, collection planning, selection, and weeding. The course also highlights trends in collection development, including non-traditional collections. The last module of the course focuses on the marketing and promotion of collections in the public library.

The organization of a library’s collection is the key element in providing the users access to all material that is available. This course covers the principles of collection organization, use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Cataloguing-in-Publication data, and ALA Filing Rules. It also covers the creation of bibliographic records using the MARC Records system.  It also provides a brief overview of  the purchase of cataloguing from commercial vendors.

In order to provide responsive and innovative library service, library CEOs and managers need to master planning as an essential process and fundamental management tool. This course introduces the planning process and how to use planning to develop and improve library service. It provides an overview of the four stages of the planning process: Conduct a situational analysis; Imagine a compelling future; Identify strategic directions; and Communicate and implement the plan.

Public libraries have a rich tradition of programming with children, young adults and adults, as a way of providing additional opportunities for information, learning and entertainment. This course focuses programming in the public library and outlines the steps involved in planning, promoting, hosting and evaluating public library programs. It also covers programming for specific age groups, including children, young adults, adults and seniors.

This instructor led course discusses public library management and supervision. The course provides an overview of the governance of public libraries in Ontario, and goes on to explore topics related to personnel management and issues, planning and policy work, as well as financial and statistical management. This course is aimed at public library supervisors and CEOs, or public library staff who want to build their knowledge base in the area of library management and supervision.

Note: If you have completed E02 – Library Management or E03 – Supervision, you do not have to complete E24 – Library Management and Supervision. These courses contain similar content and therefore cannot both be counted as part of the certificate requirements.

This course discusses the importance of customer service excellence in public libraries at the community, library, and individual levels.  The course introduces a set of core values necessary for the creation of customer-centered library culture.  Essential skills, attitudes, and approaches for creating satisfying customer interactions are presented through interactive learning activities, personal reflection exercises and self-assessments.  This course is aimed at front-line staff who want to elevate customer service experiences from ordinary to extraordinary.

This course explores the role of Community Outreach within a public library setting. This instructor led course introduces learners to the Community Led principles and provides them with tools and best practices for implementing community engagement initiatives in a public library setting.  The course takes the learner through four phases of planning and implementing a community outreach initiative: community entry, relationship building, service planning and evaluation.  Learners work through the four phases by completing a series of assessments that culminate in a Community Outreach Plan.  This course is aimed at public library staff or volunteers who are committed to building relationships with community partners to engage with their communities.

This course discusses Family Literacy programs and services in public libraries.  The course introduces the core concepts necessary for creating meaningful Family Literacy initiatives in a public library setting and explores the application and implications of family literacy practices on library programs and services.  The course emphasizes the important role that public libraries plan in a network of community organizations working together to strengthen relationships and learning in families and the role library staff play in the enhancement and engagement of families in a library setting.  This course is aimed at public library staff or volunteers who involved in planning or delivering children's programs.