Search results: 21

ABLE 10 - Evaluating Reference Sources

Please note that this course is being retired and will no longer be available for enrollment as of January 1, 2026. For up-to-date related courses, please see LiFT: Library Foundational Training. Anyone currently enrolled will continue to have access to this course until January 31, 2026.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 2 hours

Course Objectives
Evaluating Reference Resources will introduce you to:

  • The importance of evaluating reference resources
  • Evaluation criteria for all types of reference resources
  • Specific evaluation criteria for print resources
  • Specific evaluation criteria for electronic resources

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 11 - Basic Reference Sources

Please note that this course is being retired and will no longer be available for enrollment as of January 1, 2026. For up-to-date related courses, please see LiFT: Library Foundational Training. Anyone currently enrolled will continue to have access to this course until January 31, 2026.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 3 hours

Course Objectives
In this course, you will learn:

  • Type and purpose of each reference source.
  • Recommended titles in each category.
  • Remember to explore links to external websites.

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 12 - Ethics and Public Service

Please note that this course is being retired and will no longer be available for enrollment. For up-to-date related courses, please see LiFT: Library Foundational Training. Anyone currently enrolled will continue to have access to this course until January 31, 2026.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 2 hours

Course Objectives
Ethics and Public Service will introduce you to:

  • Professional ethics
  • Equal access for all
  • Intellectual freedom and censorship
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Importance of policies and procedures
  • Intellectual property rights

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 5 - Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records

Please note that this course is being replaced by a version with updated functionality, that will provide certificates of completion here at WebJunction. We recommend both new and returning learners enroll in the new versions of these ABLE courses. Please also see this new program of related courses: LiFT: Library Foundational Training.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1.5 hours

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn:

  • The workflow for technical services and acquisitions
  • Creating a cataloging record
  • The purpose of cataloging records
  • General information of cataloging records and types of entries
  • Descriptive information and the format of catalog records
  • Sources for cataloging information

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 5: Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1.5 hours

Please note: we are continuing to offer the four ABLE cataloging courses with updated functionality, because despite their age, they still offer a level of detail in teaching the work of cataloging that new catalogers find helpful. Course completion will now automatically generate a certificate of completion, here in the WebJunction Catalog.

If you are interested in an introduction to library cataloging aimed at a more general library staff audience, we recommend the coming LiFT course series.

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn:

  • The workflow for technical services and acquisitions
  • Creating a cataloging record
  • The purpose of cataloging records
  • General information of cataloging records and types of entries
  • Descriptive information and the format of catalog records
  • Sources for cataloging information
Category: Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE)

ABLE 6 - Introduction to Subject Headings

Please note that this course is being replaced by a version with updated functionality, that will provide certificates of completion here at WebJunction. We recommend both new and returning learners enroll in the new versions of these ABLE courses. Please also see this new program of related courses: LiFT: Library Foundational Training.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 3 hours

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • Purpose of subject headings
  • How subject heading lists are organized
  • Terminology for Library of Congress Subject Headings
  • Different types and forms of subject headings
  • How subdivisions are used in subject headings
  • How to use Library of Congress Subject Headings list to assign subject headings
  • How and where to place subject headings in the cataloging record
  • Additional access points to include in a cataloging record

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 6: Introduction to Subject Headings

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 3 hours

Please note: we are continuing to offer the four ABLE cataloging courses with updated functionality, because despite their age, they still offer a level of detail in teaching the work of cataloging that new catalogers find helpful. Course completion will now automatically generate a certificate of completion, here in the WebJunction Catalog.

If you are interested in an introduction to library cataloging aimed at a more general library staff audience, we recommend the coming LiFT course series.

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • Purpose of subject headings
  • How subject heading lists are organized
  • Terminology for Library of Congress Subject Headings
  • Different types and forms of subject headings
  • How subdivisions are used in subject headings
  • How to use Library of Congress Subject Headings list to assign subject headings
  • How and where to place subject headings in the cataloging record
  • Additional access points to include in a cataloging record
Category: Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE)

ABLE 7 - Introduction to Dewey Classification

Please note that this course is being replaced by a version with updated functionality, that will provide certificates of completion here at WebJunction. We recommend both new and returning learners enroll in the new versions of these ABLE courses. Please also see this new program of related courses: LiFT: Library Foundational Training.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 2 hours

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • The purpose of classification
  • The organization of the Dewey Decimal Classification system
  • The basic steps for classification of an item
  • How to use Dewey Decimal Classification
  • How to create a complete call number

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 7: Introduction to Dewey Classification

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 2 hours

Please note: we are continuing to offer the four ABLE cataloging courses with updated functionality, because despite their age, they still offer a level of detail in teaching the work of cataloging that new catalogers find helpful. Course completion will now automatically generate a certificate of completion, here in the WebJunction Catalog.

If you are interested in an introduction to library cataloging aimed at a more general library staff audience, we recommend the coming LiFT course series.

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • The purpose of classification
  • The organization of the Dewey Decimal Classification system
  • The basic steps for classification of an item
  • How to use Dewey Decimal Classification
  • How to create a complete call number

Category: Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE)

ABLE 8 - Introduction to MARC Cataloging

Please note that this course is being replaced by a version with updated functionality, that will provide certificates of completion here at WebJunction. We recommend both new and returning learners enroll in the new versions of these ABLE courses. Please also see this new program of related courses: LiFT: Library Foundational Training.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hours

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • The history and purpose of MARC
  • How MARC is organized
  • How MARC tags are used
  • Special issues with non-book cataloging, copy cataloging, and cooperative cataloging.

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

ABLE 8: Introduction to MARC Cataloging

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hours

Please note: we are continuing to offer the four ABLE cataloging courses with updated functionality, because despite their age, they still offer a level of detail in teaching the work of cataloging that new catalogers find helpful. Course completion will now automatically generate a certificate of completion, here in the WebJunction Catalog.

If you are interested in an introduction to library cataloging aimed at a more general library staff audience, we recommend the coming LiFT course series.

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • The history and purpose of MARC
  • How MARC is organized
  • How MARC tags are used
  • Special issues with non-book cataloging, copy cataloging, and cooperative cataloging.
Category: Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE)

ABLE 9 - The Reference Interview

Please note that this course is retired and is no longer available for enrollment. It has been replaced by a new LiFT: Reference Interview course. Anyone currently enrolled will continue to have access to this course until January 31, 2026.

Format: Self-paced Course
Developed by: the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 2 hours

Course Objectives
In this unit, you will learn about:

  • The value of reference
  • Methods to make a patron feel comfortable
  • Techniques for discovering the patrons' real information need
  • Steps to check for patron satisfaction

Important Notes:

1) A Certificate of Completion for this course is provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

2) User registration data for all ABLE courses is provided to the Idaho Commission for Libraries so they can track user progress.

Elevating core skills with new Library Foundational Training (LiFT) courses

Format: Webinar, original date July 30, 2025
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour

The Library Foundational Training (LiFT) courses build on the popular ABLE (Alternative Basic Library Education) curriculum while introducing fresh content and innovative learning approaches. This webinar offers an overview of the Collection Management series, the first series of the LiFT courses. Understand the findings from WebJunction's surveys of the field regarding core library skill needs; become familiar with topics in the LiFT Collection Management courses and how they address core foundational skills; and learn how to create a staff development plan using the LiFT courses. Join this webinar to find out how the Collection Management LiFT courses can be used to empower staff and enhance library services. 

This webinar is designed for public library staff—from front-line workers to directors and managers, state library continuing education staff, and anyone involved in staff training or in collection development. 

Presented by:

  • Annie Gaines, CE Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries
  • Brooke Doyle, Program Manager, WebJunction
Category: Collections management

LiFT: Collection Assessment

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the fifth course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you'll learn how libraries conduct ongoing collection assessments to extract useful data for evaluating their collections. You’ll also learn about the types of community assessments libraries conduct to better serve their patrons.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Recall the types of data libraries generate to assess or evaluate their collections
  • Describe the importance of ongoing collection assessment
  • Describe the types of community assessments libraries conduct to better serve their users
  • Understand how libraries use data to make informed decisions about their collections
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Introduction to Collection Policies

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the second course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you’ll learn how policies support a library in achieving its vision, mission, and values. You’ll also learn how collection policies, objectives, and benchmarks guide the collection lifecycle and support staff in making decisions and managing day-to-day-operations.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Describe the importance of collection policies
  • Describe the relationships between collection policies, objectives, and benchmarks
  • Identify how a library’s collection policies support its vision, mission, and values
  • Explain your library's collection policies to a library user
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Introduction to Library Collections

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the first course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you’ll learn how library collections help support a library’s vision, mission, and values and serve its community. You’ll also learn the basics of managing a collection throughout its lifecycle and how a library’s budget and physical space may constrain its collection.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Define a library collection
  • Identify collection types at their library
  • Describe how your library's collections support its vision, mission, and values
  • Understand a library’s collection lifecycle
  • Discuss two common limitations of library collections: space and budget
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Organizing and Maintaining a Collection

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the fourth course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you'll learn how libraries organize their physical and digital resources to ensure access, usability, and support wayfinding for staff and patrons. You’ll also learn more about the steps a library might take to prolong the life of items in its collection.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Understand how libraries organize materials in their collections
  • Describe what libraries do to support wayfinding for library staff and patrons
  • Describe the steps a library might take to maintain and prolong the life of items in its collection
  • Explain how shelving practices support libraries in keeping their collections organized
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Public Library Fundamentals

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:

Welcome to Public Library Fundamentals. you'll explore the differences between various types of libraries, the fundamental principles of public libraries, and the core functions of a public library in its community. You’ll also learn about some of the key activities that take place in a public library and the code of ethics that guides the library profession. 

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Recognize that different types of libraries serve their communities in different ways
  • Describe the purpose of a public library and its core functions
  • Explain the importance of the principles described in the code of ethics for the library profession

This course contains AI-generated text-to-speech.

Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Selection and Acquisitions

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the third course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you'll learn how libraries select and acquire materials that reflect their foundational statements and collection policies. You'll also learn how libraries consider community needs when building a collection to ensure it’s balanced and well-developed.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Recognize the qualities of a well-developed and balanced collection
  • Describe how libraries select and acquire materials for their collections
  • Explain your library’s selection criteria and acquisitions policies
  • Apply a library's selection criteria to identify items that would be a good fit for its collection
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: The Reference Interview

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview
In this course, you’ll learn about the reference interview and some of the skills needed to conduct one effectively. You’ll also learn how to create a welcoming environment for library users, identify their information needs, and practice conducting reference interviews through real-world examples and scenarios.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Define the reference interview and its role in library service 
  • Describe the purpose of a reference interview 
  • Identify methods to make library users feel comfortable during a reference interview
  • Employ techniques for identifying and responding to users’ real information needs
  • Practice the parts of the reference interview

This course contains AI-generated text-to-speech.

Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training

LiFT: Weeding the Collection

Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour

Overview:
In the sixth course of the LiFT Collection Management series, you'll learn why and how libraries weed their collections. You’ll also learn about the common methods and processes for weeding and how to mitigate common weeding challenges.

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Define weeding and its purpose
  • Describe common methods and processes for weeding
  • Identify potential solutions for common weeding challenges
Category: LiFT: Library Foundational Training