The department of library and information science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has launched an open online course exploring public libraries. The free, four week course is open to anyone, anywhere.

It will cover four topics: customer service and the user experience; youth librarianship – best practices to serve our youngest patrons; improving library services by managing technology; and community engagement.

Given the transition of the master of library science degree to an entirely online program and the central role of information technology in libraries, creating the course was a natural step for the department according to Andrea Copeland, an assistant professor and developer of the course.

“The course is a digital open house where people can, at no cost and with as much energy as they wish to expend, learn about our program and what’s going on in public libraries,” stated Copeland. “Our degree is open to a national audience in a way that it was never before. I thought this would be a good way to let people know we’re here and what we’re really good at.”

The Indiana State Library will award 12 educational credits for the course. It will feature instuctional videos as well as reading resources. Participants have the freedom to work at their own pace and will be able to participate in discussions and take quizzes.

Registration will continue even after the class begins. For more information or to register, visit IUPUI’s course information page.

Source: IUPUI