Current Issues (PLA)
Instructors: George Needham and James McPeak
Sponsoring Institution: Public Library Association
Course Fee:
$250 for PLA members and partners
$300 for ALA members
$400 for non-members
Fee will include all training materials, breaks, and lunch on both days of the workshop.
If you would like to partner with PLA to present this program in your state, email Linda Bostrom for more information (lbostrom@ala.org).
Course Schedule: This is a two-day workshop that will be presented in various sites around the country. The training program schedule for the two days will be:
- Day 1: 10 am – 12 pm; 1 pm – 5 pm
- Day 2: 8:30 am – 12 pm; 1 pm – 4:30 pm
In addition, all CPLA candidates will complete two projects.
Course Structure/Delivery:
This two-day program will provide working librarians with the skills and knowledge they need to develop plans for their libraries that are based on a close integration of the institution with the community, to move from “That Library AND the Environment” to “The Library IN the Environment.” The course includes a variety of group exercises based on a case study about a medium-sized county library with multiple branches. The students will then apply what they have learned to their own institutions, identifying, describing, and addressing issues within their communities.
At the end of the program, students will be able to identify trends in the local, regional, national, and international environment that affect public library service; to develop strategies for adapting to these factors; and to analyze current services in the light of a changing environment. Students will apply these skills to the case study county in one exercise, and then apply the skills to their own communities. The final module will provide guidance on turning the message to build an environment-based vision for library service.
Enrollment Process: Registration information will be available through the PLA Web site.
Technology Requirements: Internet access
Contact: If you have questions or would like more information about the class, please get in touch with the instructors, George Needham and James McPeak at (needhamg@oclc.org).