New professional development online courses for the Reference and User Services online learning line-up this Spring

For Immediate Release
Tue, 03/03/2015

Contact:

Marianne Braverman

Marketing and Programs Manager

RUSA

Reference & User Services Association

mbraverman@ala.org

CHICAGO — The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has announced two new professional development online courses for spring 2015. The new courses begin in early April and registration is now open.

The new online courses, beginning this spring are:  Introduction to Instructional Design for Librarians and Learner-Centered Reference and Instruction: Science, Psychology, and Inclusive Pedagogy.

“One of the things I’m incredibly proud of is the continued growth of our RUSA online courses, said Joe Thompson, RUSA president.  "These offer members of the library profession important opportunities to continue their learning so that they can excel at their jobs and keep ahead of the trends. RUSA’s online courses have an excellent reputation for good reason, and provide the quality experiences that library staff need, in order to grow.”

Introduction to Instructional Design for Librarians (April 20 - May 31, 2015) Students will learn to use the Instructional Design Process and apply it effectively to library instruction which includes: identifying instructional problems, learner analysis, task analysis, defining instructional objectives, sequencing content, identifying instructional strategies, message design, instructional delivery, and evaluation instruments. You can read more and register here.

Learner-Centered Reference and Instruction: Science, Psychology, and Inclusive Pedagogy (April 6 – May 17, 2015) This course will introduce library practitioners to empirically sound approaches to learner-centered teaching that can be applied to creating effective reference and instruction services that maximally facilitate student learning. The course will give participants the tools to feel more confident in their instructional strategies and ability to support student-centered learning. You can read more and register here.

RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Check out the division’s upcoming activities and important, ongoing work in the library community at www.ala.org/rusa.