For immediate release | December 29, 2011

Two weeks to register for ALSC online courses

CHICAGO - In two weeks, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) begins a new semester of online courses, but there is still time to register. ALSC is offering four great courses, and all of these are open for registration. Courses start Monday, Jan. 16.

ALSC’s online courses have been described by participants as having “exceeded expectations.” Many members have highly recommended these courses as great professional development and a path to making keeping their libraries up-to-date. One participant noted, “I’m very excited about using what I have learned in my library.”
Courses include:
Connecting with ‘Tween Readers (four weeks, Jan. 16 – Feb. 10) examines the developmental needs and abilities that make this age group (children 10 – 12 years old) unique. Participants will discuss why tweens are particularly vulnerable to illiteracy and what types of activities and programs (including the utilization of currently popular technologies) libraries can offer to keep these children on the path to becoming lifelong readers.
Out of This World Youth Programming (six weeks, Jan. 16 - Feb. 24) provides innovative ideas and suggestions on how to plan, promote, execute and evaluate programs to work for libraries and their patrons. Participants will take away new programs for immediate implementation in their library.
Children with Disabilities in the Library (six weeks, Jan. 16 - Feb. 24) examines how schools handle students with disabilities, exploring ways that the library might be able to assist each child. Participants will explore inclusive programming, assistive technologies, staff attitudes and legal considerations.
Information Literacy - From Preschool to High School (six weeks, Jan. 16 - Feb. 24) discusses successful information literacy programs, appropriate skills for appropriate ages, creation and presentation of programs, as well as marketing of those programs.
Detailed descriptions and registration information are available on the ALSC online course information page. Fees are $95 for personal ALSC members; $145 for personal ALA members; and $165 for non-members. Questions? Please contact ALSC Program Officer Jenny Najduch at jnajduch@ala.org or 1 (800) 545-2433 ext. 4026.
ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at www.ala.org/alsc.

Contact:

Dan Rude