Back to school with ALSC online education

Contact: Aimee Strittmatter


ALSC Executive Director


(312) 280-2164


astrittmatter@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


August 17, 2009

CHICAGO—Start the school year off on the right foot by taking an online education course from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Starting in October, ALSC is offering two engaging courses that will enhance your skills and knowledge.

The two fall courses being offered are: “The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future” and “Children with Disabilities in the Library.” Registration is now open, and discounted rates are available for ALSC members. Courses begin the week of Oct. 5 and run through Nov. 13, 2009.

“The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future,” discusses different aspects of the award, the history of the medal and how it’s changed over time. Participants are given an opportunity to read, discuss and consider past and present Newbery winners with their colleagues from across the nation. The instructor of the course is Kathleen T. Horning, director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Children with Disabilities in the Library” will discuss the individual needs of disabled children and how libraries might be able to assist each child. This course will look at inclusive programming, assistive technologies, staff attitudes and legal considerations. Participants will collaboratively develop strategies for determining needs and identify resources that can be consulted when a child requires help. The instructor of the course is Katherine Todd, adjunct instructor at Manhattanville (N.Y.) College.

Courses are taught asynchronously using Moodle, an online learning community. A certificate of completion will be sent to participants upon successful completion of the course.

Detailed descriptions and course registration information is available on the ALSC Web site at
www.ala.org/alscevents. Fees are $95 for personal ALSC members; $145 for personal ALA members; and $165 for non-members. For more information, contact ALSC Executive Director Aimee Strittmatter at
astrittmatter@ala.org.

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,300 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 Web site at
www.ala.org/alsc