ASCLA announces new online course: An introduction to correctional librarianship

CHICAGO — “An Introduction to Correctional Librarianship,” a new online course hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), is an interactive six-week course designed for those interested in pursuing prison/jail librarianship, correctional personnel tasked with assisting or running a prison library or community librarians interested in collaborating with their local institution.



“An Introduction to Correctional Librarianship” will focus on providing a full insider's look at the field and the requirements for success through three different avenues: basics of corrections, security and the inmate population; mental health issues in prison, the importance of emotional intelligence and self-care; an in-depth look at the public library service model in a prison setting that includes cataloging, programming, budgeting, marketing, law library, advocacy and censorship

Some of the topics that will be discussed are:

• specifics of working with offenders and targeting their needs for service;
• challenges of working within corrections system;
• advocating for library services within the walls and on the outside;
• best practices for library and law library service;
• need for self-care and emotional intelligence skills for personal success;
• view of typical day in correctional librarianship.

This course provides networking and educational opportunities for individuals working with the incarcerated or detained, whether they are in public libraries, state libraries or institution libraries. It offers a chance to connect with other librarians who may or may not be in the same field, but offer different perspectives based on their experiences, as well as a chance to step outside of their particular library and learn about a very different way of providing information and library services.



This course is designed to introduce prison librarianship to participants who have little or no prior knowledge of the field. This course will feature content that is not widely offered to library students or professionals in the field, and will be of interest to those in the field and those with merely a curiosity who wish to know more about institutional librarianship.

“An Introduction to Correctional Librarianship,” will be held March 16 - April 25, 2015. Registration rates start at $40 for ASCLA members, and registration will close on Monday, March, 15. Register online for this webinar now. Group rates are available, with either single login or multiple login options. Get group registration information at ASCLA’s Online Learning page.

ASCLA, a small, mighty and growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Learn more about ASCLA and how to join this innovative division.