For Library Staff
Here are some online resources, selected by SCOE library and media staff.
Assisting Students with Research
These resources make it easier to find information online and are especially useful for library staff and others working with students.
Collection Development
Collection development is an important and complex aspect of school library operations. These resources provide welcome guidance and assistance.
Training Resources
Library/Media Training
California School Library Association: Annual Conference
CSLA’s annual conference is a phenomenal statewide event. Training sessions, special interest meetings, users groups, keynote speakers, and other special events fill the four-day schedule and hundreds of publishers and other vendors have booths in the exhibit hall. The professional development, purchasing, and networking that can be packed into this conference make it one of the most worthwhile events for school library staff. CSLA also offers regional workshops and maintains calendars of library related events and conferences.
Programs for Paraprofessionals
Library/Information Technology Programs at Cuesta College
Several of California’s community colleges offer certificate or degree programs for library technicians. Santa Rosa Junior College offers some library science classes, although it does not offer library science certification or a degree. Both certificate and Associate degree programs are available through Cuesta College (the community college in San Luis Obispo), with required classes and electives available in online formats. The program is designed to enhance individual skills and provide a sound knowledge base for paraprofessionals in a public, school, academic, or special library with coursework that includes general library practices and skills as well as specific electives about school libraries and literature for children.
Programs for Professionals
California Library Media Teacher Services Credential
Library Media teachers in California have both a teaching credential and a Library Media Teacher Services Credential. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) provides credential information and requirements and clarifies the duties and requirements for California’s Library Media Teacher credential.
California Library Media Teacher Credential Programs
Several college and university programs in California offer LMT service credential programs. The listing briefly describes the program and includes information on distance learning opportunities and a link directly to each program. In order to serve people from a wide geographic area, all of these programs have adapted their offerings to include classes that may be partially or fully online, available on weekends or in the summer, offered as intense short-term classes over winter break, taught at other sites, or provided via satellite to several sites. Note: Only San José State offers both the California credential program and an ALA accredited Master’s Program in Library & Information Studies.
School Librarianship as a Career
Interested in being a school librarian? Have a few questions? The Recruitment to School Librarianship site from the American School Library Association explains what a school librarian does, shares information on education and training, and links to job postings.
