The assignments are based on practical applications to give students an opportunity to test the principles of the course in their own work situations. Each course takes approximately fourteen weeks to complete with assignments due every two weeks. In many cases, this registration fee is paid by the library board. These manuals are distributed to all public libraries in Ontario free of charge. It provides an introduction to the purpose and function of libraries, and provides an overview of the governance, organization, collections, staffing and services of public libraries.
Specialized vocabulary is introduced.
Discusses the roles of trustees, the CEO, secretary and treasurer. Covers the monitoring and evaluating library services, budgeting and personnel management. Information Services Discusses selecting a basic reference collection, developing effective reference interview techniques and search strategies, types of reference service, how to answer typical questions, identifying resources. Library Marketing Discusses marketing, including determining the target audience, developing appropriate programmes and services, choosing the marketing mix, and designing promotional materials. In these three collection development courses, materials for a particular user group in the library are reviewed.