Public Library Cataloging Foundations
A Practical Introduction to Organize Your Collections
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Course Details![]() Registration deadline May 14, 2027.
![]() 4 Self-Paced Course Modules
![]() 12 Credit Hours
![]() $299 | Save with early bird and group rates.
CAN YOUR PATRONS ACTUALLY FIND WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR?
This course gives public library workers a practical, approachable introduction to cataloging so that your collection is organized, accessible, and actually findable. ABOUT THIS COURSEGood cataloging is the difference between a collection patrons can use and one they can't. Self-Paced Course Materials You don't need to be a cataloging expert to catalog well, you just need the right foundation. In this course, you'll learn cataloging basics tailored to the realities of public library work, including how to apply common methods like MARC and Library of Congress classification in practical, everyday contexts. You'll explore how to organize your collection in ways that make sense for your patrons, troubleshoot common cataloging challenges, and build the confidence to handle materials that don't fit neatly into a standard category. By the end, cataloging will feel less like a mystery and more like a tool you actually know how to use. This is a fully self-paced, asynchronous course. You will have six months to move through the material. For more details, check out the What to Expect tab. Need an invoice or PO? Orders of $600 or greater can choose invoice at checkout. For orders under $600, submit this form , and we will process your order manually. Need approval? Email this course to your supervisor. TRAINING A TEAM?Multi-seat discounts are automatically calculated in the cart. Return to Full Course Catalog AFTER COMPLETING THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSEThis course is designed for public library workers. SESSIONS AND PRICINGEarly bird pricing ends one month before the session deadline. Course materials unlock on the session deadline date.
GROUP OPTIONSTraining a team? Choose the setup that matches how you want to plan and pay : Group course enrollment: Enroll 3+ staff in this course and save. Bulk course credits: Prepay once, get the highest per-seat discount on every course, and assign seats later. Unlimited annual licensing: System-wide access for a year with no per-course approvals. Request Discounted Group Pricing Questions? Email groupsales@libraryjournal.com. COURSE FORMATThis is a fully self-paced, asynchronous online course consisting of 4 modules. Each module includes video instruction, slides, readings, and reflective exercises designed to connect concepts directly to your daily work.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENTEach module is designed to take approximately 3 hours to complete, for a total of 12 professional development hours. You may move through the course at your own pace and on your own schedule.
ALL THE DETAILSYou don't need to be a cataloging expert to catalog well, you just need the right foundation. In this course, you'll learn cataloging basics tailored to the realities of public library work, including how to apply common methods like MARC and Library of Congress classification in practical, everyday contexts. You'll explore how to organize your collection in ways that make sense for your patrons, troubleshoot common cataloging challenges, and build the confidence to handle materials that don't fit neatly into a standard category. By the end, cataloging will feel less like a mystery and more like a tool you actually know how to use.
ON-DEMAND ACCESSYou will have access to all course materials for six months from the material unlock date.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETIONComplete all modules to earn 12 professional development credit hours and a Library Journal certificate of completion. Certificates are emailed upon completion.
ACCESSIBILITYAll video recordings feature auto-captioning. If you require accommodations, please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration and we will make our best efforts to support your needs.
SUPPORTFor technical or course-related support, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com. |





