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
Recommended for public library workers.
$299 | Save with early bird and group rates.

CAN YOUR PATRONS ACTUALLY FIND WHAT THEY'RE LOOKING FOR?

  • Cataloging feels technical and intimidating, but you know it matters
  • You're doing your best with limited training or support
  • You want to understand the methods well enough to use them confidently in your library

This course gives public library workers a practical, approachable introduction to cataloging so that your collection is organized, accessible, and actually findable.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Good cataloging is the difference between a collection patrons can use and one they can't.

Self-Paced Course Materials
Available for 6 months starting on registration deadline date.

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.


Enroll FOR SPRING 2027

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.

Buying for a larger group? Explore all purchasing options

Return to Full Course Catalog

AFTER COMPLETING THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:

  • Apply foundational cataloging methods, including MARC and Library of Congress classification, in everyday public library contexts.
  • Organize a collection in ways that make sense for your specific patron base.
  • Troubleshoot common cataloging challenges, including materials that don't fit neatly into standard categories.
  • Build confidence in cataloging decisions, moving from intimidation to practical, everyday competence.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This course is designed for public library workers.

SESSIONS AND PRICING

Early bird pricing ends one month before the session deadline. Course materials unlock on the session deadline date.

Rate + deadline Spring Session
Early bird deadline April 14, 2027
Early bird price $249
Standard deadline May 14, 2027
Standard price $299
Materials unlock May 14, 2027

 

GROUP OPTIONS

Training 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 FORMAT

This 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 COMMITMENT

Each 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 DETAILS

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.

 

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

You will have access to all course materials for six months from the material unlock date.

 

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Complete all modules to earn 12 professional development credit hours and a Library Journal certificate of completion. Certificates are emailed upon completion.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

All 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.

 

SUPPORT

For technical or course-related support, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com.