Public Library Foundations
A 3-Course Materials Management Certification Series
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Course Details Register by May 18, 2027.
 3 Self-Paced Courses
 36 Credit Hours
 Recommended for public library workers.
 $797 (Save with early bird and group rates!)
DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BUILD, MANAGE, AND ORGANIZE A PUBLIC LIBRARY COLLECTION?
This three-course certification series covers the full lifecycle of public library collections from development and assessment to management, circulation, and cataloging. ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION SERIESBuild the collection skills your library needs from the ground up. Self-Paced Course Materials Built specifically with smaller libraries in mind, this is a comprehensive, practical certification series designed for public library workers who want to develop confident, well-rounded materials management skills. Across three courses, you'll learn how to assess and develop collections with intention, manage and maintain what you have, increase circulation, and catalog your materials so patrons can actually find them. Whether you're new to collections work or filling in gaps in your knowledge, this series gives you a complete foundation and a certification to show for it. This is a fully self-paced, asynchronous series. You will have six months of access to move through the materials for each session. 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 your supervisor to share this certification series. . TRAINING A TEAM?Multi-seat discounts are automatically calculated in the cart. Return to Full Course Catalog INCLUDED COURSESThis certification series includes 3 self-paced courses. Each one builds on the last, and together they provide foundational knowledge for public library collections. Public Library Cataloging Foundations: A Practical Introduction to Organize Your Collections 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. Intentional Public Library Collections: Foundations of Collection Assessment and Development In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of collection development and assessment for public libraries, starting with how to evaluate what you have and identify what your community actually needs. You'll explore the basics of collection auditing, build practical budgeting and ordering skills, and develop a framework for making intentional, defensible collection decisions. Whether you're starting from scratch or inheriting a collection that hasn't been touched in years, this course gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence. Public Library Collections That Get Used: Foundations of Collection Management and Circulation Collection development is only the beginning. In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of ongoing collection management: how to weed with confidence, repair materials worth keeping, and make strategic decisions about what stays, what goes, and what your community actually needs next. You'll also explore practical strategies for increasing circulation, so the work you've put into building your collection pays off in the hands of your patrons. This is the course that takes you from having a collection to having a collection that gets used. WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CERTIFICATION SERIESThis certification series is designed for public library workers. SESSIONS AND PRICINGThis registration is for the full certification series, which includes all 3 courses. Choose the session that works best for your schedule. Early bird pricing ends one month before the session deadline.
GROUP OPTIONSTraining a team? Choose the setup that matches how you want to plan and pay: Group course enrollment: Enroll 3+ staff in this certification series 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. SERIES FORMATThis certification series includes 3 courses designed to build skills progressively across the full program. All courses are fully self-paced and asynchronous, allowing you to move through the content on your own schedule.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENTIf you complete all 3 courses in the series, you will spend approximately 36 hours on the full certification. You will earn 36 hours of professional development credit and a Library Journal certificate upon completion.
ALL THE DETAILSThis certification series provides a structured path through library cataloging and collections. Rather than taking a single course in isolation, participants build knowledge and skills across multiple related areas, with each course adding depth and practical application. Built specifically with smaller libraries in mind, this is a comprehensive, practical certification series designed for public library workers who want to develop confident, well-rounded materials management skills. Across three courses, you'll learn how to assess and develop collections with intention, manage and maintain what you have, increase circulation, and catalog your materials so patrons can actually find them. Whether you're new to collections work or filling in gaps in your knowledge, this series gives you a complete foundation and a certification to show for it. By the end of the certification, you will have completed all required coursework and earned a credential that reflects sustained engagement and applied learning in cataloging and collection.
ON-DEMAND ACCESSAll materials and recordings included in this certification series will remain accessible for six months following the final course or session in the series.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETIONComplete all 3 courses in this series to earn your Public Library Foundations certification from Library Journal
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. |