School Libraries 201
Making Reading Contagious with Collections and Readers' Advisory
 |
Course Details Choose a session. Registration deadlines April 16 and August 6
 2 On-Demand Course Modules
 8 Credit Hours
 Recommended for K-12 non-certified school library personnel, including paraprofessionals, staff, and teachers.
 $249 (April) | $282 (August) | Save with early bird and group rates.
ABOUT THIS COURSEA practical introduction to school librarianship for paraprofessionals and staff entering the field. Self-Paced Materials: School Libraries 201 gives you the essential tools to build and maintain a school library collection that truly meets the needs of your community. You’ll explore the basics of selecting, organizing, and maintaining a diverse mix of resources. You’ll also discover how to confidently match readers to texts through effective reader’s advisory practices that support both personal reading enjoyment and classroom learning. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more prepared to guide students and teachers toward the right books and resources at the right time. This is part 2 of a 3-course certification series, School Library Ready: 3-Course Certification for Library Workers Disclaimer: This course does not provide the training or qualifications required to manage a school library independently. It is designed to help paraprofessional staff better support certified school librarians in their instructional and leadership roles. Return to Full Course Catalog After you attend this course, you’ll be able to:
This course consists of 2 on-demand modules:Module 1: School Library CollectionsExplore the basics of managing library collections to ensure they meet the needs of your school community. This module covers selecting, organizing, and maintaining a diverse and engaging collection of resources, with a focus on book titles. You’ll examine how a well-curated collection supports learning and literacy development. Module 2: Reader’s AdvisoryDiscover how to match readers with texts and recommend resources to teachers through the practice of reader’s advisory. This module introduces practical strategies for understanding readers’ interests and needs and recommending appropriate materials. By the end of the module, you’ll feel more confident guiding library users toward books they will enjoy and resources that support coursework. Who Should Take This CourseThis course is designed for K–12 non-certified school library personnel, including paraprofessionals, staff, and teachers. It is part of a three-course series of self-paced, asynchronous online courses. Expected Time CommitmentThis course contains two modules. Each module is designed to take approximately four hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule. On-Demand AccessYou will have access to the full course for six months from the course start date, or from the enrollment date if you enroll after the course begins. School Library Core CertificationFor each individual course you complete in the series, you will earn eight professional development credit hours. A certificate will be emailed to you upon completion of each course. Upon completion of all courses in the series, you will earn your School Library Core Certification from School Library Journal. AccessibilityAll video recordings include auto captioning. If you require additional accommodations, please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration, and we will make our best efforts to support your needs. SupportFor support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com. Course Advisor
Maura Madigan, NBCT Maura Madigan is the author of Learning Centers for School Libraries, Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades, and The School Librarian’s Guide to (Almost) Everything (ALA Store). She has been a school librarian for ten years and has worked in education for more than twenty-eight years as a teacher, college instructor, and educational advisor in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Maura lives and works in Fairfax County, Virginia. Course Instructors
Carolyn Vibbert Carolyn Vibbert is a K–12 Librarian Specialist and National Board Certified Teacher in Library Media. She holds an M.L.S. in Library Science and has served as president of the Virginia Association of School Librarians. Carolyn has also worked as an AASL National Conference Co-Chair for St. Louis and as a Senior Lecturer for Antioch University’s School Library Endorsement Program. She has presented professional learning sessions for audiences both locally and internationally. 
Cicely Lewis Cicely Lewis is the 2020 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year and founder of the award-winning Read Woke® movement. A school librarian, author of thirteen books, and literacy advocate, she empowers students to read critically, think deeply, and engage with social justice through literature and technology. Her work has inspired classrooms and libraries worldwide. Learn more at readwoke.com. |
