College of DuPage
Implementation Term
2005 Fall
ACTIVE COURSE FILE
*Curricular Area: LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY
Course Title:
Course Number: 2200
Serving the Public in Today's Libraries
Semester Credit Hours: 4
Clinical Hours: 0
Lecture Hours: 4
Lab Hours: 0
Course description to appear in catalog:
Role of the Library Technical Assistant (LTA) in serving the public including programming, creating displays,
basic circulation desk duties, shelf maintenance, interlibrary loan activities, registering and effective interaction
with patrons. Automated and online systems are emphasized.
Repeatable for credit: No
Pre-Enrollment Criteria:
Prerequisite: LIBRA 1101 Introduction to Libraries and the Information Age with a grade of "C" or
better, or equivalent.
A.
General Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to do the following:
1. Explain how to work effectively with all types of library patrons.
2. Display proficiency in the use of computers for public service areas of a library.
3. Explain how to assist with services to promote the library's programs and mission.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of services to children and young adults, such
as story hours, pre-school programs, and summer programs.
5. Define the terminology related to circulation services and explain the duties performed by the
circulation staff.
6. Explain and define the steps included in any type of circulation system including: patron
registration, check out and check in, placing holds and reserves, answering patron questions, how
to report lost or damaged materials, and procedures for compiling statistics.
7. Describe the importance of automation in any type of library and experience a variety of automated
circulation systems.
8. Describe and explain the philosophy of interlibrary loan and its procedures.
9. Describe the philosophy behind the protection of patron privacy and confidentiality.
10. Explain and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of automated library security systems.
B.
Topical Outline:
1. Computers in public service areas of libraries
2. Programming for adults and children
3. Public relations for libraries
4. Dealing with problem patrons
5. Serving special needs patrons
6. Staffing the circulation desk
7. Automated circulation systems
8. Public service policies
9. Protecting patron privacy
10. An introduction to interlibrary loan
C.
Methods of Evaluating Students:
1. Students will be evaluated by tests and/or quizzes and/or worksheets and assignments and/or
research projects and presentations. Class attendance may also be a factor in evaluation.
LINDA SLUSAR
Initiator
07-08-2004
Date
Sponsor
04-14-2004
Date
Meryl Sussman
Division Dean
07/21/2004
Date