Libraries have always coexisted with mold and mildew, happily and unhappily. Examine how mold affects library facilities and collections today. Equip library staff and facilities managers with the training and strategies necessary to protect their library collections, patrons, and staff from the disruptions posed by mold or mildew.

Bedbugs remain a constant concern for libraries and other public spaces – and more and more it seems like a question of when, not if. Learn how bedbugs affect library facilities and collections today. Equip library staff and facilities managers with the training and strategies necessary to protect their library collections, patrons, and staff from the disruptions posed by bedbug infestations.

A vibrant and relevant library collection doesn’t just happen – there are strategies and techniques behind this work. Taking in the evolving landscape of digital acquisitions, open-access materials, and subscription models, this course will review the principles and methods for collection acquisition and selection with careful consideration of resource allocation and budgets. Balancing the information needs of library users with the diversity of formats and acquisition models, libraries can build collections that work for their communities.

A collection development policy is the heart of every great collection. Based on a library's mission and values, it explains the library's process and guides budgeting, acquisitions, weeding, gifts, and challenges to equitably serve all patrons. Understand the importance of a collection development policy, what a policy should address, and how to use it to guide library services.

Libraries often must justify collection decisions and find creative ways to remove barriers to access. Attaining a broad understanding of intellectual freedom as a professional value will strengthen librarian’s ability to navigate challenges and implement effective policies.

Are you responsible for acquisitions at your library, but feeling like you don't know where to start? Or just looking to learn more about this area of library work? Acquisitions work, which involves ordering, receiving, and paying for library materials, is a very important factor in getting library patrons access to the resources they need. Topics covered include goals and methods of acquisitions, budget management, and relationship building with vendors and publishers.

Weeding the library’s collection is a vital piece of collection development because it provides a more accessible and attractive collection to patrons. Gain techniques for collection assessment, evaluation criteria, weeding policies, and best practices for weeding the collection. Provide effective communication about the process to staff and patrons.