Certificate in Library Technologies
Next steps:
The nature of books, research and reading habits has changed dramatically during the past few years; so, necessarily, have the institutions committed to their progress.
Meeting the CEU Requirement in Maryland
The state of Maryland requires all professional public librarians to obtain six semester hours, or their equivalent, of continuing education credits every five years to maintain a state certification for employment.
This certificate will allow you to meet this requirement in addition to making you more competitive in the marketplace, as public, academic and K-12 libraries continually seek librarians who are trained in new technologies.
Consider today's libraries: Their collections take up space on physical shelves and in digital realms; they want their patrons to be able to search and access their collections—not just in person or from a computer terminal but from anywhere they may be; and many are reaching out to a new generation of readers in the environments in which they do the most reading: electronically and through social media and networking sites.
It's critical, then, that librarians be well versed in this ever-changing information landscape in an effort to serve their users and their communities. The University of Baltimore's graduate Certificate in Library Technologies focuses on the use of emerging technologies and on user-centered design in library settings to provide master's-level librarians with the knowledge and skills necessary to remain current and marketable in their profession.
What you'll learn:
This post-baccalaureate certificate program is specifically designed for you, a 21st-century librarian who seeks interdisciplinary advanced training in such information-oriented disciplines as information architecture, user research and integrated design—allowing you to develop contemporary and intuitive user experiences for your library's patrons.
You'll learn how to:
- understand the content and interactive features of computer-mediated communication systems—and test aspects of those systems for their usability and appropriateness to the audience
- develop social media plans aimed at current and prospective library users
- apply principles of user-centered design to the library development process
- plan for change and growth over time
- understand the social and cultural effects of information systems and emerging technologies.
Classes are offered evenings and weekends, and some courses are offered online.