Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program | Idaho Commission for Libraries

Idaho's Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program Idaho Commission for Libraries:

"The Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program is designed to help library staff members who have no formal education in library science to acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to operate or work in a library. The program consists of workshops and online training. Library management skills are taught periodically at the State Commissions' Small Library Management Summer Institute.
In the future, basic library skills will be taught primarily online. Online training will eventually include courses on collection development, technical services, and public services. Online courses have several advantages. First, anyone who wishes may participate. They do not require travel or time off work. Second, they provide 'just-in-time' training. The training is available year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Upon completion of each course, residents of Idaho and Idaho library employees may request a certificate of completion from the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Another certificate of completion will be issued when a sequence of courses (e.g. the Collection Development sequence) is completed. A certificate of completion will also be given when all of the online courses have been completed. And finally, a certificate of completion of the ABLE program once the online courses and the summer institute have been completed.
The ABLE program provides only very basic skills training and is not designed to replace university level training in library science. No college credit is offered by the State Commission for participation in the ABLE program."