Program Assistant
Kyle Armour
Phone: 1-800-663-7051
OR (250) 387-5278

Contact Information
Public Library Services Branch
Ministry of Education
PO BOX 9831
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9T1
Phone: (250) 356-1791
Toll Free: 1-800-663-7051
[British Columbia only]
Fax: (250) 953-3225

Who can take Community Library Training Program courses?

These courses are offered primarily for British Columbia public library staff. Volunteers and current board members of BC public library and Indian Band libraries are also welcome to enroll.

What kind of qualification is a CLTP Certificate of Completion?

There are three main categories of qualifications for people working in British Columbia public libraries:

• a Masters Degree in library and information science
• a 2-year college diploma in library & information technology ("Library Technician" diploma)
• a Community Library Training Program certificate

While there is no provincial minimum standard for employment in a public library (each library sets its own standards), the Public Library Services Branch recommends that completion of the CLTP program be the minimum credential for regular staff in public libraries.

Some libraries require a Community Library Training Program completion certificate as the minimum requirement for certain positions (others require the college diploma or university graduate degree). Individuals interested in taking the CLTP program to advance from a present position, are advised to talk to current and/or potential employers about the skills, qualifications and experience needed for particular positions.

In what order should I take the courses and which one should I take first?

Courses may be taken in any order. Some people find it useful to start with CLTP 106: Introduction to the Internet if they have little experience working in the online environment, or with CLTP 102: Introduction to Reference and Information Services if their job involves helping library users find information.

How long do I have to finish the entire program?

Only courses completed within the previous five years will be counted towards the requirements needed to earn a Certificate of Completion.

How many courses can I take at once?

There is no restriction, though most students find one course per term is plenty!

How much time will I spend on my course each week?

Time demands vary from person to person and course to course. Expect to spend at least ten hours each week per term working on activities either on and offline. Many students spend twenty or more hours per week at times.

How are the CLTP courses structured?

Each course is divided into six broad units or lessons, and numerous individual sections dealing with different aspects of the topic at hand. Students have fourteen weeks in which to complete a variety of online activities, submit three graded assignments, and write a quiz or exam.

Examples of activities and assignments from current courses include:

• Participating in an online discussion about how to attract more young adults to the library (CLTP 204)
• Addressing issues related to Internet access policies and procedures (CLTP 106)
• Designing and delivering a children's story-time program (CLTP 104)
• Creating a collection development plan for a subject area or specific format (CLTP 103)
• Evaluating an electronic reference source (CLTP 102)

Do I need to purchase any textbooks?

At present, any textbooks needed to complete required course readings are loaned to students by the Public Library Services Branch. Copies of shorter required readings may be sent directly to participants or can be accessed via the Internet.

Do I have to be online at specific times?

No. CLTP courses are self-paced so participants are free to log on at any time of day or night (though it is important to log into a course at least once each week for announcements from your tutor or the program coordinator).

What happens if I don't have Internet access or an email account?

Because the CLTP courses are delivered via the World Wide Web, all participants must have regular Internet access in place by the start of term. Anyone who does not have an email account through work or school, however, may wish to use one of the free Web services such as HotMail or Yahoo Mail.

Do I need a printer or access to a public library?

Almost all CLTP students prefer to print off sections of their courses to read "offline," so use of a printer is almost essential. As for access to a public library, most assignments and many online activities involve either using resources found in a public library or consulting with library staff.

I have already earned my Certificate of Completion. Am I allowed to continue taking CLTP courses?

Absolutely!

Where else can I take library-related courses?

Please see the "Library Education" link on the Public Library Services Branch's Quintessential Consultant web site for other credit or non-credit library skills courses and programs.