Create Some LTA BUZZ!

Tell others about the LTA program! Do you know someone at work who loves libraries as much as you do? How about a neighbor or someone at your church? Let them know about the LTA program. Here are some talking points for what to share about the program: 1) We've been around a long time (since the College opened). 2) All the courses have been updated. 3) The faculty are working librarians who share their love of libraries with our students! 4) The program has practical content. 5) Small classes. 6) Geographically convenient. 7) Affordable tuition. Spread the word! Let's increase enrollment. Who can do that? You can.

Reaching Forward 2007 -- A Conference for LTAs

Are you familiar with the Reaching Forward Conference? It's a conference planned especially for library support staff, and it's such a great day that many who are not support staff want to attend also! In fact, Tom Rich, who is a valued member of our LTA Advisory Committee, is one of the founders of this wonderful conference. This year, Reaching Forward is on Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Illinois. After breakfast and a keynote address, three sessions with several program choices are offered. This year's keynote speaker is Stephen Abram, VP for Innovation at SirsiDynix. He will take you on a whirlwind tour of today's libraries and their changes, with particular emphasis on increasing and sustaing the relevance of today's libraries and library workers. Learn strategies for success in this fast lane of libraries! To find out more, click on Reaching Forward in the Links of Interest at left. If you have attended the conference, leave a comment here to share your experience with colleagues.

Will I still graduate when I planned to with all the program changes?

Is this your next question upon reading about two courses withdrawn, two new required courses and two new electives? Don't worry! Each student gets the choice of graduating under the program that was in place when you began OR the program as it exists when you graduate. Sometimes there is not much difference in the number of courses you need to finish, particularly for Certificate students. Other times, one program is more advantageous to a student than the other, particularly if you are an A.A.S. student who is pretty far along in the program. There are many variables. If you are unsure, call me for an appointment. We will take a look at your transcript and see what your path should be.

Program Changes Nearing Completion -- Check Out the New Brochure!

Change is constant if you want to have a program that's up-to-date and relevant. Since May of 2005, the LTA Program has been scrutinized, updated and revised. Two courses were eliminated (Audio-Visual Materials and Reference & Public Services II). Two new required courses have been added to substitute for those: LTA 230 Library Public Services and LTA 274 Workplace and Supervisory Skills for the LTA. Two new elective courses have been added: LTA 252 Administration of the School Library Media Center and LTA 299 Special Topics in Library Science. All the courses but one been renumbered in a new scheme that can accommodate new classes in the future, if necessary. Have you wondered if the changes would ever end? Well, they probably won't end, but they may be slowing down a bit! A new brochure is at the printer to show you all of these changes. It should be ready within the next couple of weeks. Stop by the Library and pick one up from the LTA bulletin board in the Reference Room. Or get one near the Main Lobby Information Desk or outside the Communication Arts Division office in room B-237.

LTA Love -- Another Award

On the same evening that Jeanné received her award, I was surprised and pleased to win the award for the Academic Library Staff Member of the Year. The nomination came from Mary Pergander, the Director of the Deerfield Public Library, who is the Chair of the LTA Advisory Committee, who generously recognized me for working to improve and grow the LTA Program. It was a wonderful evening to see and acknowledge many wonderful library staff members from all types of libraries. Besides myself, there are many people working on behalf of the College of Lake County LTA Program. Mary and the other members of the LTA Advisory Committee have all committed their time and expertise to changing and updating the curriculum. We enjoy the support of the dedicated Dean of Communication Arts, Dr. Jean Kartje. The short speech I gave expressed my appreciation not only for my colleagues and my committee, but also for the LTAs and the work that you do every day. If you would like to, you may view my speech at the same link as Jeanné's: http://www.whatsnewinlibraries.org/episode_96.aspx
Let's practice LTA Love!

LTA Faculty Member Wins Award!

Congratulate Jeanné Lohfink, who is the LTA faculty member teaching this semester's LTA 299 Storytelling! Under Jeanné's creative and energetic direction, Beach Park Middle School (BPMS) won the North Suburban Library System's Innovation Award at this year's Annual Awards Banquet held in Palatine on Friday, March 16, 2007. Jeanné won a grant from the Illinois State Library for her project, History Beyond the Textbook, which helps to bring history alive to her students through the use of historical artifacts, authentic costume, and much more. And others will also benefit because all the resources are available to other libraries through interlibrary loan! Jeanné's speech brought home the power of libraries in learning. You may view her speech at: http://www.whatsnewinlibraries.org/episode_96.aspx

Course Numbers

Do you see some unfamiliar course numbers in the schedule? Throughout the past year and a half, we have been updating and revising all the LTA courses. Once that was completed, the courses were renumbered in an organized scheme that groups like courses together and allows room for new courses to be created in the future if they are needed. The new list goes like this: LTA 121 Introduction to Library Science (no change to this number). Technical and non-public functions are the 210s: LTA 210 Library Materials; LTA 212 Technology for Libraries; LTA 214 Cataloging and Classification. The 230s are public services: LTA 230 Library Public Services; LTA 232 Reference and Information Services. The 250s are Populations: LTA 250 Children's Library Services; LTA 252 Administration of School Library Media Services. The 270s are Workplace Skills and Experience: LTA 274 Workplace and Supervisory Skills for the LTA; LTA 276 Supervised Field Practicum, 2 hrs.; LTA 278 Supervised Field Practicum, 3 hrs. LTA 299 Special Topics in Library Science wraps it up. Don't worry about old number versus new numbers. Your courses will still lead you to graduation no matter what their number!

Fall 2007 Classes!

The following classes will be offered this fall. LTA 121, Introduction to Library Science, Wednesday 6-8:45 p.m.; LTA 214, Cataloging and Classification, Thursday 6-8:45 p.m.; LTA 212, Technology for Libraries, online; and LTA 230 Library Public Services, Monday 6-8:45. We will also offer LTA 276 and LTA 278, Supervised Field Practicum. If you are thinking of doing a practicum, please contact me as soon as possible so you can begin working on a placement. Open registration begins April 23!