YALSA’s Winter 2009 e-courses’ include three four-week classes, which will take place’ February 9′ though March 6.’ Registration now open! Questions? Contact’ Nichole Gilbert, 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4387.
Teaching the online courses is one of my favorite YALSA activities.’ In each session, I get to network with staff at all levels, from all over the country (and beyond).’ ‘ ‘ In the Power Programming class we will brainstorm ideas for Teen Tech Week, summer reading initiatives, media/program trends and more. We will look at realistic limitations such as space, time, administrative support and marketing.’ The final project is to develop a program including’ marketing, variations for older and younger teens, costs and collection connections.’ As an active teen librarian, I share many tips on things that work with my teens, and things to avoid!
I’ve also taken many of the YALSA courses, and all have improved my work at the library, whether’ by learning how to promote books and media better, or utilizing new technologies. Often, with a baby at home and a five year old, virtual classes are the only way I can get to professional development.’ There is something here for everyone.
Booktalks Quick and Simple
Want to entice teens to read but are not sure how?’ Try booktalks!’ Participants will learn what a booktalk is as well as a variety of techniques on how to use them with teens.’ Learn how to create hooks for books and how to share the talks with teens.’ Participants will create booktalks that can be used in a booktalking session and experiment with a variety of booktalking techniques.’ Even add a touch of technology to jazz up your presentations.’ Join booktalking expert Nancy J. Keane for a month of talking about books.
The cost is $135 for YALSA members, $175 for ALA members, and $195 for nonmembers.’ Instructor: Nancy Keane.
Boys and Books:’ Encouraging Early Teen and Tween Boys to Read
Though boys have been behind girls in nearly every subject for more than thirty years, many teachers and librarians are still struggling to find the key to encouraging boys to read.’ This course will cover the special issues faced in reaching boys through books.’ Research on early teen and tween boys will provide students with a glimpse into the differing needs of boys, how they learn and how to captivate boys through outreach, programs (including after school and SRP), reader’s advisory, book talks, and other ways to utilize course resources that will get boys reading at your library.
The cost is $135 for YALSA members, $175 for ALA members, and $195 for nonmembers. Instructor: Jenine Lillian
Power Programming for Teens
This course will help participants attain a higher level of service to teens at their library or school.’ This course is designed for library staff who are beginning to find success with a few teen programs.’ Participants will learn how to develop and implement more programming ideas that will work at their facility.’
The cost is $135 for YALSA members, $175 for ALA members, and $195 for nonmembers.’ Instructor:’ Amy Alessio.
I’m interested in taking the course on Boys and Books, but this winter is not a good time for me. Will it be offered again in the spring, maybe in the summer?
I am the instructor for the Boys and Books eCourse and am not sure when we’ll be able to offer the eCourse again. Remember that the eCourse model is set to be the equivalent of a four hour in person workshop, so it’s not as daunting as you might think. Feel free to email me directly for more specific info on the course. Thanks for your interest! It’s a great class and a personal mission of mine to get the word out so that our guys can enjoy reading and libraries. jl
Anna, I checked with the YALSA Office on re-offering the course and while Boys and Books will be offered again, there is not a specific date for the next time. You can check the YALSA Online Courses page at: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/onlinecourses/info.cfm for more information. YALSA hopes to have Summer courses announced by the end of February.