This programme is designed for NLB librarians on library management and information services. It uses various modes of learning, from classroom and project-based to e-learning and on-the-job practice.

After successful completion each module you will receive a Certificate of Attendance. And upon completion of all 9 modules you will receive a PD Certificate of Attainment awarded and recognised by NLB.

Module 1: Library Functions, Management & Services (14 hours)

This module provides a broad overview of library functions and management, and highlights development trends in the library industry. Topics include the importance of innovation in the library setting and key competencies of a library staff. The second segment on Services touches on basic ideas and concepts on customer service & service excellence to help you to measure, challenge and improve the service quality in the library.

Module 2: Library Promotion & Marketing (14 hours)

Marketing is essential in this day and age of the attention economy. There is no exception in the library world. Learn how NLB manages and measures its publicity and promotion campaigns. The programming arm of the NLB will share the use of its successful "Go Marketing" matrix in defining marketing strategies. They will also touch on the use of new media as an enabler in marketing.

Module 3: Organising Library Collection & Collection Policy (14 hours)

The core of a library is its collection. A well organised collection allows for both physical and intellectual access.

Having a library with the right collection is the outcome of a long process of policies and procedures; of detailed analyses of various factors such as the library users and their information seeking behaviours, of library types and library design principles.

In this module, you'll learn how cataloguing can help in organising a library collection and how policies can keep them organised.

Module 4: Reference Enquiry & Tools (14 hours)

A librarian’s role in providing readers with physical and intellectual access to information has become more and more critical over the years. It has become more challenging as the face-to-face reference enquiry services have evolved to include virtual services. In this module, you'll learn the knowledge and skills to run the reference enquiry service. Topics include reference interview skills, search process, and specific subject knowledge. You will also learn the different information sources (print and non-print) on Singapore.

Module 5: Information Search Skills (14 hours)

In searching the Internet for information, you may experience 'high recall', in which a large number of 'hits' from a search is retrieved. You are likely more interested in getting 'high precision' for a list of materials that is highly relevant to your research. This module shows how you may fine-tune your search strategies to accurately describe your research topics using keywords or subject headings. Proper citation techniques are also covered.

Module 6: Database Search Skills (14 hours)

Electronic databases hold vast amount of information that is accurate, authoritative and current. As a librarian you need to master these sources to be able to help patrons meet their information needs faster. In this module, you'll learn how to access NLB's eResources and use effective search skills to locate the required information. Get acquainted with the eResources and their usefulness, and be ready to recommend them to your readers.

Module 7: Circulation Policies & Procedures (21 hours)

In this module you'll learn the knowledge, skills and attitude needed in providing the core library services such as loans, membership and administrative services offered over the Circulation counter. You'll learn how to overcome challenging situations in handling loan transactions, processing of membership applications, and providing basic services involving library automation system. Many case studies and simulations make this course practical and interesting.

Module 8: Information Packaging Skills (14 hours)

One may easily 'Google' to get a list of suitable links to follow. However it will be a feat to 'Google' one's way to packaged information that precisely meet one's research needs. What Google cannot, the Information Professional can. Library information products such as new arrival lists and thematic resource and subject alerts increase customers’ awareness and use of the library resources. In this module, you'll learn how to gather and validate information and turn them into knowledge for your patrons.

Module 9: Using Social Media: How to Create Impact for Professional and Personal Development (7 hours)

Businesses are reaching out to consumers, old and new, through social media. Writing for social media, however, is a different ball game to traditional media. Learn, unlearn and relearn the desired writing techniques and make your writing appealing to your targeted audience. Get to know the different approaches and techniques for blogs, podcasts and vodcasts, and pick up tips on making your blog post stand-out in a RSS reader, and using Creative Commons.

Practicum Report

Assessment will be conducted through knowledge tests, course assignments and/or reflections through the Practicum Report. Learners are to complete a Practicum Report for each module.

NLBA supports The Library Association of Singapore (LAS) Professional Development Scheme (PDS) and the PDS points apply.