The Library Executive Programme (LEP) is a well structured and highly focused programme covering various topics and perspectives to equip participants with practical knowledge and insights into information services and library management.

Participants will be able to gain insights and appreciate the know-how knowledge required to transform the library, primarily its infrastructure, collection and services and adapt the knowledge shared to their unique context.

Library Transformation – Case study: National Library Board Singapore Success Stories and Learning Points

This case study covers the transformation of the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore, from its humble roots to its current state of the art facilities and services to its plans for the future.

Managing Library Services in the New Age: Tapping on Innovative Technologies

This topic covers NLB’s experiences and initiative in using technology to improve its library services and processes. Technologies covered include RFID technology for DIY services such as self-check machines, automated book drop, eKiosk and SmartShelf.

Collection Acquisition and Distribution – From the Store to the Shelves and RTOB

How does the NLB manage acquisition and distribution across all public libraries? In this topic, you go on a site visit to learn the secrets of how NLB acquires and distributes library materials. Specifically, you'll learn:

• Acquisition and distribution of shelf-ready library materials to the network of public libraries in Singapore.
• RTOB (Return on Any Branch), a convenient service that allows customers to return books at any of the public library branches. Find out how these books are distributed back to the owning libraries by the next working day.
• Warehousing of collections and managing seasonal demand for popular books.

Digital Library Services and Resources

In this topic, you'll learn how NLB:

• Develops its digital collection
• Offers value-added digital services
• Creates learning communities through knowledge services

The New Age Librarian and Information Professional

Every good library depends on people with the right attitudes and competencies to serve customers in the right way. In this module, you will learn how to identify, cultivate and nurture these competencies in your team.

Social Computing 2.0 for libraries and librarians

Web 2.0 is all the rage these days. But they also have an important part to play in brining patrons closer and being more connected with the library. In this topic, you'll learn the basics of Web 2.0 and how to leverage its benefits in your library.

• An overview of Web 2.0 and Social Computing Technologies and Tools
• How they are used by libraries and librarians
• Crowdsourcing
• Information aggregation and filtering
• What's next in line?
• Semantic web and semantic catalog
• Next generation librarians

Collection Development and Vendor Management

In this topic you'll learn how to plan for the right collection and how to build relationships with different vendors.

• Tips on choosing eDatabases and building eBook collections
• Evaluation and selection processes and vendor relations
• How to build hybrid collections
• Examples of digital libraries

Knowledge Management – National Library Board’s Perspective

A library has always been associated with knowledge. And there have been significant interest in Knowledge Management (KM) in the recent years that we now have dedicated technologies like Communities of Practice (CoPs), Document Management Systems (DMS), Record Management Systems (RMS), Enterprise 2.0 and so forth. So how does all of this sit within a library framework?

In this topic, you'll learn of the opportunities that lie in these technologies and how to leverage them for your own use, by constructing your own KM roadmap. You'll also learn, by way of case studies, on some challenges that you may face in using these technologies.

Library Infrastructure – Library Planning

In this topic you'll learn how to plan a library from the ground up. You'll also get a healthy does of tips and tricks from NLB's experience in planning libraries.

• Introduction to library planning
• How to formulate the strategic intent and library service concept
• The building construction’s brief
• Layouts that works
• Design considerations

Library Programs – Children Service

Children Services is becoming an important part of the overall library services. In this topic, you'll learn:

• Outline PLS organisation structure
• How to get started to draw up programmes and services
• How to market, build partnerships and build outreach

Library Programs – Reading Initiatives

The traditional role of the library is to promote reading and literacy. But how does this fare in the age of the Internet? In this topic you'll learn of the many projects that the Singapore government and the NLB are jointing rolling out to sustain and nurture reading in children and adults.

Community Engagement – Volunteer Management

• Why volunteer management
• Outline volunteer management
• How to get started to draw up volunteer management programme
• Sharing of NLB perspective on good practices of volunteer management programmes

Outreach to Young People

Can blogs and podcasts be used along with book reviews? In this topic, you'll learn how to leverage the strengths of new media sustain reading habits.

Building eContent

In this topic, you'll learn how of NLB created the Singapore Infopedia -- an eResource that captures social, cultural and historical trivia about Singapore. More specifically, you'll learn the importance of developing eContent for knowledge sharing and capturing and how to share information products such as pathfinders and resource guides.

Trainers

Our trainers are selected from the pool of experienced senior librarians and professionals in the National Library Board.

Training Methodologies

• Formal Lecture
• Group work
• Presentation
• Open discussions

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