Idaho Commission for Libraries

Idaho's ABLE Program

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The Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program is designed to help library staff members who have no formal education in library science to acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to operate or work in a library. The program consists of workshops and online training. Library management skills are taught periodically at the State Commissions' Small Library Management Summer Institute.

In the future, basic library skills will be taught primarily online. Online training will eventually include courses on collection development, technical services, and public services. Online courses have several advantages. First, anyone who wishes may participate. They do not require travel or time off work. Second, they provide "just-in-time" training. The training is available year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Upon completion of each course, residents of Idaho and Idaho library employees may request a certificate of completion from the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Another certificate of completion will be issued when a sequence of courses (e.g. the Collection Development sequence) is completed. A certificate of completion will also be given when all of the online courses have been completed. And finally, a certificate of completion of the ABLE program once the online courses and the summer institute have been completed.

The ABLE program provides only very basic skills training and is not designed to replace university level training in library science. No college credit is offered by the State Commission for participation in the ABLE program.

After completing each ABLE course, you have an opportunity to evaluate the lesson, and provide valuable feedback that helps us to better serve you.

Current ABLE Courses

Collection Development Sequence

1. Writing a Collection Development Policy
2. Collection Assessment
3. Materials Selection
4. Weeding

Technical Services Sequence

1. Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records
2. Introduction to Subject Headings
3. Introduction to Dewey Classification
4. Introduction to MARC Cataloging

Public Services Sequence

1. The Reference Interview
2. Evaluating Reference Sources
3. Basic Reference Sources
4. Ethics and Public Service

You may also wish to see the list of Supplemental Alternative Basic Library Education (SABLE) courses.

Other States May Accept these Courses

Some other states accept these courses for their continuing education programs. Please click here for a list of those states and contacts.

Comments or suggestions about this page are welcome. Contact the Idaho Commission for Libraries' Continuing Education Consultant at (208) 334-2150 or e-mail Shirley Hansen.