The free, online Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program provides basic library knowledge and skills for staff members who have no formal education in library science. The ABLE program is not designed to replace university level training in library science and no college credit is offered. To receive Certificates of Completion, print the Congratulations Page at the end of each course, add the requested information, and send to the Idaho Commission for Libraries. Mail Copies: CE Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries, 325 West State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 Email Attachments: CE Consultant

ABLE Courses

Collection Development Sequence

1. Writing a Collection Development Policy (1 contact hour)
2. Collection Assessment (1.5 contact hours)
3. Materials Selection (1.5 contact hours)
4. Weeding (1.5 contact hours)

Technical Services Sequence

1. Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records (1.5 contact hours)
2. Introduction to Subject Headings (2 contact hours)
3. Introduction to Dewey Classification (2 contact hours)
4. Introduction to MARC Cataloging (1 contact hour)

Public Services Sequence

1. The Reference Interview (1.5 contact hours) 
2. Evaluating Reference Sources (1.5 contact hours)
3. Basic Reference Sources (2 contact hours)
4. Ethics and Public Service (2 contact hours)

You may also wish to see the list of Supplemental Alternative Basic Library Education (SABLE) courses. Click here for a list of states which accept these courses for their continuing education programs.  This label indicates a refreshed version of an ABLE course.  During the next 12 months, the Idaho Commission for Libraries will be posting refreshed courses for each of the ABLE modules.Questions or comments may be directed to the Idaho Commission for Libraries' Continuing Education Consultant at (208) 334-2150 or e-mail Shirley Biladeau.