Idaho Commission for Libraries

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 a Certificate of Completion for each course, fill out and submit the Congratulations Page at the end of each course to the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

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.

Click here for a list of states which accept these courses for their continuing education programs.

Questions or comments may be directed to the Idaho Commission for Libraries' Continuing Education Consultant at (208) 334-2150 or e-mail Shirley Biladeau.