Serials training program update Jean L. Hirons 03 Nov 1998 20:14 UTC
This message is being sent to multiple lists; please excuse the duplication. Dear Colleagues, I am writing to update you on recent developments concerning the Serials Cataloging Cooperative Training Program (SCCTP). Much has happened in the past several months that provides a clearer picture of how the program will work. The program continues to evolve and will do so for some time; however, the goals remain sound and I believe, more achievable. The primary development is that the Library of Congress' Cataloging Distribution Service has agreed to contract for the course materials and to handle the printing and distribution of the package to training providers. With this piece in place, the train-the-trainer portion becomes the truly cooperative aspect of the program. Pilot Course The first course will focus on the basics of serials cataloging for publications in print and electronic formats. Cameron Campbell of the University of Chicago is using the CONSER core record as the basis for developing the course. The course is a 2-day course, but materials will indicate what can be omitted or expanded for longer or shorter sessions. Course materials will be available in June. CDS will sell the materials as a package, with discounts applied to multiple copies of the trainee's manual. Trainers We will be seeking experienced serials catalogers to serve as trainers. A call for trainers will be sent to lists in mid-November requesting experience in serials cataloging and training, as well as institutional commitment. Two train-the-trainer sessions will be held in June 1999, one in conjunction with NASIG in Pittsburgh, the other in conjunction with ALA in New Orleans. There will be a maximum of 20-25 at each session. The course will be a two-day course. The trainers portion of the program will also be closely aligned with the Program for Cooperative Cataloging's Standing Committee on Training. Funding and Support I am very grateful to the NASIG board, which has agreed to help fund the program. NASIG funds will be used for costs associated with training the trainers. Several OCLC networks have also offered to sponsor one of the train-the-trainer sessions by providing the facilities and refreshments. Opportunities to learn more I will be working with others to develop web pages on the CONSER Web site that will provide all of the necessary information about the program, courses materials, etc. At ALA mid-winter, Friday Jan. 29, 7:00-9:00PM Sally Sinn, chair of the PCC, and I will lead an information sharing session. We will talk about the program and its goals and ask for ideas from the audience. The program is aimed at all potential stakeholders --library administrators, catalogers, trainers, potential training providers, etc. We would love to have as many of you there as possible as well. We will advertise the session using AN2, CONSERline, and the standard serials and cataloging lists. Jean Hirons CONSER Coordinator Library of Congress (202) 707-5947 jhir@loc.gov