Welcome to Computers - Information on Computer Courses

As SLA continues to build the virtual association, the Professional Development department is proud to present ten high-quality, continuous education courses that can be accessed through the SLA web site. With this new format, you can brush up on your skills in a flexible, affordable, and convenient format without having to leave your home or office. Online classes allow you to access the materials any time you want, 24 hours a day.

If you're looking to expand your horizons in areas such as library management, communication skills, and financial concepts, you won't want to miss out on these exciting courses. The programs are designed at a basic to intermediate level and introduce new concepts in a fun, easy-to-understand manner. Each program is divided into sections which conclude with a series of interactive exercises where you'll apply what you've learned. The exercises provide you with the immediate feedback you need. With the point and dick of your mouse, you'll be assured you are on track!

One of the priorities of SLA's Strategic Plan is to ensure that you have opportunities to develop your professional and personal competencies as outlined in Competencies for Special Librarians of the 21st Century. The self-paced online courses cover a variety of competency areas so you can find ones that meet your specific needs. Currently, the following courses are available:

* The ABCs of Cataloging

* Legal Research for Non-Lawyers

* Subject Indexing: An Introductory Guide

* Time Management in Libraries and Information Services

* The Financial Management Series including: Money Talk: Accounting Fundamentals for Special Librarians Control of Administrative and Financial Operations in Special Libraries

Analyzing Costs for Decision-Making and Cost Recovery

* Communicating with Library Users

* Presenting with Power: An Introduction to Public Speaking

* Winning Marketing Techniques: An Introduction to Marketing for Information Professionals

* Grace Under Pressure: Writing with Clarity, Conciseness and Impact

* Owning Your Numbers: An Introduction to Budgeting for Special Libraries

Here's how it works:

* Go to the SLA web site http://www.sla.org/professional/self. html to read the descriptions of the available courses.

* Once you decide which course(s) in which you would like to enroll, print out the registration form shown on the web site and either mail or fax the form to SLA headquarters with payment. (Courses are only $69 for SLA members!)

* Within two weeks, you will receive a confirmation letter which will include your user ID and password so you can access your course(s).

* Go to the web site at your convenience to participate in the course(s). You have two months to complete each course. (Programs average about three hours to complete.)

For more information on the self-paced online courses, contact the Professional Development department at 1-202-234-4700, ext. 649 or via e-mail at profdev@sla.org.

For more information on Professional Development Outlook or to contribute to the column, please contact Director, Professional Development Valerie Taylor at: 1-202-234-4700, ext 617; fax: 1-202-265-9317; e-mail: valerie@sla.org.