Continuing Education with ABLE

Welcome to Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) -- a free, online learning platform that provides basic library knowledge and skills for library workers 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. Anyone interested in improving their knowledge of library basics is welcome to take these courses. At the end of each course, once you successfully pass the final test, you will be prompted to print a certificate of completion.

• ABLE has been providing library basics for library staff world-wide since 1998. Over 5,000 ABLE Course Completion Certificates have been printed and distributed to individuals in 32 countries.
• The Idaho Commission for Libraries developed this training. The West Virginia Library Commission is proud to partner with the Idaho Department of Libraries and other states in making this training available nationally.
• This training was developed in part with funding provided by the Library Services and Technology Act from the United States Institute for Museum and Library Services
• Completion certificates generated by the system will be awarded by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. West Virginia Continuing Education credit will be awarded based on the contact hours listed for each course. To obtain credit, email, fax or mail a copy of your completion certificate to tandra.j.english@wv.gov.
• Tips for Maximizing Your ABLE Learning Experience  
  

ABLE Courses 

Collection Development Sequence 

1. Collection Development Basics (1 contact hour)
2. Collection Development Policy (1.5 contact hours)
3. Building a Collection ( 1.5 contact hours) 
4. Collection Maintenance (2 contact hours)  

Technical Services Sequence 

1. Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records (1.5 contact hours)
2. Introduction to Subject Headings (3 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 (2.0 contact hours) 
2. Evaluating Reference Sources (2.0 contact hours)
3. Basic Reference Sources (3.0 contact hours) asic Reference Sources (3.0 contact hours)
4. Ethics and Public Service (2.0 contact hours)  

More Information 

• Upon completing all three sequences of the ABLE program, any learner may request a program completion certificate from the Idaho Commission for Libraries via this survey.
• Click here for a list of states which accept these courses for their continuing education programs.
• Questions or comments may be directed to the staff of Library Development, West Virginia Library Commission,                   (304) 558-2041.
• SABLE courses​ are also available.