According to a LibLime press release issued yesterday, three schools are joining LibLime in the Koha with Class program. The program is designed to give library school faculty a chance to embed the use of an ILS into their coursework and curricula, thereby allowing students to gain practical experience with library automation software as they prepare to enter the library workforce.
The three schools working with LibLime to roll out the project this coming Spring 2012 semester include: The School of Library and Information Science at Indiana University; The Information School at the University of Washington Gallagher; and the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College.
Library school students taking classes in library automation and technology systems at these three Universities will be studying the principles for design, selection, implementation and management of automated systems of all types in libraries. Courses will cover the use of ILSs for technical service processing, reference and user services, and management. Courses will also include presentations and demos from vendors and systems librarians, as well as possible site visits.
Esteemed law librarian and professor at the Information School at the University of Washington Gallagher, Richard Jost stated, “I want to use the Koha with Class program to provide my students with a hands-on experience with an integrated library system. For students entering the job market in these difficult economic times, having the added practical experience of working on a library system will better prepare them for job interviewing and launching their careers.”
