These self-paced courses are developed by MLS and align with the Learning Pathways. Learners may take courses individually or as part of a full Pathway. Pathway enrollment is open at any time. A Learning Pathway is complete once all course requirements are finished and three Learning in Action activities of the learner’s choice have been submitted and accepted.

Available courses

Number of topics: 3

This course is your home base for the Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway. It provides the information, support, and submission steps that guide you from getting started through culminating badge completion. This course does not include the pathway coursework. Completing the orientation module unlocks enrollment in Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway courses.
 
Here you will find:
  • Pathway information
  • Learning in Action templates
  • Required orientation module
  • Ongoing Support and community for your Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway journey!
Complete the orientation activity in this course before enrolling in pathway courses. This course does not include the pathway coursework; it provides the information you need to begin the pathway.
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Number of topics: 5

Communication Essentials for Supervisors is a core course in the Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway. It introduces key concepts related to communicationg clearly and purposefully to support effective team management, coordination, and positive service interactions. 

The Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway is a structured sequence of courses designed to build practical skills and competencies for early career library maangers and supervisors. You may take this course on its own to earn a course badge, or you may complete the full pathway to earn the culminating pathway badge.

Orientation requirement

Completion of the Library Manager and Supervisor Learning Pathway Orientation [UPDATE] is required before enrolling in pathway courses. The orientation explains how the pathway works, outlines requirements, and provides ongoing access to learner support.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, learners will be able to:
  1. Recognize specific communication challenges supervisors encounter in library settings, including clarity, consistency, and tone.
  2. Apply clear and concise messaging techniques tailored for emails, meetings, and direct conversations to support understanding within and across the library.
  3. Demonstrate communication practices that support inclusive, responsive, and service-oriented interactions.
Reach out to hillary@masslibsystem.org with any questions you have.
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Number of topics: 3

This course is your home base for the the Youth Services Learning Pathway. It provides the information, support, and submission steps that guide you from getting started through culminating badge completion. This course does not include the pathway coursework. Completing the orientation module unlocks enrollment in Youth Services Learning Pathway courses.
 
Here you will find:
  • Pathway information
  • Learning in Action templates
  • Pathway Workbook
  • Required orientation module
  • Ongoing Support and community for your Youth Services Learning Pathway journey!
Complete the orientation activity in this course before enrolling in pathway courses. This course does not include the pathway coursework; it provides the information you need to begin the pathway.
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Number of topics: 6

Youth Development and Behavior is a core course in the Youth Services Learning Pathway. It introduces key concepts related to youth development and behavior that support effective library services for children, teens, and their caregivers.

The Youth Services Learning Pathway is a structured sequence of courses designed to build practical skills and competencies for youth services staff over time. You may take this course on its own to earn a course badge, or you may complete the full pathway to earn the culminating pathway badge.

Orientation requirement

Completion of the Youth Services Learning Pathway Orientation/Hub course is required before enrolling in pathway courses. The orientation explains how the pathway works, outlines requirements, and provides ongoing access to learner support.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, learners will be able to:
  1. Identify key developmental milestones of children across four stages of development. 
  2. Design programs, spaces, and services aligned with the developmental needs of youth. 
  3. Communicate responsive and youth-centered behavior expectations that foster a respectful, inclusive library environment. 
  4. Provide caregivers with resources to support their understanding of developmental milestones and foster youth growth.
Reach out to hillary@masslibsystem.org with any questions you have.
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