ALA’s Core division offers online continuing education course scholarships for librarians from developing countries to support their professional development.

I am thrilled to share that I have earned a Certification from ALA-Core Leadership, Infrastructure, and Futures for successfully completing the Fundamentals of Acquisition online course conducted by ALA-Core [1]. This certificate recognizes my commitment, skills and proficiency in library acquisitions, highlighting my dedication to ongoing professional development.

• Mulugeta Woldetsadik, Librarian/Information Professional at Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Introduction:

Library professionals from developing countries often face financial constraints when it comes to accessing professional development opportunities. To address this issue, several organizations offer course scholarships specifically designed for librarians and information professionals from developing countries. These scholarships aim to enhance their knowledge and skills in librarianship and information science.

In this blog post, we will explore one such scholarship program and provide information on how to apply [2]. Besides, we will explore the fundamentals of acquisition course overview and the importance of this skill in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic resources.

Course Scholarship Program[2] :

One notable scholarship program is the “Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries” offered by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures, a division of the American Library Association [2]. This program provides free seats in Core’s online continuing education courses to eligible applicants from developing countries.

Course Overview: Understanding Acquisition:

Acquisition is the process of acquiring library materials, including print books, e-books, journals, and online electronic information resources, to develop information resources in various types of libraries such as schools, colleges/universities, and public libraries. It involves three main processes: purchase, donation, and exchange.

1. Donation [3] :

Donations play a crucial role in acquiring library resources. Librarians can collaborate with international partner organizations and professional colleagues to arrange donations of books and digital resources. These interpersonal professional communication skills are essential in establishing networks and facilitating the exchange of resources.

2. Exchange:

Libraries can also acquire resources through exchange programs with other libraries or institutions. This process involves sharing resources and collaborating with colleagues at both national and international levels It allows libraries to expand their collections by exchanging materials that may not be readily available in their own institutions.

3. Purchase:

Libraries can acquire resources through consumer websites or companies that sell books and other materials to consumers on the World Wide Web. This method allows libraries to directly purchase the resources they need to build their collections.

The Significance of Acquisition Skills:

In today’s digital age, librarians must adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of electronic resources. Acquisition skills are crucial for librarians to keep up with trends and effectively acquire and maintain online resources. Here are some reasons why acquisition skills are essential:

1. Staying Relevant:

By mastering acquisition skills, librarians can ensure that their collections remain up-to-date and relevant to the needs of their users. This includes acquiring resources in various formats, such as e-books and online databases, to meet the growing demand for digital content.

2. Supporting Information Access [3] :

Acquisition skills enable librarians to provide access to a wide range of information resources, both physical and digital. By acquiring diverse resources, librarians can cater to the diverse needs and interests of their users.

3. Building Relationships [3] :

Acquisition involves collaboration and communication with colleagues, networks, and international partners. By establishing and nurturing these relationships, librarians can expand their access to resources and enhance their professional development.

4. Advocacy and Outreach [3] :

Librarians with strong acquisition skills can advocate for the importance of libraries and the resources they provide. They can also conduct community outreach programs to raise awareness of the educational resources and services libraries offer, particularly in underserved areas.

Gratitude:

I wish to express my gratitude to the ALA-Core International Relations Committee [4] for awarding me the Core Online Course Grant, allowing me the chance to partake in the web course following the review of my application and professional profile. Additionally, I extend my thanks to Dr./Eng. Fishia Getachew, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hawassa University, Ethiopia [5], for furnishing me with a letter of recommendation [6] that facilitated my participation in the 2022 Core Online Course Scholarship.

Conclusion:

Acquisition skills are vital for librarians /information professionals to navigate the changing landscape of library resources. By mastering the fundamentals of acquisition, librarians can ensure that their collections remain relevant, diverse, and accessible to their users.

Sources To Read More:

1. Award from ALA-Core Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures
2. Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries
3. Acquisitions: Library Outreach Partnership Projects in Sidama region, Ethiopia.
4. ALA-Core International Relations Committee
5. Fishia Getachew (Dr.), V/President for Academic Affairs, at HU, Ethiopia
6. Reference-Letter to Core A Division of American Library Association