Lifelong Learning and the Role of the Public Library www.lapl.org Lifelong Learning and the Role of the Public Library 15th Annual Library Leadership Institute: Libraries at the Crossroads Bangkok, Thailand John F. Szabo City Librarian May 15, 2017

Lifelong Learning Becoming an active learning institution… www.lapl.org Lifelong Learning Becoming an active learning institution… Online courses (including Lynda.com) Podcasts of public programs Digital collections Career Online High School Adult Literacy Centers Live online homework help for students Self-e Exhibitions and Cultural Programs

Career Online High School www.lapl.org Career Online High School An accredited online high school diploma and career certificate No cost to students Scholarships Graduation in as early as 6 months

COHS Components Self-Assessment Pre-requisite course Academic coach www.lapl.org COHS Components Self-Assessment Pre-requisite course Academic coach Instruction Graduation 4

21 Literacy Centers 773 Adult Literacy Program Volunteers 1,375 students currently enrolled

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www.lapl.org Books for Babies 10

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Self- E is an e-book service offered to residents in the City of L. A Self- E is an e-book service offered to residents in the City of L. A. in partnership with the Library Journal.  SELF-e gives self published authors an opportunity to submit their e-book for circulation at LAPL. 192 titles have been uploaded to the Self-e platform to date.

Examples of MOOCs in Public Libraries www.lapl.org Examples of MOOCs in Public Libraries MOOC users/audiences taking courses together in a public library New York Public Library / Coursera -- facilitators Professional development for staff Support role for academic MOOCs with collections, technical assistance Public library as MOOC developer and provider The public library is the natural place to start this partnership. Immigrants, citizenship and public libraries have been a potent combination since the 19th century. Public libraries have been offering citizenship classes, English language classes and literacy classes to new immigrants for more than 100 years and the current partnership with USCIS builds upon the library’s trusted place in the community, a place of learning and growth and information. The agreement made clear the obligations on both sides. USCIS would provide training to library staff. The training provided staff with the basics of the naturalization process and provided context and the tools that would enable librarians do what they do best – reference and referral. The development of the Citizenship Resource List was a key element in this partnership. The list not only provided librarians with an easy to use referral list, but it was nothing weapon in the arsenal to fight immigration scam. 13

Questions for Discussion How is your library providing beyond-the-classroom learning experiences? Where are there opportunities for libraries to be even more engaged in active learning? How can such learning opportunities further your library’s mission and even serve as an advocacy tool?

www.lapl.org Thank you! 19