State Library Highlighted in this Month's "Library Journal"

An article in the November issue of Library Journal touches on the State Library's journey into blended learning, or e-learning, in its Public Library Management (PLM) courses.

"In Iowa and Maryland, the state libraries are making e-learning work.  Both have embraced blended learning strategies, with minimum in-person time and maximum e-learning coursework, to advance training statewide.

The article discusses the benefits and barriers to e-learning, the problems with course development, software needs, collaboration and getting started.  It mentions how Iowa's PLM courses now have more online elements, including private message boards for course discussions, and a class Web site to house syllabi, articles and assignments.