University of Toronto to Reoffer MOOC on Library Advocacy

The iSchool at the University of Toronto will be reoffering its popular MOOC (Massively Open Online Course) Library Advocacy Unshushed: Values, Evidence, Action starting in February 2015:

"How can we strengthen libraries and librarians in the advancement of knowledge, creativity, and literacy in the 21st century? Though libraries have been loved for over 3,600 years, their relevance in the digital age is being questioned, and their economic and social impacts are poorly understood. What is really essential about libraries and librarians, today and tomorrow? How can library members and all who support the mission of 21st-century librarianship raise the profile and support of these timeless values and services, and ensure universal access to the universe of ideas in all our communities? This course is based on what works. We’ll take an inspired, strategic, evidence-based approach to advocacy for the future of strong communities – cities, villages, universities and colleges, research and development centres, businesses, and not-for-profits."

Wendy Newman, a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at UofT’s Faculty of Information, will lead the 6-week online course being offered through the EdX consortium in partnership with the Canadian Library Association and the American Library Association.

The class, whose first version last year attracted 5,200 students, of which 43% came from outside North America, includes videos, online discussions, quizzes, and video interviews with guest experts.

Earlier Library Boy posts on MOOCs include:

• MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and Law Librarians (October 3, 2013): "Toronto law librarian Katie Thomas has written about MOOCs (massive open online courses) and law librarians over at On Firmer Ground, a blog for law firm librarians."
• February 2014 Issue of AALL Spectrum (February 6, 2014): "Among this month's selection of articles: ... The Promise and Perils of Massive Open Online Courses - MOOCs and the role of law librarians"
• MOOCs - Massive Open Online Courses or Massively Overhyped Obfuscated Concept? (June 5, 2014): "Yesterday on Slaw.ca, Sarah Glassmeyer, Director of Community Development for the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction penned a column entitled Massively Overhyped Obfuscated Concept – MOOCs in Legal Education ..."