Go back to school at Click University

Information Outlook, July, 2005

SLA used the annual conference to unveil its new online learning system--the first of its kind designed specifically for library and information professionals.

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Click University (clickuniversity.com) is an online learning community created expressly to meet the professional development and continuing education needs of librarians and information professionals worldwide.

Use of Click University is reserved exclusively for SLA members.

"In the past, the options for 'info pros' pursuing career development were limited--mainly seminars and conferences requiring travel, registration, tuition, and fees that often proved cost-prohibitive," said Executive Director Janice R. Lachance.

"Click University obliterates those barriers," Lachance said. "This means every SLA member can get top-notch, university-level courses anywhere, anytime; complete the work at their own pace; and at a price that's right for them."

Click University offers 10 course libraries with a combined total of 320 courses. Six-month and yearly subscriptions are priced between $19 and $249.

Significant funding for Click University's launch was provided by Elsevier, which contributed $60,000 to the effort. Future development will be supported by SLA and its Professional Development Campaign.

The online university will continue to grow and expand a dynamic library of e-courses. The course catalog currently concentrates on core skills, such as software and technology use; management, communications, and leadership strategies; and effective practices and methods for the collection, sharing, and use of information and knowledge in the modern working world.

"The launch celebrated Click University's birth, but it will grow, mature, and develop," Lachance said. "As innovation leaders, we must be agile, responsive, and let customers 'build out' the product. Our customers'--SLA members'--usage and feedback will determine Click's direction, redesign, and expansion. They will tell us where they want Click University to go, what it should be when it grows up, and determine its framework and services."

SLA has partnered with the WISE consortium (Web-enabled Information Science Education), which contributes greatly to the course offerings. Led by Syracuse University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, this growing consortium is composed of 13 information science programs--10 in the United States, two in Canada, and one in New Zealand. The consortium of distance education leaders harnesses the power and potential of the Internet to share classes, students, and resources. Students at participating universities can take online courses from other consortium schools and receive credit at the institution where they are enrolled.

In addition to Click University's library of courses, Click students are eligible for a 50-percent discount on individual Syracuse University e-courses, and a 10-percent discount on Syracuse graduate degree and certificate program courses. Click also offers Drexel University courses at a 20-percent discount. SLA and Drexel are continuing talks that could expand the partnership and educational offerings.