Course Contents of the training program

(1). English learning in communication, listening, writing, and reading for library information services
A series of exercises for writing and speaking with practical conversation examples and vocabulary related to library service and the class work in small groups and interact with each other in English. There were different exercises and a vocabulary list for each day. The first two days were used to assess the English comprehension and speaking ability of the participants.

(2). English learning in information resources organizing and management, case study approach.
Selected 20 library/information management case studies for reading and discussion. Many of the case studies were related to the University of Guelph library and libraries that Guelph collaborates with. Some case studies are from other Canadian or U.S. libraries with emphasis on management of information resources.

- Importance of collection development (concentrating on resource organization and management)

(3). Current issues and trends of library development.
Issues, trends, and new library developments were considered important in North American libraries at the moment. Information relating to each of them for discussion. In addition to articles on each topic, related current English language book suggestions and links to related web pages were presented. Students considered how these developments could affect their library services. (The below points were emphasized based on Ms Pan Wei's suggestions:)

- General introduction to the university library (covering the mission, function and its services )
- User oriented services (ICT, networked environments, Web 2.0, etc. and how to meet the user’s needs, case studies)

(4). Suggested contents for academic liaison librarians in China academic universities.
Various expectations for the position of academic liaison librarian in North America were examined, and relate these to the Chinese academic library environment. The University of Guelph library has been very successful with its liaison program and has just done a complete review to see what new directions may be useful. Considering the Guelph program and others, students related their findings to their own library situation.