DUBLIN, Ohio, May 20, 2010—WebJunction, the leader in online learning for library staff, has partnered with the State Library and Archives of Florida to launch the new WebJunction-Florida. Library staff in Florida can now access courses at no individual cost through the WebJunction community, and use the site to keep their skills up-to-date and help their libraries respond to current patron needs.  As part of this online learning community, members can take courses on a wide range of technology and library subjects-as well as connect with other library staff-creating an engaging learning experience.

This partnership takes advantage of WebJunction’s Custom Catalog service, designed to maximize the customization and reach of training through a centralized training catalog with streamlined registration for all users. All WebJunction-Florida participants will be able to access courses, regardless of geographic location or library size. Additionally, as a part of the Custom Catalog, WebJunction-Florida will be able to add unique, Florida-specific courses to the extensive course offerings from WebJunction that form the foundation of the catalog.

“The State Library and Archives of Florida is thrilled to offer the online learning resources of WebJunction to libraries throughout Florida,” said Judith Ring, State Librarian of Florida. “WebJunction-Florida will provide convenient, valuable professional training for library staff to better serve the citizens of this state.”

The WebJunction-Florida site is available now at http://fl.webjunction.org/.

WebJunction-Florida joins 17 library organizations that offer custom communities for libraries and staff. A complete list of links to WebJunction partner communities, is available at www.webjunction.org/partners.

WebJunction promotes learning for all library staff by providing open, affordable online learning communities. Our members access resources, attend programs, take courses, share knowledge and network with others – all in an environment that fosters collaboration and mutual support.Founded in 2003 and based in Seattle, Washington, and Dublin, Ohio, WebJunction is supported in part by OCLC, grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, partners in library service agencies, and the library community.

Founded in 1967, OCLC is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world’s information and reducing library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 171 countries have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend, preserve and manage library materials. Researchers, students, faculty, scholars, professional librarians and other information seekers use OCLC services to obtain bibliographic, abstract and full-text information when and where they need it. OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the world’s largest online database for discovery of library resources. Search WorldCat.org on the Web. For more information, visit the OCLC Web site.

The State Library and Archives of Florida supports the establishment, expansion, and improvement of library service in Florida within the context of the larger library community by working proactively with library staff, governing officials, trustees, and community supporters. The State Library and Archives of Florida provides many services to libraries in the state through leadership, grants, training, and technical assistance. WebJunction-Florida is made possible by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida.