Libraries: A History of Information Institutions (Durham, NC)

from $25.00

**This course is in-person only. There is no virtual component. Participants must be age 21+

Full Tuition: $215 — Sliding-scale tuition options are available in the drop-down enrollment menu for you to self-select. To pay in installments, choose PayPal or Klarna at check out.

People have collected and preserved the written word almost as long as writing has existed, an act of human ingenuity that makes a library. In this class we'll explore the past, present, and future of libraries, from cuneiform tablets to collections shot into space. You'll leave with a critical understanding of the history of libraries and their place in the modern liberal imagination, and a playbook for supporting them today.

The class includes a historical overview of libraries and a look at the different types of libraries, particularly how they differ from other forms of patrimoine, like archives and museums. We'll also focus on the current state of libraries around the world as cultural heritage and the sharing of information increasingly comes under attack. Each class has a different theme, and the themes are non-sequential but cumulative. Expected out-of-class time is approximately one hour per week, with optional readings and resources. Class format generally includes an activity, such as a game, case study, or group exercise, followed by a discussion, with opportunities for small and large group participation and sharing.

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The Fine Print

Gift certificates may only be redeemed at the full tuition tier.

SLIDING SCALE TUITION

We now offer an early-bird low-tier tuition special as a way of incentivizing early enrollment. This is available up to 4 weeks before the class begins. Early enrollment allows us to gauge if a course will meet the minimum number of students required to run the course.

Full tuition is the cost per-student of running the class. If you choose a tier below full tuition, you are receiving a discount. If you choose to make a donation in addition to full tuition, you are helping to cover the cost for students who are not able to pay the full amount.

The mid-level tier is a discounted rate for people whose household income is at or above living wage but who have limited discretionary income.

The low-level tier and the full-scholarship tier are for people whose household income is below living wage or who need extra assistance to meet their needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through our fundraising efforts, we are able to offer three full scholarships per class. The full-scholarship tier is a nonrefundable offering. Each student may only take one full-scholarship class at a time. Because our scholarship funding is limited, if a student selects multiple overlapping classes at the full-scholarship level, they will be disenrolled from all classes.

All sliding-scale and scholarship needs are self-assessed, and we will never request or require proof of need.

Please see our FAQ for more information, including installment plans, refund policy, and sick and inclement weather policy.

Sliding-Scale Tuition:

**This course is in-person only. There is no virtual component. Participants must be age 21+

Full Tuition: $215 — Sliding-scale tuition options are available in the drop-down enrollment menu for you to self-select. To pay in installments, choose PayPal or Klarna at check out.

People have collected and preserved the written word almost as long as writing has existed, an act of human ingenuity that makes a library. In this class we'll explore the past, present, and future of libraries, from cuneiform tablets to collections shot into space. You'll leave with a critical understanding of the history of libraries and their place in the modern liberal imagination, and a playbook for supporting them today.

The class includes a historical overview of libraries and a look at the different types of libraries, particularly how they differ from other forms of patrimoine, like archives and museums. We'll also focus on the current state of libraries around the world as cultural heritage and the sharing of information increasingly comes under attack. Each class has a different theme, and the themes are non-sequential but cumulative. Expected out-of-class time is approximately one hour per week, with optional readings and resources. Class format generally includes an activity, such as a game, case study, or group exercise, followed by a discussion, with opportunities for small and large group participation and sharing.

—

The Fine Print

Gift certificates may only be redeemed at the full tuition tier.

SLIDING SCALE TUITION

We now offer an early-bird low-tier tuition special as a way of incentivizing early enrollment. This is available up to 4 weeks before the class begins. Early enrollment allows us to gauge if a course will meet the minimum number of students required to run the course.

Full tuition is the cost per-student of running the class. If you choose a tier below full tuition, you are receiving a discount. If you choose to make a donation in addition to full tuition, you are helping to cover the cost for students who are not able to pay the full amount.

The mid-level tier is a discounted rate for people whose household income is at or above living wage but who have limited discretionary income.

The low-level tier and the full-scholarship tier are for people whose household income is below living wage or who need extra assistance to meet their needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through our fundraising efforts, we are able to offer three full scholarships per class. The full-scholarship tier is a nonrefundable offering. Each student may only take one full-scholarship class at a time. Because our scholarship funding is limited, if a student selects multiple overlapping classes at the full-scholarship level, they will be disenrolled from all classes.

All sliding-scale and scholarship needs are self-assessed, and we will never request or require proof of need.

Please see our FAQ for more information, including installment plans, refund policy, and sick and inclement weather policy.