Hype to Help
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The document discusses innovative technology training approaches at Princeton Public Library, highlighting the importance of diversifying training methods for both staff and the public. It describes the benefits of collaborative learning and outlines various training formats such as lectures, hands-on classes, and online resources. The library aims to maximize training efficiency and keep staff updated on new technologies through shared training opportunities.
Hype to Help
- 1. From Hype to Help: Making a Difference with New Technologies PLA 2008 Minneapolis, MN March 29, 2008 Janie Hermann Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ
- 2. Training Transitions Goal: Diversify the type of training offered to staff Offer hands-on Classes and “Training Together” Use a blog or forum for discussion and “challenges” Make use of webinars and online training developed and hosted by others Try a “blended learning” approach whenever possible Create and host your own podcasts, screencasts and other online training resources Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 3. Learn Together! Combining Staff and Public Technology Training @ Princeton Public Library Rationale: Many libraries have limited funds and/or qualified staff to provide separate in-house technology training programs for both the public and their own staff Princeton Public Library has discovered that there are many benefits to having staff and patrons learn together Who Can Benefit? Any type of library of any size can benefit from this approach, but small and medium-sized public libraries are likely to benefit the most from this type of technology training solution. Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 4. Background: Princeton Public Library (NJ) has offered innovative and cutting edge technology training to the public for over ten years. Currently classes cover the spectrum from Computer Basics to the latest 2.0 technologies such as blogging, podcasting,flickr, RSS, etc Six years ago PPL began to offer a staff-only lunch time series called DataBytes with the goal of keeping staff current on library databases. Eventually this program was opened up (by request) to the public as well and the response to having staff and library patrons train together was very positive. As a result, we have been experimenting with ways to “train together” since 2004. Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 5. Problem: Staff need to stay current with technology and Web 2.0 trends, but Tech Center staff stretched too thin with their time to teach separate classes. Costly to train staff off-site or bring in outside trainers (especially when qualified trainers are already on staff). Solution: Open up public classes for staff to attend and vice versa! Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 6. Types of Training Offered Lecture/Demo Sessions: Intended for Public, but Staff are encourage to attend. Example: Tuesday Technology Talks 2. Intended for Staff, but Public are included. Example: DataBytes Hands-On Classes: Intended for Public, but Staff are encouraged to fill empty seats. Example: Working with Word, Intro to Excel, Become a Blogger 2. Intended for Staff, but Public are sometimes included when appropriate. Example: Catalog Enhancements Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 7. Positives: Creates transparency Staff receive training on new trends and technologies with greater frequency New staff can learn basics on-site Maximizes use of time for the Tech Center training staff by filling up all seats Negatives: Sometimes staff have to wait for newer classes as we generally give preference to the public Sometimes the advanced training demands of staff still require extra expertise beyond what we can do in-house Not all staff training can be done this way Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org>
- 8. Blogs: Can be hosted on free software or on an intranet Ease of use is a big advantage Great starting point to get everyone on staff “on the ramp” Forums: aka message boards phpBB forum software is open source and free <www.phpbb.com> makeforum.org will host your forum free of charge Great for ongoing discussions, weekly challenges, posting training opportunities, etc. Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org> Blogs and Forums
- 12. Easy way to get staff involved – a weekly Food for Thought post that everyone can comment on. Follow up with discussion during staff meeting for a blended learning experience.
- 13. Post class openings on internal blog to fill seats in public training calendar.
- 15. WebJunction http:// www.webjunction.org Forum/Discussion Board/Webinars/Online Courses and much more All free or low cost OPAL – Online Programming for All Libraries http://www.opal-online.org Free live events in online rooms where participants can interact via voice-over-IP, text chatting, synchronized browsing, and other functions Neal Schuman PEN – Professional Education Network http://neal-schumaneducation.com Nominal fee for courses, but can be broadcast to several staff members or entire staff at once Wide variety of offerings with relevant topics Also: Regional and local library cooperatives Library of Congress Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org> Webinars and Online Courses
- 21. PowerPoint with synched audio is a good way to start aka a slidecast Free screencasting software options Wink CamStudio Other screencasting software Camtasia by TechSmith Adobe Captivate Slidecasts can be hosted free of charge on SlideShare.net Screencasts can be hosted on screencast.com for a nominal fee Janie Hermann, Technology Training Librarian, Princeton Public Library, NJ <jhermann@princetonlibrary.org> Screencasts and Slidecasts