WebJunction - Group: Learning

Notes from Pat Wagner presentation: Successful Online Ed

2009-08-31T18:50:16Z

I thought this was an excellent post from lybrarian: Improve Successful Use of Online Education Opportunities with thorough notes from a training session provided the State Library of Kansas and System Consultants with Pat Wagner.

RE: Congrats to Lori Reed, Mover and Shaker!

2009-03-16T16:34:22Z

Lori is so obviously a mover and shaker! It's great to see that recognized.

Congratulations Lori.

Congrats to Lori Reed, Mover and Shaker!

2009-03-15T22:56:52Z

Lori was the force behind this WJ Group: Learning, so wanted to thank her and congratulate her on her well deserved Mover and Shaker award.

She's a lifelong learning hero and a mentor to many in the WJ community.

RE: If I got paid to learn ...

2008-12-13T00:02:31Z

As Betha noted in yesterday's webinar, many individuals choose to work in libraries because they themselves are lifelong learners--and the library is the best organization for that pursuit.

That predisposition to learning is a strong foundation for any staff training and learning program. As libraries struggle with budget deficits and competition for scarce resources, how can we leverage that desire for continuous learning? We certainly want to demonstrate the value of staff training and learning so that it doesn't become the "low-hanging fruit" in a time of budget cutting.

What strategies do you use to show return on investment, for your own learning and for staff development at your library? Studies done by ASTD and SHRM point to the many benefits of spending money for staff development, including higher staff morale, greater employee engagement and less staff turnover.

Take a look at some of the research cited by Beverly Kaye, author of Love 'em or Lose 'em: Getting Good People to Stay (4th ed., 2008), http://www.keepem.com.

RE: Learning for Learning Professionals

2009-02-22T04:30:25Z

I look for opportunities to learn new things by sampling different online offerings and then discussing the key learnings with selected individuals who help me put new ideas in context for specific uses. Examples of those I have sampled recently are:

How to Train with Your Mouth Closed presented by Thiagi (Sivasailam Thiagarajan) as part of Training Magazine's free webinars - http://www.trainingpayback.com/main/home

Where does creativity hide? presented by Amy Tan as one of the free TED Talks - I also found viewer comments fascinating both related to content and presentation style http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/amy_tan_on_creativity.html

Libraries as Learning Organizations

2009-01-30T20:01:00Z

This could be an hour-long conversation on its own, imo. I am particularly interested in how to reframe thinking about learning so that learning is suffused throughout the organization and knowledge-sharing is widely enabled. Even large corporations like Boeing are moving away from a focus on training toward an emphasis on applicable and measurable learning.

In the Town Hall, we threw in a poll question: Do you think of your library as a learning organization? Choices: Yes, No, What in the world is a learning organization? I was pleased that 73% chose Yes. Some would have chosen "not yet" if we had included that option.

I would love to hear more about how your library is or is not moving toward becoming a learning organization. The chat log is a start on the conversation:

Innovations: transformation to a Learning Organization
wj_jenpeter says, "Shifting gears here, we'll continue the discussion and idea sharing"
Frances says, "Not YouTube, but Slideshare"
Kelli_Staley says, "shon: great attitude"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Idaho is planning an online conference for May -- Theme :
Libraries = Learning Organizations"
shon_barnes says, "Thanks"
Stephanie_Gerdin says, "Of course, I work for myself, so it had better be. "
Gerie says, "yay for Idaho"
wj_EmilyI says, "great Shirley!"
Sharon_STBB says, "My Circ edpt. also has a job message board."
Sharon_STBB says, "edpt.= dept."
GA_pat says, "CLENE is planning a program for ALA Annual - Building a Culture of
Learning in Your Library. "
wj_EmilyI says, "importance of keeping your staff up to date and trained on new
technology"
Brenda_Hough is laughing
Ross_Callender says, "that Stephanie!! lol"
GA_pat says, "Yes.,,I have to chat"
Stephanie_Gerdin says, "My boss realizes that an informed staff is more productive and
happier."
GA_pat says, "I have no voice - I lost it in Denver"
wj_jenpeter is laughing
GA_pat says, "Lori Reed (from Charlotte) and I will be presenting this program in
Chicago at ALA."
shon_barnes says, "That's cool!"
wj_EmilyI says, "i bet that will have a standing room only crowd."
GA_pat says, "We hope so!"
Kris says, "i will be there"
Kris says, "")"
Kris says, " "
GA_pat says, "Does anyone have anything they want to make sure Lori and I include in
our session at ALA>"
shon_barnes says, "I wish I could be there "
Jane_H says, "I'm thankful to be in one. It keeps me envigorated"
Nichol_Lusk says, "big obstacle is staff recognizing areas lacking"
>> Alan has been demoted to participant status by wj_EmilyI
Nichol_Lusk says, "some staff think they know- and they can't show you - if that makes
sense"
shelley says, "biggest obstacle is my training budget just got gobbled up to solve city-
wide budget deficit."
Kelli_Staley says, "there's always resistance on technical topics"
Nichol_Lusk says, "Cant, sorry"
Gerie says, "as i mentioned before, i think it's really important for those who DO attend
valuable workshops/conferences, to "report out" to those who had to stay behind/staff the
library"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "yes Gerie -- I agree!"
Kelli_Staley says, "staff reluctant to admit their weaknesses, or admit then still don't sign
up for classes when offered"
Kate_Laughlin says, "competencies!"
Denise says, "Point out patron complaints"
Kelli_Staley says, "I can chat"
Justine says, "BCR offers Free Friday Forums (including archived ones) see
http://www.bcr.org/training/index.html "
Nichol_Lusk says, "exactly, they say "I know it all" but then you catch them making silly
mistakes that training could have taken care of"
wj_jenpeter says, "competencies provide the level playing field"
wj_jenpeter says, "consistency"
Sherrie_R says, "One sure way is to create a Training Development Plan together with
the staff member. It would then become part of their performance expectations that would
be reviewed."
Denise says, "emphasize value of upgrading skills and keeping current"
Shannon_Halikias says, "I think my org has worked around those weaknesses rather then
asking the employees to work to solve them"
Kris says, "union would never go for that being part of their perf eval "
Gerie says, "where? i missed something"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Wahoo Compentency Tab on WJ!"
Paula_Seeger says, "I agree with Shannon. It could be cultural change that is needed."
wj_EmilyI says, "check out also lori reed's webinar on creating a culture of learning on
webjunction at http://webjunction.org/events/webinars"
Justine says, "Those are free one hour seminars on various subjects of interest to
librarians (Free Friday Forums)"
wj_jenpeter says, "http://www.webjunction.org/catalog/coursecatalog/competencies"
Kelli_Staley says, "seems when most of our people began using computers, there was no
basic training, just the application they use. I recently learned somebody didn't know how
to copy/paste. Creates issues down the line if you're encouraging attending webinars."
shelley says, "we have an element in our performance plans called a development plan.
Everyone has to have something in the development plan. Kind of forces them to keep
learning."
Sherrie_R says, "We have a union and at this point do not have any objection to having
training as part of the review process."
Kris says, "food for thought"
Holly___Nevada says, "Our CE Calendar:
http://206.194.194.122/evanced/lpd/eventcalendar.asp"
Christi says, "There are free webinars and online courses via Click U. if you are member
of the Special Libraries Association."
Ross_Callender says, "as a user of Free Friday Forum user, they are wonderful"
shon_barnes says, "What I try to encourage all staff to keep in mind is that the training
they learn doesn't only impact the job but the way they live their lives ,especially when it
comes to emerging technology."
Holly___Nevada says, "includes the BCr FFFs"
GA_pat says, "I've been trying to add all these free webinars to our state CE calendar
with easy links to registration and log-in onformation."
wj_jenpeter says, "WJ will be adding Technology competencies to the catalog soon too:
http://www.webjunction.org/catalog/coursecatalog/competencies"
Kelli_Staley says, "we tried passing out competency lists, and nobody returned them"
GA_pat says, "I love the Virtual Watercooler Idea"
shelley says, "hold supervisors accountable for getting those lists turned in!"
elin_waagen says, "Brown Bag lunches "tasty tech tools" peer presentations"
Gerie says, "i'll post a training needs survey that i recently created on WJ...when i get
around to it"
Bobbi_Newman says, "we have an internal staff blog for sharing tips and info"
wj_jenpeter says, "knowledge sharing is key!!"
GA_pat says, "I also love it when I overhear people say "I learned something new today"
and then the person proceeds to share what they learned."
wj_jenpeter says, "everyone is learning all the time!"
Gerie says, "we have an internal blog also and hardly anyone actually posts to it"
wj_EmilyI says, "maurice coleman and annette gaskins of Montgomery Co. Library did a
webinar on creating a technology petting zoo on the webjunction webinar archives."
shon_barnes says, "Encouraging a learning environment is also crucial."
wj_jenpeter says, "tasty tech tools"
Justine says, "Getting a Grip on Social Networking: Part 1: MySpace and Facebook"
elin_waagen says, "Sorry - no"
GA_pat says, "No learning is too small!"
GA_pat says, "or too insignificant."
Justine says, "BCR's Free classes, go to http://www.bcr.org/training/archives/index.html
and click on Free Friday Forum Archive"
GA_pat says, "at my former ohio libary staff database training was opened to the public."
Justine says, "Sorry, that last link is for the Archives only"
shon_barnes says, "Thanks for sharing that information"
GA_pat says, "both groups of people loved it."
Christi says, "Radical Militant Librarianship!"
You say, "thank you all for great comments"
Sarah says, "Public/staff joint training - what a great idea!"
shon_barnes says, "Lol!"
Kelli_Staley says, "we have sessions open to both staff & public. Did a whole series on
Office 2007"
Gerie says, "i got some great ideas today"
shon_barnes says, "Ditto!"

RE: Staff Development Days

2009-01-30T19:56:12Z

And I found an existing discussion on Staff Development Days with some gems to share here!

RE: January Virtual Town Hall: Focus on Staff Training

2009-01-29T18:56:16Z

Following up on the rich discussion in yesterday's town hall on staff training, I wanted to let you know that the archive is available and includes screenshots of the brainstorms.

A number of discussions on hot topics from this session have been started in the Group: Learning Discussions.

Thank you all who attended and share the archive!

Cross-training of staff

2009-01-30T19:49:18Z

It is clear that cross-training of staff will not work for every library, but it has some intriguing possibilities.

Solutions: Cross-training
Christi says, "I'm a BIG fan of cross-training. It cuts down on isolation."
Nichol_Lusk says, "cross training for us has had the biggest issues with consistency, one
person trains differently than others"
Robin_Hastings says, "We just started offering a small salary bump for staff that are
willing to learn to work in another departent"
GA_pat says, "there's a wiki on the CLENE website. That might be a good place to start
such a list."
Paula_Seeger says, "Sometimes mgmt sees cross-training as duplication of efforts."
wj_jenpeter says, "http://www.webjunction.org/learninggroup"
Susan says, "union = cross training no-no"
wj_jenpeter says, "Bring your ideas to WJ!"
Susan_Gempka says, "I cross trained 8 non public service clerks to work in Circulation,
covering vacations, meetings, etc. They get a break from their desks, can spend time with
the public and are learning more each time they work in Circulation"
shon_barnes says, "We also try to find themes for our in-service day."
Kelli_Staley says, "it helped our staff really see what the other people do all day"
Christi says, "But, paula, it opens up communication between depts. "
martha_hendricks says, "Our tech services department is the backup for circulation"
wj_EmilyI tells you, "see susan's comment about union"
jeanne_hubbard says, "we suspended ILL"
Shannon_Halikias says, "I'm a union evironment and the job segmentation issue is a
biggie"
Christi is clapping
Sharon_STBB says, "We cross-train out of necessity."
Paula_Seeger says, "you don't have to sell me. "
Nancy_Smith says, "That makes a lot of sense, Linda."
Gerie says, "we're creating a camtasia video on how to fill out our new online ILL form"
Gerie says, "for our staff/librarians"
Shannon_Halikias says, "I'm encouraging teamwork, and that this is growth and a chance
to flourish"
GA_pat says, "our public service staff (Adult, Teen and Children) might be assigned to
any one of those departments during their shift. This library had 100% roving reference.
Staff HAD to be cross-trained."
Sarah says, "All our ILL is done by library assistants who also work ref/childrens/adult
desks. They are developing great all round knowledge and variety of work."
shelley says, "We are starting a cross-training program - having staff mentor each other,
one-on-one."
Kelli_Staley says, "our only issue is that despite the number cross-trained, its the same 3
people who fill in when needed"
wj_EmilyI says, "obstacles to cross-training?"
Christi says, "You would think it would cut down on inconsistencies."
Robin_Hastings says, "@Gerie - I've used Jing to do screencasts that I make available on
the staff wiki. That seems to be appreciated by my staff"
wj_jenpeter tells you, "maybe this makes sense to ask Jaine about x-training with public
and staff?"
Shannon_Halikias says, "Cross training involving technology is the biggest hurdle"
shon_barnes says, "We are beginning to do more tutorials on these sorts of things."
Gerie says, "robin: yes, video is excellent for visual learners especially"
Nichol_Lusk says, "technology cross training is very hard"
Phyllis_Smith says, "we have issues with individual log ons and permissions granted for
responsibilities"
Nichol_Lusk says, "everyone has different skill levels"
Kris says, "does anyone do training and then post on YouTube?"
shelley says, "an issue is maintaining the skills if cross-trained staff don''t work in other
areas frequently."
shon_barnes says, "We can do much better than what we've done in the past. It's a
challenge but I'm to it!"
wj_EmilyI says, "the cross-training thread would be good to continue in the Learning
Group on WebJunction."
Gerie says, "kris: no, but i want to"
Shannon_Halikias says, "Can I add "not yet" to my submitted response to the poll! I'm
here to change that. "

Staff Development Days

2009-01-30T19:46:34Z

The topic of staging Staff Development Days generated a wealth of ideas.

Someone suggested collecting these ideas in a central, accessible online location. How about right here?

The chat log offers a great list to start with:

Solutions: Staff Development days
shon_barnes says, "We do close all of our libraries in the system and everyone comes to
the main branch for a full day of training."
GA_pat says, "yes, our library closed for staff day on the 3rd friday of september every
year."
Kris says, "the public would never let us close for a day of training"
Penny says, "Many of our staff are doing Helene Blowers's "23 Things" (see Oct. 2008
SLJ article)"
Kris says, "I'd love to do that"
Lola_D_ says, "What about most of your staff works and no money in the budget to have
all staff come for a training session."
GA_pat says, "I recommend emphsazing staff training and development during New Hire
Orientation."
martha_hendricks has returned.
wj_EmilyI says, "staff development days? thoughts?"
Lola_D_ says, "I meant our staff is usually working solo."
Roberta_Sparks says, "With over 500 staff it is the only time we are all together."
Sarah says, "Be interested to know how public respond to libraries closing for a day for
training - are they supportive?"
Roberta_Sparks says, "We have had no complaints from the public."
Sharon_STBB says, "We close and all staff attends our system-wide development day."
GA_pat says, "I have voice capability but I have no voice (bad cold) so I'm chatting
instead."
Kelli_Staley says, "as long as you send the message that it is to improve the library &
service"
shon_barnes says, "I've never heard of any complaints, thus far. "
martha_hendricks says, "Our library used to close one or two days a year for staff
development"
Denise says, "how can you disable the talk button?"
Phyllis_Smith says, "We do have a staff day scheduled for oct 12th - first time ever"
Stephanie_Gerdin says, "When of our libraries closes on Veteran's day, which isn't
normally a day that their city closes, but they get less complaints."
shon_barnes says, "Yeah!"
Bobbi_Newman says, "our staff day is on Columbus day so a day the Lib might be closed
anyay"
pam_bachman says, "we have an annual staff day; the public never seems to object."
Shannon_Halikias says, "We close a couple of days a year to close for Development. "
Mary_Haney says, "Our staff day is always Columbus Day-public thinks it's just another
holiday"
Kris says, "Columbus Day is a good idea"
shon_barnes says, "We normally have it on President's Day"
Shannon_Halikias says, "We are closing for a day and sending everybody to ALA as it is
local this year"
Nichol_Lusk says, "If we close the libary for even an hour we make sure the patrons
know well in advance and we do it on Thursday- a not so busy day generally for us"
GA_pat says, "We closed on the 3rd Friday in September except for when it conflicts
with the Jewish holidays."
Nichol_Lusk says, "We notify the public with fliers and phone message if they call in"
GA_pat says, "We didn't want to close on those floating holidays because we felt that's
when the public needed us to be open."
Robin_Hastings says, "can you repeat the question?"
Penny says, "We do the feel good stuff at lunch, but the rest is training"
Bobbi_Newman says, "In the past we had different training session you could attend in
the afternoon"
AZ_mala says, "We did a smaller version of 23 things which we called Baker's dozen and
we encouraged all staff to do this within a fixed period of time - 12 weeks. to learn web
2.0 stools. We had over 150 library staff do it just for the fun of learning "
Kate_Laughlin says, "There's room for both fun & learning!"
Gerie says, "i agree with kate"
GA_pat says, "ours is a combination of library issues, feel-good stuff and soft-skills
training."
Christi is clapping
Roberta_Sparks says, "We usually have a main theme it's built around."
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Idaho did "6 Things" and had over 200 people participate!"
shon_barnes says, "That's what we do. I'll actually be facilitating a break out session on
our Tech Competencies this year."
Justine says, "Gerie, I think your idea is really good, write about the highlights so people
only have to hear about the great tips you picked up from this training it'll be an incentive
for others to attend and bring back great ideas!"
pam_bachman says, "administration staff plan the day very carefully. sometimes an
outside presenter is brought in. Lunch is fun and time to socialize."
Nichol_Lusk says, "targeted training works well for us, otherwise the staff seems to get
itchy to get back to work"
Gloria_Soernsen says, "We're having 15th annual staff day this year. We do include
training in the day. Try to include both fun and learning. Usually include a Customer
Service Component. That was the focus of last year's."
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Defining competencies will help tremendously!"
Gerie says, "yes, justine, and it reinforces the issues for the learner"
Jane_H says, "We find that our librarians really appreciate practical stuff they can take
back and use immediately in their libraries"
shon_barnes says, "We normally have a main speaker come in the morning and then have
three or four break out sessions later in the day."
GA_pat says, "if your staff is large enough to have breakout session in a staff day this is a
good option."
shon_barnes says, "It works pretty well for us."
Roberta_Sparks says, "We always have a keynote. The Director addresses all staff. Staff
awards are presented as well. Three breakout sessions."
shon_barnes says, "That's kind of like what we do."
Renee_Zurn says, "We've done training on loading and pushing book carts plus showed a
DVD on back care and carpet tunnel. "
Kate_Laughlin says, "Staff planning committee solicited neighborhood businesses for
donations & there was a big raffle at the end of the day. Prizes galore!"
Christi says, "The Baker's Dozen sounds the Special Libraries Association's 23 Things
project."
Kris says, "we use our worker's compensation carrier for all safety related training"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, ""Carpet tunnel"??"
Christi says, "Also, TENN-Share hosted a summer-ling ning project to learn Web 2.0."
Bobbi_Newman says, "we have a speark in the morning, some fun things and then some
different training sessions then back for a fun presentatin at the end"
Jo_Ann_Flynn says, "I would like to see trustee training mandatory for each library"
Kate_Laughlin says, "staff art show in lobby"
shon_barnes says, "We have contests for staff to participate in such as " Pimp My
Bookcart"."
Kris is laughing
GA_pat says, "it would be great to create a Best Practice list for Staff Day activites that
everyone could add to."
Sharon_STBB is laughing
Ross_Callender is away
shon_barnes is laughing
wj_EmilyI says, "i've cleared the hand raise, so if you'd like to speak, please raise your
hand again."
Kate_Laughlin says, "mayor opens the day with comments represetning support for the
the library."
pam_bachman says, "in addition to our annual all-staff day, each branch plans and holds
a staff retreat - for one morning or afernoon. used for staff bonding and training."
Gerie says, "we've had the technical services/catalogers explain why records show in the
OPAC the way they do. helps the rest of us understand the method behind the madness"
wj_EmilyI says, "hi linda"
Christi says, "Is there a wiki out for Staff Development ideas? That would be great!"

Getting management buy-in and support

2009-01-30T19:42:32Z

Getting real buy-in and support from the top levels of management is crucial to the success of training and learning. And it needs to be genuinely invested buy-in. It is one thing for a director to agree that training is important; it's another level of investment for the director/manager to make sure that time is allotted and money is budgeted and learning is recognized.

Chat log from this segment of the Town Hall conversation:

Solutions: supervisor support and management buy-in
Ross_Callender says, "I think Supervisor support is so crucial. My boss, on a monthly
basis, asks me if I have taken any interesting courses lately?"
Kate_Laughlin says, "Ross, that's great!"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Yes, I agree"
Stephanie_Gerdin says, "Let them set their own learning goals."
Kris says, "supervisors need to give their employees time, ours are nervous if their staff is
learning (most need to retire)"
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Training is crucial to a library's flexibility!"
AZ_mala says, "Let people get time off to do training as a performance reward"
Christi says, "Evidence-based results"
shon_barnes says, "Allowing time for staff to train is still a big problem. Some locations
have shortages which makes it really hard to schedule training."
Kelli_Staley says, "some initial cross-training can help staff cover desks while staff
trains"
Roberta_Sparks says, "Our Friends help fund staff training"
wj_EmilyI says, "producer note: please be careful about the pressing the CTRL key. it
opens up your audio line if you are on VOIP>"
Renee_Zurn says, "We have a gift fund that we can use as the city training budget has
been cut"
Penny says, "Training is key to doing more with less."
Morgan_Sohl says, "city froze travel budget but we are looking for speakers to come to
us"
GA_pat says, "i think my former library in Ohio must hold the record for the most
consecutive years of Staff Development Day - 33 years and it's never been cancelled!"
Nichol_Lusk says, "we try to set aside 1 hr one day a week during open hours for half of
the staff while the other staff works the desk"
Colleen_Eggett says, "Put it into a performance plan- yours or someone else's helps get
people there"
shon_barnes says, "Ours will be February 23rd."
shon_barnes says, "Making the connection is crucial but some supervisors do not take the
time to sit down and communicate with staff. "
Sarah says, "Staff Development Days sound great - do you close the library for the day? "
Nichol_Lusk says, "I designed a "competencies" list and have the staff work through the
list on their own as much as possible and then I plan training sessions from what is left"
Roberta_Sparks says, "We close all libraries one day a year for Staff Development Day."
wj_streamss says, "use gift fund to pay for training"
arwka says, "I am the only one in my library and I am required to take continuing ed. My
library has a grant from the state for training"
Gerie says, "if staff go to a great conference or session, ask them to present their
experience to the staff, either in person or in writing: share the new knowledge"
Christi says, "Shon, then you go communicate with them, if they aren't very active with
you."

Time and money

2009-01-30T19:26:00Z

Time and money seem to be tightly intertwined, although they could be teased apart into

how to structure training time into a staff person's work day
how to afford to devote staff time to training
how to find more cost-effective training opportunities

To get the conversation rolling, here is the chat log from the segment on time issues:

Solutions: the time issue
wj_EmilyI says, "does anybody have a good solution for the time issue?"
wj_EmilyI says, "raise your hand and share your idea?"
Nichol_Lusk says, "We have closed the library from 9-10 on one day a week to do
inservice"
Holly___Nevada says, "Nevada has an online CE Calendar - just need to get folks to
access it"
Kate_Laughlin says, "online training...but it takes a big front end investment to bring the
org to a ready place"
Incline_Library says, "flexible scheduling"
Brandy__Missouri says, "Online courses complete at individual's schedule"
Kris says, "3/4 of staff is part-time...we offer free online training but supervisors don't
want to give them time to do it"
>> You have promoted Alan to presenter status
Holly___Nevada says, "Staff can access it when they have the time - I can send out email
reminders "
AZ_mala says, "We do more and more Training on Wimba"
Holly___Nevada says, "I'm not connected"
GA_pat says, "Jay at the Ohio State Library was doing 10 Minute Online Training
Tutorials "
Nichol_Lusk says, "We have tried webinars, there are only a few staff members that can
do this though-time issues-"
Jennifer_Hayek is away
Phyllis_Smith says, "We have state library sponsored online training, county level
training, microsoft online available - need to prioritize and have a schedule"
Denise says, "Intranet: training files, short training clips, job specific."
shon_barnes says, "I think that's the way most will be looking to go, especially with time
being such a big issue."
Kate_Laughlin says, "am I connected?"
James_Gahagan says, "quarterly training days"
>> Audio has been enabled
Jennifer_Hayek has returned.
Marianne_Lenox says, "just in time training"
shon_barnes says, "It's difficult though because you don't get that in face to face time.
The really big problem concerning online is helping staff become e-learners."
Frances says, "I ask to be invited to staff meetings to do training"
GA_pat says, "I promote the WJ courses and let people know they can work on the
courses when they have time - even if they only have 10 or 15 minutes at a time, They
have up to a year to access and complete the course."
Jane_H says, "Our State Library is starting what we call RACE--Random Acts of
Continuing Ed--which will be webinars on various topics that librarians in the state
indicate they want."
Robin_Hastings says, "I do that as well, Francis - that's a good way to sneak in some
training!"
GA_pat says, "I love Jane's idea!"
wj_EmilyI says, "make sure you are holding the talk button, or the CTRL key to speak."
Velvet_Marlin says, "I promote WJ also, but staff get bored with on-line courses."
Shirley_B_Idaho says, "Yeah -- Barbara!!"
Kris says, "we use LE@D as well"
Frances says, "I've also posted small topics that give managers ideas of small trainings
that they can do at their meetings"
Kim_Priest says, "I like to promote the WJ courses as well. We try to use them as pay
raise incentive."
wj_streamss says, "Random ACts of Continuing Ed"
Kris says, "we also use our worker's compensation company FOR FREE"
Bobbi_Newman says, "be flexible, be approachable for on demand training, I get stopped
all the time with questions"
wj_EmilyI says, "techsoup just published an excellent article on how to deliver effective
webinars."
shon_barnes says, "Will look for that!"

Motivating learners

2009-01-30T19:35:26Z

This segment of the town hall discussion was rich with creative ideas for motivating staff to relish training and to overcome the resistance of reluctant learners.

I especially like the comments of Linda, who spoke out loud (not recorded in the chat), saying that for her staff, "Training is a staff motivator." Her staff are aware of their knowledge gaps and are pleased to be considered worthy enough to be given the opportunity to improve themselves. Oh, that we could instill that attitude in everyone!

I was also impressed with the variety of rewards for learning, which can be as small and inexpensive as chocolate or mints. The important piece is making sure that learning is acknowledge and rewarded in some way.

Transcribed chat log for this part of the conversation:

Solutions: How to motivate staff; challenges and rewards for learning
Kelli_Staley says, "our director requires a certain number of CE hours per year, its up to
us to pick classes and attend"
Denise says, "searchable helpdesk knowledgebase."
Renee_Zurn says, "I'm having trouble hearing - voice very low"
Nichol_Lusk says, "me too"
shon_barnes says, "What about for assistants? Are they required to have a certain
amount, if so how many?"
Robin_Hastings says, "I like that idea, Kelli - but I haven't been successful in getting any
"teeth" behind that requirement..."
Lynne_Connolly says, "We build requirements into staff performance plans, i.e. have to
attend so many training classes during the year."
Kate_Laughlin says, "Yes!"
Kelli_Staley says, "I think it's 10 hrs for everybody (but the annual in-service counts) and
managers are encouraged to do more than 10 hrs"
AZ_mala says, "I agree we have all those issues "
GA_pat says, "some Georgia directors are challenging their entire staffs to complete a
WJ course within a certain time frame with random prizes given to some of those who
compelte the challenge."
Marianne_Lenox says, "invention is the necessity of mothers!"
Jane_H says, "We've just started it."
shon_barnes says, "That sounds like fun!"
Jane_H says, "No, sorry"
martha_hendricks says, "Seems like the requirements that are put in place always have to
be enforced by those who put them in place, not the ones who are required to log the
hours of training"
Barbara_Stobart says, "no, I was trying to get my hand off"
wj_EmilyI says, "random acts of continuing education"
shon_barnes says, "Top down approach"
Jane_H says, "Right. We hear from our librarians all the time"
Jane_H says, "Ours are 1/2 to 1 hour on specific topics"
Kelli_Staley says, "I signed up for many 1 hr sessions from Ebsco, and we set up the
proejctor in the conf. room and whatever staff can make it attends"
Barbara_Stobart says, "If you use the archived sessions, you can set the time and amount"
Marianne_Lenox says, "blogging on an intranet"
Jane_H says, "We also are offering them at a couple different times."
wj_EmilyI says, "that's a good idea Kelly."
Kate_Laughlin says, "Yes! Often the learners aren't ready."
Shannon_Halikias says, "Ebsco training? Is this online like the Sirsi webinars?"
Kelli_Staley says, "they're all talking about our databases now "
wj_EmilyI says, "in Wimba, you can have archive viewing sessions, and people can chat
with each other synchronously in the archived session."
Kate_Laughlin says, "Then they have a negative first experience which sets a tone."
Kris says, "reluctant to do something different"
Nichol_Lusk says, "we offered a hour of paid time off as a "door prize" at the training
session"
Kelli_Staley says, "ebsco: yes, demos of the databases you subscribe to, novelist, ebsco
host, etc"
Shannon_Halikias says, "Gotcha"
Kris says, "that is a good idea but we do pay our staff to do the training so..."
Denise says, "promote improved skills for job success."
Penny says, "We get LEUs-library education units. "
GA_pat says, "Some georgia directors are challenging their staff to try a WJ course...
ANY course - within a certain number of weeks or months."
wj_EmilyI says, "training as empowerment"
GA_pat says, "Those who complete a course are eligible to win prizes."
Sharon_STBB says, "We offer a small salary increase for completion of 4 units."
Nichol_Lusk says, "It is also made clear that in these tough times, only those that are
willing to learn ad improve will "survive""
Kris says, "door prizes is a good idea though"
Kris says, "what types of prizes?"
Penny says, "chocolate!"
Robin_Hastings says, "I use conference "swag" for prizes for the public with website
testing"
Shannon_Halikias says, "We've had success with gas cards for prizes"
Nichol_Lusk says, "gift cards"
Robin_Hastings says, "That would work for staff, too"
Ilan_Eyman says, "collect "schwag" from your vendors"
arwka says, "free lunch"
Renee_Zurn says, "We use the free items we get with some of our materials"
Mary_Haney says, "make it fun-set up a blog to track our laughs & challenges
encountered in online learning"
AZ_mala says, "We are planning to do a course of the month and plan discussions
around"
Marianne_Lenox says, "we are getting businesses to give us donations for door prizes"
GA_pat says, "one library here in Georgia got a small grant from their Friends group to
purchase some prizes. i don't know what she bought though."
Kate_Laughlin says, "peer to peer mentoring"
Nichol_Lusk says, "catered lunch at training"
Kate_Laughlin says, "Yes! Up with mentoring!"
wj_jenpeter tells you, "mala has hand raised"
Robin_Hastings says, "I've given out mints at patron training, too - if you talk - answer a
question, ask a question, make a comment, you get a mint. Gets people talking..."
Marianne_Lenox says, "sorry, all. I have to go."
wj_EmilyI says, "thanks for coming, Marianne."
Marianne_Lenox says, "thank you, will catch the rest in the archives"
shon_barnes says, "Recognition for reaching goals is always a great motivator"
arwka says, "paid training"
martha_hendricks is away
Penny is clapping

January Virtual Town Hall: Focus on Staff Training

2009-01-12T05:02:01Z

Join us on Wednesday January 28, 11 PT/ 2 ET for a WebJunction Virtual Town Hall where we'll gather to discuss staff training in economic tough times, with moderator Betha Gutsche.

Register Now

Training budgets are shrinking while patron traffic is increasing in these economic tough times. What new or improved skills do library staff need to meet the demand? How do we think innovatively about our learning strategies? Join your learning professional community in the new “Virtual Town Hall” format. Engage your colleagues in a lively session of questions, brainstorms, stories, and practical strategies.

See you at the Town Hall!

If I got paid to learn ...

2008-12-12T17:26:43Z

"If I got paid to learn, I'd be a billionaire and I wouldn't have to work!"

This is a line of chat entered by one of the attendees at yesterday's webinar in response to my question "Do you love to learn?" It's my hypothesis that those of us drawn to be learning professionals have a natural strength for learning. We just like the process and love to acquire new knowledge.

But even from enthusiastic learners, I hear the "no time to learn" lament. I've certainly felt it myself. It seems to be the biggest barrier to learning. Does anyone have strategies for leaping over this barrier?

Learning for Learning Professionals

2008-12-11T23:52:58Z

Continue the conversation from the webinar Learning for Learning Professionals.

What do you do to keep learning as a learning professional?

Effective Application Training in the Virtual Classroom Webinar

2008-12-11T23:01:59Z

What did you learn from the December 10, 2008 webinar on application training in the virtual classroom?

What software applications do you train others to use? How will you use the Top Ten Tips for Application Training Via the Virtual Classroom?

RE: September Train-the Trainer Webinar from MaintainIT: Online Training

2008-10-07T21:49:32Z

Thanks Betha! I'm gonna check that out!

RE: September Train-the Trainer Webinar from MaintainIT: Online Training

2008-09-16T18:24:34Z

Kathleen, I found the Train-the-Trainer archive on the MaintainIT site and I'm watching it now.

There's also a page of related resources.

RE: September Train-the Trainer Webinar from MaintainIT: Online Training

2008-09-16T01:46:34Z

I really wanted to join this session but I was doing an online training myself that day. Is there an archive available? Looking forward to learning from the best!