WebJunction

I hope others will respond to this, too. We began a more serious approach to staff training a few years ago by surveying everyone about what they felt they knew and what they wanted to know more about, as related to their jobs. From the responses, we developed a series of classes. We've had a variety of topics, from using the digital camera to file saving and computer maintenance. Our goal was to give everyone the knowledge to deal with problems that might come up, so they weren't intimidated by technology or feeling helpless. I think it has been very helpful.

I am happy to share specifics of any of these programs, too.

Here at the State Library of Ohio we're using Gates Foundation Grant money to address this issue.

We're right in the middle of providing specific database training (EBSCOhost & SIRS Discoverer in our case) to library staff. We've developed a standard set of materials so that there is some consistency to what we're offering. The training is reference question based, is a hands on course & includes plenty of practice time.

So far...so good. We're pleased with the numbers and look forward to evaluating the project to see if it actually provides staff with training that will help them in there job.

Anyone interested in the material can take a look at [url http://winslo.state.oh.us/services/LPD/index.html ]http://winslo.state.oh.us/services/LPD/index.html[/url] click on "Training" & you'll see it. They are posted as PDF documents.

I'd be happy to share any information or answer questions about what we're doing.

Later,

Jay

Hi Jay, and welcome to the technology planning forum. Thank you for sharing information about the work you are doing in Ohio. The web site you sent is a great resource - I just spent over an hour browsing through various items found there. I'm curious about your database trainings - do you find that the vendors provide good training information that you can then adapt to your needs? Or do you find you need to start from scratch?

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Brenda

Brenda (et.al)

In our case, we found that while the tutorials & other support information provided by vendors gave good overall information on how the database worked, it didn't focus on application from the working librarian standpoint.

So to that extent, we did start from scratch in trying to develop training materials based on the idea of using typical reference questions...followed by a path that would show how the database might answer the question.

Our emphasis is not only on showing staff how to use the database...but when & why. Hopefully, (and so far it looks like we're succeeding),

there's a connection made where someone says..."Oh...now I see how I can use this at work."

It's a bit more work to write this all up. But it's fun & now the first two are finished, we'll use them as a model for future material.

Here's the URL directly to the current training material we're currently using.

[url http://winslo.state.oh.us/services/LPD/tk_train.html ]http://winslo.state.oh.us/services/LPD/tk_train.html[/url]

Later,

Jay

[url mailto:burtjauk@yahoo.com ]burtjauk@yahoo.com[/url]

Thank you so much for pointing us to the Ohio Library Council training components. I can definitely use since I am basically a one-man shop. I direct a small community college library in Alabama with only two part-time workers and, if lucky, a student worker. Thanks again for sharing!!

Welcome ttrawick to our forum! I agree that the Ohio Library Council training components site is great... in fact, I am adding it to my list of faves!

A new online training technology we're trying here in Ohio is using the WebEX training format.

We've set up a training schedule called the "30 Minute eClassroom" that provides selected database training for library staff...all in 30 minute modules.

We can train up to 5 at a time...logged in from their own office computers and connected to the trainer (me) via a toll-free number.

We register folks on our own State Library registration site and when it's time for the class they follow their emailed instructions and have at it.

We're developing some courses designed for our state employee customers...but right now it's very popular with public library staff, espicially from small libraries that can't get away.

Check it out and even try a class if you'd like at...http://winslo.state.oh.us -> Ohio Libraries -> Training -> 30 Minute eClassroom

Questions...just ask.

Later
Jay

Jay Burton
State Library of Ohio

Wow Jay.... I love the concept of the "30 Minute eClassroom". I will be signing up for a session for sure to test it out.

I am also wondering about the other guides that you have available. Are they handouts or interactive?

Your training page is impressive. I have it bookmarked.

Thanks for sharing.

We had this sort of training for our staff a few years back. We had several teen services librarians come in to talk to staff about what works and what doesn't and we brainstormed positive ways to interact with teens and practiced them. It was somewhat successful, but we probably need to do it again. It is both about creating a new attitude on staff towards teens and helping them feel comfortable in approaching them.