OPAL: Top-Notch Technology Training for Patrons

8.18.2006

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Where Library Tech Training Might be Headed

• Flickr
• Youtube
• MySpace

 

Current Tech Training in Libraries

• 60-90 minutes
• topics:
  • intro to PCs
  • basic internet
  • intro to email
• these are still the most popular/prevalent classes
• OOOOTF = one-on-one on-the-fly training
  • don't overlook this as a form of training
  • we're doing this every day

 

providing a few examples from specific libraries...

Next-Gen of Library Training

Lansing Public Library

• "2.0 Classes"
• podcast class
• blog classes
  • setting up RSS subscriptions
  • setting up your own blog

Johnson County Library (KC metro, Kansas)

• flickr
• del.icio.us
• blogs
• wikis

Queens Library, NY

• MySpace tips & tricks course
  • offered through the Young Adult dept.

Tampa Bat Library Consortium, FL

• Children's Tweens' and Teens' Resources on the Web

(slide 9)

• MySpace Internet Safety class

Scottsdale Public Library System

• Blogging 101
  • requires basic email account, typing, mouse skills

Lakewood Public Library, OH

• start a blog

Arlington Public Library, TX

• blogs
• podcasts
• mashups

Reading Public Library, MS

• IM/chat with AIM
• digital cameras
  • have people drop by with their own cameras
  • encourages people familiar with the topic to stop by
  • new trend: using others to help with training process
• using flickr

Tempe Public Library

• computer classes (various)
• online auctions: ebay
  • classes about using the web for non-library-related purposes

Nashville Public Library

• e-audio books (download to mp3 player)
• experimenting with video now, as well

 

back to the change in library technology training...

Shift in Training?

• less training in basic computer skills?

Boise Public Library

• no longer offers email basics class

 

Future Directions for Training

• newer technologies are sometimes more intuitive, easier to grasp
• focused on user-generated content & community
• "community" at the heart of libraries
• how might patron training that we offer deal with this?

 

Traing 2.0

RSS has lots of opportunities for training

• class on RSS
• library offer RSS feeds for info on upcoming classes

LibraryThing

• catalog your home library (or a collection)
• can tag books

delicious monster (Mac)

• similar to LibraryThing
• use scanner & UPC to enter

MySpace

• libraries are using it, in different ways
• Thomas Ford Memorial Library
  • can IM them
  • other contact info, hours
• could use MySpace for training
• can set library networking contacts as MySpace "friends"
• sending bulletins (as a library) is a great way to remind people of upcoming events
• Shrewsbury Library
  • MySpace class/workshop for parents
• can start "groups"
  • "Librarians ARE Cool"
  • "Association of Sexy Librarians"

WebJunction

• for us, for patrons

Library Instruction Wiki

• share handouts, ideas

flickr

• photo-sharing site
• see photos of training in action
  • screenshots
  • image source material
  • records of sessions
  • marketing
• account homepage on flickr
  • community networking
  • could start a group of trainers
  • each picture has own webpage
  • many libraries have flickr accounts
  • share what you're working on (charts, slides, etc.)

Audience for Training

• Seniors
  • big market
  • interested in keeping up with family & friends
  • geriatric1927
• job seekers

YouTube

• use to share videos
• could shoot a video of classes
• an ad for classes
• upload a presentation as a backup
• geriatric1927
  • 79-year-old British guy
• shows that this is a real community (comments, support)
• use FAQs as inspiration for 5 or 10-minute training videos
  • how to access your online account
  • how to renew books from home

del.icio.us

• practical resource for training
• links for this OPAL on del.icio.us
• provide links for students: web resources for a class
• you can keep track of your own ideas, training, technology

 

from May 2006, Computers in Libraries, "Teaching People to be Savvy Travelers in a Technological World"

How does Tech Training Look in this New Environment?

1. encourage independence
1. easier one-on-one
2. encourage exploration
1. help them to learn things on their own
2. interfaces will change with time
3. stop trying to provide step-by-step directions
1. you still need to provide this for __the basics__
4. provide context
1. why are we doing this?
2. let the patrons know why they should use this resource and how they can use it
5. use storytelling
1. stories appeal to people: use geriatric1927 as an example
6. expect success
1. believe in them, and they'll believe in themselves
7. treat training as a collaborative project
8. be real world (practical)
1. we and our patrons don't have unlimited time
2. in a resume class, have them put together a real resume (not a dummy one)

Preparation

• you may have to use your "playtime" to explore new technologies
• it's good to try to get a few hours a week in your job as "playtime" or "recess"
• not everyone needs to be doing all of these things: share

 

patrons need to find the particular technology that "hooks" them

 

Summary

• technology will continue to evolve and grow in ways we have not yet thought of
  • thus, training will continue to evolve and grow
• be creative about using new technologies to provide or enhance training
• communicate and collaborate with one another
  • don't always have the time, staff, or experience:

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