Archive for the ‘WebJunction’ Category

WebJunction Hosts Conference on Staff Development

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Trends in Library Training and Learning: Developing Staff Skills for the 21st Century – A free, two day online conference presented by

LearnRT and WebJunction logosAugust 10 -11, 2011

Register: http://tinyurl.com/43x8avd
Full conference program: http://ks.webjunction.org/trends-training-learning/-/articles/content/118110080

Watch on your own or host a viewing party – live or archive!

Conference events:
Beyond 23 Things: The South Dakota State Library Challenge: Electronic Resources Edition allows librarians throughout the state to participate in training at their convenience with no travel or registration fees. Based on the 23 Things model, this challenge utilizes vendor and localized training materials and introduces participants to one subscription electronic resource each week.  Presenters are Julie Erickson and Jane Healy.

Born to Forget: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Information Overload: Our brains are designed to forget, but we rely on memory–the building block of cognition–to survive and thrive in our lives and careers.  Jay Turner, Director of Continuing Education at Georgia Public Library Service will lead a trip through the latest findings in neurological research and brain-based learning theory.

Cultivating the Library as a Site of Participatory Culture and Learning:  How can libraries establish themselves as communities of learning? How can we spark, invite, and sustain conversations for learning with those we serve? Join Buffy Hamilton to explore how a model of participatory librarianship and learning can provide the context for inquiry, collaborative knowledge building, and shared ownership of the story of “library.”

Getting Admin Buy-In for Training:  Before you can try to get staff buy-in for training programs, you have to get administration buy-in. Join Sarah Houghton-Jan for tips on getting administration to understand the benefits of training and learning programs for staff in the 21st century.

Happiness Through Personal Learning:  Happiness and the things that make us happy are learned. Using online tools afforded to us by the digital century, Marianne Lenox will help you define your own unique learning methodology and set you on a course for pursuing both personal and professional happiness.

Instructional Literacy and the Library Educator: Reflective Habits for Effective Practice: Whether or not “instruction” appears in our job titles, librarians of all stripes find ourselves in the position of teaching and training our users, colleagues, and peers. At a time of massive transition in the profession, the library’s teaching mission must be integrated more meaningfully into the learning communities we support. Char Booth introduces a series of concepts to empower librarians to become stronger designers and educators.

Lights! Camera! Action! Using Video for Patron and Staff InstructionAngela Nolet and Amber Slaven will provide an overview of the tools available and approaches for cross purposing staff and patron training. Training tutorials and videos can be used as supplements to self-guided classes, resources for outreach events and as alternatives to time consuming staff orientations.

Tech Training Skills for 21st Century Library Staff:  You know that phrase in your job description: “other duties as required”? This often means helping patrons learn to use technology. Every tech question presents an opportunity for instruction, but it takes the right skills and knowledge to provide a true learning experience for library members. Crystal Schimpf, Kieran Hixon, and Nancy Trimm will share the competencies for tech trainers developed at the Colorado State Library and give practical advice on how to use competencies to support training in your library.

Register Early for WebJunction Webinars

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

WebJunction Kansas AvatarAs a WebJunction Kansas member, you have the opportunity to register early for upcoming WebJunction webinars.  Register now to save your seat for these events:

Innovations from America’s Best Small Libraries 2011
September 20, 1:00 Central / Noon Mountain
Early Registration: https://oclc.webex.com/oclc/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=717852924

Library Journal’s annual Best Small Library in America Award, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. In collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, we are hosting this webinar with 2011 finalists. This year’s winner, Naturita Community Library (CO), serves a population of only 2,100 with technology, distance education, and programming supporting all the community’s lifelong learning needs. The Ames Free Library (MA) bridges the computing gap with a nimble thin-client network, wireless access, and laptops for patron use, along with Computer Tutors who help bring patrons to the next level. Page Public Library (AZ) offers almost daily programs for patrons across the age spectrum and addresses patron technology needs including equipment to access distance learning. Join Susan Rice, branch supervisor, Naturita Community Library;  Paul Paladino, director, Montrose Regional Library District; Madeline Miele Holt, director, Ames Free Library;  Debbie Winlock, director, Page Public Library; and Library Journal’s executive editor, Rebecca Miller for an hour of innovative and practical inspiration from three of America’s best small libraries.

Putting the Public Back in Public Libraries: Community-Led Libraries
September 26, Noon Central / 11:00 Mountain
Early Registration: https://oclc.webex.com/oclc/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=714710178

While public libraries are generally viewed as inclusive spaces, there are large segments of community that do not use them.  Beginning in 2004, four large urban library systems from across Canada – Vancouver, Toronto, Regina and Halifax Public Libraries – spent four years working in socially excluded communities, to determine how to make public library services relevant to the needs of underserved communities.  As a result, it was discovered that when communities are involved in the identification, development and delivery of library services, there can be an exhilarating effect. Since the conclusion of the highly successful Working Together Project (2004-2008), public libraries from across Canada have integrated community-led approaches and techniques. This webinar, brought to you in collaboration with Library Journal, will discuss the major outcomes of the project and provide examples of how the bringing this approach into library service planning makes libraries even more relevant to local needs. Presenters: Tracey Jones-Grant, manager of ELL, Literacy and Diversity Services, Halifax Public Libraries; Ken Williment, community development manager for Halifax Public Libraries; and Randy Gatley, community librarian, Vancouver Public Library.

Not a WebJunction Kansas member? Registration is fast and easy.  For help, visit the Member Center at WebJunction Kansas and browse the User GuideYou’ll find help with membership registration at http://ks.webjunction.org/accounts/#create_account. Questions?  Contact Cindi Hickey at cindi.hickey @ library.ks.gov.

Two New LE@D Courses Added to WJKS

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

WebJunction Kansas AvatarThe State Library is pleased to announce that the two newest courses from the University of North Texas LE@D program have been added to the WebJunction Kansas course catalog.  (Please remember, you must be logged in to view the WebJunction Kansas catalog.)

Cataloging Basics 101
http://ks.webjunction.org/home/-/courses/details/120453442

Cataloging Basics offers an introduction to the practice and theory of cataloging that can provide solid baseline knowledge for paid library staff or volunteers new to cataloging. This three hour course explains everything from call numbers to subject headings to the differences in how cataloging works for fiction, children’s books and non-standard items.

Social Media 101: Business & Career Tools
http://ks.webjunction.org/home/-/courses/details/120175944

A great introduction to using online tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in a professional context for business and career research. This course provides valuable information that library staff can use personally, for promotion of their library, and when working with job seeking patrons. The learner will also learn effective ways for the individual or the organization to promote themselves to potential employers and customers (and patrons!).

Don’t forget – WebJunction Kansas members/affiliates have unlimited access to courses in the WebJunction Kansas course catalog.   Need help or have questions?  Contact Cindi Hickey at cindi.hickey @ library.ks.gov.

Free Online Workshop – Supporting Business and Financial Health

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

In July, Project Compass (WebJunction) will be offering a free 4-week online workshopLibraries Supporting Small Business and Financial Health. This workshop explores the potential for libraries to help move their communities from surviving to thriving by supporting local economic development and helping patrons increase their personal financial skills. Looking beyond the immediate needs of job seekers, discover other approaches to supporting the workforce in your community and growing their capacity to succeed in the 21st century.

The program will kick off with a live webinar on July 12, and will be followed by four weeks of self-paced reading assignments, facilitated discussions and peer networking. For more details and registration info, visit the workshop program page: http://www.webjunction.org/pc-workshop2/-/articles/content/118165543

Workshop Schedule:

Week 1 (July 12-17)
The Library, the Economy and the 21st Century

  • Discuss 21st century skills in the context of a changing economy
  • Understand the role of libraries in the economic development of their communities
  • Understand how patrons’ personal financial skills relate to economic stability

Week 2 (July 18-24)
Pathways to Action

  • Investigate the variety of ways that libraries can support entrepreneurs and small business development
  • Investigate the ways that libraries can help patrons gain control over their personal finances
  • Identify priorities for taking action at your library and find resources to support those actions
  • Learn strategies and resources to strengthen the library’s responses in these areas

Week 3 (July 25-31)
Power of Partners and Peers

  • Identify and evaluate partners to develop programs for small businesses
  • Identify and evaluate partners to develop programs on personal financial skills
  • Explore the potential of peer networking, in-person and online

Week 4 (Aug 1-7)
Promote Your Actions

  • Identify the actions that make most sense for your library and create an action plan
  • Learn strategies and tools for getting the word out to your community
  • Learn about and discuss strategies for communicating the library’s value to the local economy

Enhanced Services Coming to WJ Kansas!

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

There has never been a better time to be a WebJunction Kansas member! Based on input from WJ members and state library partners, WebJunction is making some changes to keep its services affordable and valuable to library staff and library agencies.  If you are a registered WebJunction member you have probably already seen the e-mail sent out by WebJunction.  If you are not a WebJunction member or have not affiliated with Kansas now is the time to join us.  Following are the changes that WebJunction members will see beginning July 1st.

WebJunction courses
Beginning July 1, 2011, WebJunction’s online self-paced courses will be available only to those members who are sponsored by their state library through WebJunction’s Partner Program.  As a WebJunction Kansas member (affiliate) you will be able to enroll in an unlimited number of courses at no charge from the WebJunction Kansas catalog.

As of July 1, you must be signed into WebJunction Kansas with your username and password in order to view the course catalog. You must be affiliated with Kansas to use the WebJunction Kansas catalog. One quick way to check on whether or not you are is to look for the Kansas sunflower when you log in.  Instructions for requesting affiliation are included below.  The public catalog at www.webjunction.org/catalog will be removed as of July 1st.

You will access your in-progress courses as usual, by signing into WebJunction Kansas and launching it through your My WebJunction or My Courses page. You will still be able to download a completion certificate for any course you have already completed.

New features for webinars
As another new service exclusive to sponsored members, you’ll receive early notification for future webinars from WebJunction Kansas and the State Library. And, starting this July, WJ email you printable certificates for any event that you attend. Webinar programs will continue to be offered at no charge to all WebJunction members each month.

We hope that you will enjoy these new services. Please feel free to contact Cindi Hickey, chickey @ kslib.info directly with any questions, comments, or suggestions.

~~~~~~

To affiliate with Kansas you must be working in a Kansas library.  To request affiliation, follow these steps:
1.  Join and/or login to WebJunction.
2.  In the top left corner of the My Account box, click on Edit Account.
3.  Now click on the My Affiliations tab and scroll down the list to Kansas.  Click in the box to the left of Kansas and then scroll down the page to click the Save box.
4.  The WebJunction Kansas staff will approve your request for affiliation (usually within 24 hours) and the next time you login you should land in WebJunction Kansas.  Just look for the Kansas sunflower to confirm you have arrived.
5.  Questions?  Contact Cindi Hickey, chickey @ kslib.info or Shannon Roy, shanroy @ kslib.info.
~~~~~

Teamwork – Monthly WebJunction Course Focus

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Teamwork PuzzleIt’s All About the Team

For libraries to succeed in today’s climate of increased demands and decreased resources, effective teamwork becomes ever more critical. These three courses focus on the skills and attitudes we need as individuals in order to come together as powerful teams to get things done.

 

The Individual’s Role in a Team
http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/2020920

Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork
http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/28850571

Results and Teamwork without Authority
http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/30097473

Questions about WebJunction Kansas?  Need help becoming a member?  Contact Cindi Hickey at the State Library, chickey @ kslib.info.

Photo credit: Working Together Teamwork Puzzle Concept by http://thegoldguys.blogspot.com/.  Found on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumaxart/2137737248/.

10 Tips Webinars LE@D You to Courses

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

LE@D (the maker of the LE@D courses in the WebJunction Kansas catalog) and Pat Wagner have produced a series of 10 Tips webinars that are archived and related to their courses.

Take a break and check out one or more:

 

Effectively Serving The Genealogy Searcher with Willie Braudaway
Video || MP3

Web Searching and Finding with Kit Keller
Video || MP3

Effective Mentoring with Paul Signorelli
Video || MP3

Technology Planning with Carson Block
Video || MP3 || Handout

Get Your MS Office 2010 Training at WJKS

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

Help Me18 new Office 2010 courses have been added to the WebJunction Kansas catalog. The most notable additions are the new PowerPoint and Access courses.  To find these new courses, just go to the WebJunction Kansas Course Catalog and type “2010″ in the search box.

·         Access 2010: (1) Creating Basic Tables and (2) Getting Started

·         Excel 2010 :  (3) Organizing Data and Objects, (4) Inserting Basic Charts, (5) Moving Data and Modifying Worksheets, (6) PivotTables and Pivotcharts and (7) Using Basic Functions

·         Outlook 2010 :  (8) Working with Contacts, (9) Customizing and Managing Accounts, (10) Using the Calendar for Appointments, Events and Meetings

·         PowerPoint 2010:  (11) Getting Started, (12) Using Advanced Slide Show Tools, (13) Using Multimedia and Animations, (14) Visually Enhancing Presentations

·         Word 2010:  (15) Forms, Fields, and Mail Merge, (16) Organizing and Arranging Text, (17) Reviewing Documents, (18) Saving Sharing and Printing

There will always be storytellers…

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Storytelling has always been at the heart of libraries.  “There will always be storytellers” teaches you how to find the most engaging stories, how to identify your storytelling style, and how to adorn and make your stories personal!  Offered to you at no charge by WebJunction Kansas and the State Library of Kansas.
http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/103991323

You can learn Dreamweaver at WebJunction Kansas

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Dreamweaver CS4 and CS3: Setting up a Site and Adding Content
Lots of folks use Adobe Dreamweaver to create and manage their web sites. Why? Well, for starters it is an established and versatile web site development application, one that can also be used for a wide variety of site creation from small to larger, simple to complicated. These Dreamweaver courses explore the concepts behind creating a new site in Dreamweaver CS3 or CS4, and also cover configuring site properties, application preferences, adding content, and manipulating text.

Dreamweaver – Setting up a Site and Adding Content:

CS4:  http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/113945529

CS3:  http://ks.webjunction.org/catalog/-/courses/details/39633051