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Conferences

Conferences, Online Collaboration
Learn Better Together
August 26th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Learn Better Together – Discover the potential of cohort-based learning

You’ve heard the saying, “two heads are better than one.” As we all take the journey as life-long continuous learners, this statement rings ever true. Earlier this month, Betha and I had the opportunity to explore this idea of learning together for the joint conference for Pacific Northwest Library Association & Washington Library Association. During our session (sponsored by WLA/WALT), Learn Better Together – Discover the potential of cohort-based learning, we introduced some of the characteristics of cohort-based learning:

Learners move together through a program/event.

Learners form a group identity and engage the power of relationships.

Learners are active, not passive.

Learners take control of their learning.

We then shared 4 examples of successful cohort-based learning. Roddenbery Memorial Library led a Library Internet Skills Cohort working to increase knowledge and use of the Internet and social media tools. The Arizona State Library facilitated a leadership skills cohort – Arizona Library Institute, Virtual Extension (ALIVE!), a leadership program to help front line staff excel in their job at the public library A group of librarians led the Kansas Web Conference Groupies Cohort – leveraging the 2010 Handheld Librarian Online Conference from their offices and with others in their state. WebJunction led web-conferencing and self-paced course creation cohorts helping WebJunction admins maximize the tools they had available.

Diving into a new idea or technology with others on your immediate team, in other branches or within your state is a great way to harness existing motivation and light the fire of excitement for others who aren’t quite sure what the fuss is all about. Whether stepping in to basic internet skills, developing leadership skills, exploring handheld technology or instructional design strategies for self-paced courses, cohort-based learning can build a momentum for learning that just doesn’t happen alone.

While no learning effort is, well, effortless there are some basic steps to take to build your own learning cohort. Start small. Ask a friend to explore a new topic with you and set a time once a week to discuss or explore. Then, build that idea out with the colleagues on your floor. Before you know it, not only are you building your skills you are also sharing ideas and building relationships with others that can take your work further than ever expected.
Conferences, Online Collaboration
WLA Observations and Competency Goodness
August 18th, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment

While headed over the border from Washington, headed to Victoria Canada last week (which is on an island btw) to attend the joint WLA/PNLA 2010 conference, most everyone I talked to was struck with the loveliness of it all. Sure, the logistics were a bit of a challenge to some extent. Also, everyone was keenly aware of and felt grateful and fortunate for being able to attend during these tough economic times. It all actually helped us appreciate being able to go more, and made us all extra eager to share what we saw and learned.

(What a view on the commute from Seattle to Victoria on the Clipper. Wow!)

Before I mention the competency learning goodness Betha and I got to be a part of, check out the wide variety of *ahem* unusual ribbons at the registration desk. Hanging a “My Ribbon Is Better Than Than Yours”, “Know It All”, “Politically Correct”, “I READ YOUR EMAIL”, “OCD”, “Been There, Done That” or “Worker Bee” on your name badge added some fun to the proceedings right off the bat. Too funny! Unexpected little things always add up to a rich conference experience, plus they are mostly just plain funny, so it seemed like the thing to share.

Aside from all that, the real highlight for me at WLA/PNLA was being able to present to a live audience about Library Competencies with our very own Betha Gutsche (shown in that session presenting below).

Our Friday session was a great back and forth with lots of practical info for attendees. The description is below, but in addition to what that tells you about the session, each attendee got a copy of the Competency Index and had a chance for some constructive back and forth.
“Competencies: Buzzword or Stepping Stone?
You’ve heard the buzz about competencies, but do you have a clear idea of how to use them for your library? You may be wary of starting down this path without knowing how to define competencies, much less how to implement them. It’s time for straight talk about competencies. How can they help you achieve your staff development goals? Learn more about strategies and resources from libraries that have been there. We can help make your journey far smoother!”

While that session is over now, you can find much of the info we discussed, including past events with Betha and Michael and some of the folks who have actually *used* competencies to help their libraries and staff grow and thrive here: http://www.webjunction.org/competencies.

Additionally, on the topic on competencies we’ll also be having a couple more live events here at WebJunction about competencies before the year is up and you’ll be able to attend those as well, so stay tuned!

(Here’s Betha sharing some of here knowledge of Library Competencies-and cracking some pretty good jokes along the way).

While this is just a tiny taste of the great time had at WLA/PNLA by WJ folks, we hope it was fun to see and also hope that you know we are eager to help you and all our fellow library professionals learn whatever helpful info we can. And hopefully we’ll see you next time we are out and about!
Conferences, Online Learning, Staff Training
Practical Approaches for Online Learning — IFLA Presentation
August 13th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

First slide of today's IFLA presentation

Many thanks to everyone who attended the WebJunction presentation today at IFLA. This presentation was part of a joint session of the Knowledge Management, Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning, and Information Technology sections.

Visit the IFLA site to read all of the papers that were presented in Session 107 — it was wonderful to be part of a session that included examples of knowledge management and staff training projects from around the world.
ALA 2010
LearnRT Training Showcase Videos from ALA
June 28th, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment
Here’s to Maurice Coleman for providing a virtual update from ALA, especially precious to those of us watching from afar…who knows how he found time to upload the more than 20 videos he captured at the WebJunction-sponsored Learning RoundTable Training Showcase, but thank you Maurice!

Here are some highlights in the video showcase:
- Emerging Leader Group M and Group N (including Angela, Natalie and Sonnet), both sponsored by LearnRT, talked about the Staff Day Success Wiki and Webinar Project.
- Tom Taylor from WJ-Kansas talked about their successful Ethics for Libraries project.
- And of course, WebJunction’s Betha Gutsche!
If you’re not a member of ALA’s Learning Roundtable, this set of videos will surely inspire you to get involved!

And we were pleased to hear that Betha’s session with Sandra Smith went well, all about Building with Competencies. Their slides and resource handout are now available on WebJunction.

Safe travels to all who will be traveling this week!
Online Collaboration, Online Learning, WJ Online Conference, Webinar, groups
Webinar: Expanding Your World Through Web Conferencing
June 22nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

WebJunction’s Calendar is filling up with webinars! Join us in the coming months to explore everything from the Federal Workforce System to digitization & preservation, and from trustees to orienting new staff virtually.

Next Thursday’s webinar, Expanding Your World Through Web Conferencing, will showcase success stories of library staff who are using web conferencing tools to host virtual conferences, produce e-learning activities, collaborate with remote staff, and host virtual meetings. As budgets tighten and as technologies improve, more and more staff are gathering together both online and blended with face2face settings to learn from each other and to get work done. Come hear about the benefits of meeting virtually and learn how a variety of web conferencing tools are being integrated with other technologies and in other settings to overcome both cost and distance. Join panelists Karen Burns, Cindi Hickey and Jennifer Peterson on Thursday, July 1 at 1:00 pm Eastern, for a session filled with experience and expertise in online engagement!

And speaking of online conferencing, mark your calendars for WebJunction’s second online conference coming December 1 & 2 focused on Serving the 21st Century Patron. See you online!

Register Now for July 1 Webinar»
All Upcoming Events »
ALA 2010, Online Learning
ALA Learning RT Showcase
June 21st, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment

WebJunction is honored to be a sponsor of the 7th Annual Learning Round Table Showcase on Sunday, June 27, 1:30-3:30pm in the WCC-Ballroom. You won’t want to miss this event! It provides an efficient and informal way to connect with and learn from all the brightest and best trainers in Libraryland, showcasing innovative continuing education, staff development, and training initiatives in all types of libraries and library organizations.

For more Learning RT events at ALA, check out this handy one-pager with all the details. It’s not too late to attend Friday’s preconference, Beyond Face to Face:
New Methods for Staff Training; registration will be taken at the door, complete with member discounts. WebJunction’s own Competencies expert, Betha Gutsche will be presenting on Saturday and you won’t want to miss Monday evening’s ALA Battledecks session featuring WebJunction’s Michael Porter, defending his title. Battledecks is the best in powerpoint improv: Each participant is given 4 minutes to present (unrehearsed) a 12-slide presentation created by someone else. Based on the list of defenders, contenders, judges and all the rest, this event is guaranteed to entertain!

We’re providing additional details for other WebJunction related events at ALA here on BlogJunction. Safe travels to those heading to DC!
ALA 2010
Visit WebJunction at ALA Annual
May 28th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Going to the ALA conference in Washington D.C. next month? WebJunction will be there with you and we want to see you there! Not going to ALA Annual this year? No worries, we’re planning to help spread the “conferency goodness” as we gather and then share stories, ideas and content we will be collecting during our visit.

If you’ll be there in person though, we’ll be hosting “WebJunction’s Library Learning Receptions” on Sunday, June 27th in the OCLC “Blue Suite” at the Hyatt (happily just right around the corner from the conference). We would love to see you there! The receptions are back to back but we’re asking folks to come to either the 6:00-7:00pm reception or the 7:00-8:00pm reception. We’re in a more intimate reception space this time so we are asking folks to please register for the time you’ll come. We’ve split it into two slots to make sure we get to talk and visit well with everyone. We’ll have tasty munchies, beverages and free goodies there for you related to competencies, library services to the unemployed, learning and continuing education for libraries and librarians. Come meet your fellow WebJunction members, recharge your batteries a bit and get some valuable resources all at the same time.

WebJunction is also one of the sponsors of the ALA Learning Roundtable’s “7th Annual Training Showcase”. We’ll have a table there and are looking forward to meeting lots of folks, sharing and talking about resources and tools related to library training and learning. That event is on Sunday, June 27, 2010 from1:30 – 3:30pm in the WCC Ballroom.

Betha and Michael are also doing several different sessions and presentations throughout the week and would love to say hi if you happen to attend one of those. We’ll be keeping a keen eye out for our WebJunction community all week so be sure to come to one of the above events and say hi as we join with you in filling the nation’s capital with Libraryland goodness.

PS- If you would like to meet in person and talk, share ideas and collaboration opportunities please drop us a line!
PLA 2010, Staff Training
PLA Recap: Staff Day Success
April 12th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
Are you involved with planning and implementing an all-staff event at your library? We heard it from the experts at PLA: a successful staff day is hard work, but it can facilitate learning and bring recognition to all in your organization. Pat Carterette hosted the panel of staff development veterans including Mary Ross, Stacy Schrank, and Nancy Schutz. These folks have planned and implemented numerous all-staff events in public libraries of all sizes and they shared their tips, tricks and strategies for a successful day.

I encourage you to review the session slides and handout now available on the PLA site, but here are some of the gems I jotted down. The presenters touched on all these aspects of a successful staff day:

Planning Process
1. Be clear with management about your intentions and about their buy-in for the event. Use your evaluations from previous staff day as ROI. Emphasize the importance of staff day as a way to build productivity and staff morale in the work place. This is an investment in your employees. For example, 72% of the library’s budget is spent on staff, so shouldn’t you be investing in the retention and development of this resource?
2. Location, location, location: make sure your venue has room for breakout sessions, catering is in place, you can hang things on the wall, there’s adequate parking, and lots of women’s restrooms. Don’t assume anything.
3. Provide clear guidelines for staff: will student staff attend, is it required, how will the day be recorded on timesheets…work with your HR department early on to have these guidelines in place. It’s not possible to “over communicate” the plans with staff. You can avoid the “I never heard about that” sentiment. Put yourself in the shoes of a new staff member, avoid jargon, and even if you try to go “paperless” be sure to have a print version of the program available the day of. Be sure to communicate about the menu and the room temperature eg. bring a sweater.
4. Picking the day: what about book drops, deliveries, will closure impact pubic service?
5. To your staff, don’t refer to staff day as a “training day“…it’s really “staff development”. But your patrons might feel better if your “closed” signs refer to “training” or “staff education day”.
Theme/Branding/Communication
1. Set the theme to align with the current goals of your organization, or in conjunction with a library milestone.
2. Use the theme in everything! The branding, the communication, the awards, the session titles, the menu, the decorations, the t-shirts, name tags…
Program Ideas and Resources
1. Get staff involved early on to help plan program and develop presentations, especially if they’re staff day “resisters”.
2. Put the “staff” in staff day. Tap staff expertise for peer presented sessions.
3. Consider a panel of “emerging leaders”. SPL hosted a panel of former “student assistants” who have now become assistant managers in the organization.
4. One of my favorites was the “So you want to get your MLIS?” session.
5. Bring other community members in to present. Consider a panel of community partners. How about folks from other local workforce development agencies to share how they’re supporting patrons? What a great opportunity to build local understanding and collaboration.
“Day of” Considerations
1. Plan for all contingencies.
2. From catering to ill presenters, there’s plenty that can go wrong and you need to be sure you’re not the only person who can fix it!
3. Delegate anything that can be delegated.
Leaving a Legacy
1. Make sure the resources shared are available to staff afterwards.
2. Evaluate the day and make changes next time based on the feedback.
3. Share pictures!
4. If you gave out T-shirts, encourage staff to wear them on “casual day”…retain the team spirit!
Staff Development Day Survey: Emerging Leader Project

The presentation and handouts reference an exciting project being taken on by a group of Learning RT- sponsored Emerging Leaders. The group is in the process of creating a staff development day handbook. If you are involved at any level with planning staff development day events and have recommendations or materials that others may find helpful or if you have attended a staff development day and have insights, they would like your help! You can find the survey here http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/StaffDaySuccess (All respondents will have a chance to win a $25 gift card from Amazon!)

Epilogue

At the beginning of the presentation the audience was asked a few questions about the size of their staff and the budget available for a staff day. I was struck by the large number of folks who come from smaller or medium-sized libraries who have little or no budget to plan their staff days. In these tough times, I think we need to include a number of contingency plans or cost efficient ways to build organizational morale and learning. I’d love to hear from libraries who insert learning and staff development into every day or from those who are using presentation archives or online meetings to bring staff together. There are examples popping up all over the place! I’ll mention the WebJunction Online Conferencing group here as a place to explore innovative approaches to online “staff days”. And for ideas on integrating learning into “every day”, be sure to check out the presentation and handouts from another PLA session, Power Up Your Learning Organization.
PLA 2010, Spanish Outreach
Talk Table: Reaching out to Spanish speakers
March 24th, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment
I tend to prefer conference events that provide interactive opportunities for attendees to “get work done” or to leave inspired with practical action items to bring back home. Everyone knows this happens informally in the hallways, on the exhibit floor, or over meals, but I’m very excited about tomorrow’s talk table, Latinos and Public Library Perceptions (Thursday, 4:00-5:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A103-104).

I’m co-facilitating the session with MaryKay Dalgreen from the Oregon State Library. After we introduce some of the published research about library use and perceptions of Latino’s nationally we’ll share some of the great Spanish language outreach that Oregon libraries have been doing. And then we’ll let the group get some work done!

Using the World Café model for discovery discussions and guided by the key findings of the research, we’ll look at ways to:
- Know your local Latino community
- Create and promote services for learning English
- Promote and provide access to computers and job related services
- Be welcoming and demonstrate respect for confidentiality
If you’re here in Portland, we hope you’ll join us tomorrow, and if you can’t make it, fear not; we’ll be posting the great ideas, stories and questions gathered back on WebJunction.

PS: Don’t miss another great session just before this one with some of WebJunction community’s best and brightest. Power up Your Learning Organization (Thursday, 2:00-3:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A105-106) and checkout this list for more PLA sightings of WebJunction members and staff!
Online Collaboration, Online Learning, PLA 2010, groups
New WebJunction Group: Online Conferencing
March 23rd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

A group was created to complement an upcoming PLA session, Expanding your world through Web Conferencing: Connecting small libraries in big ways. Please join presenters Karen Burns, Cindi Hickey and Jennifer Peterson on Friday, March 26, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM, at the Oregon Convention Center – E141-14. Or if you can’t be there in person, join the Group: Online Conferencing.

Cindi, Karen and I created the group to share handouts, reference additional resources and invite participation from anyone who uses or is interested in using web conferencing tools to get work done when you can’t meet f2f with colleagues. We define web or online conferencing broadly, but we’ll focus our session on web meeting and collaboration tools and ways to use them including best practices from participating to production. And we’re so excited to share some of the success stories from libraryland as more and more library staff are meeting together to get work done, online. We’ll be asking folks to contribute top tips and tools either via twitter (#webconf) or on trusty index cards. However you contribute, please be sure to come to the new group to stay connected and informed in these exciting times for online conferencing.
PLA 2010, WJ Staff, Webinar
Opportunities to learn about and discuss competencies
March 22nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

We here at WebJunction have been living in the world of competencies for some time now. Not only does our own HR department provide competency statements to use to support performance reviews and individual learning plans, but we also worked to develop and publish a Competencies Index for the Library Field. But beyond these pragmatic details, we are interested in talking with and learning from you about the whys and hows of competencies: Why are competencies useful? How can they be used by job seekers, the currently employed, and by continuous education trainers and human resources departments?

You’ll find a case made for competencies succinctly made by WJ’s Betha Gutsche in this month’s Library Journal, in her article Coping With Continual Motion. We hope this will provide some food for thought.

We’re hosting an informal Party With Competencies event at PLA this Thursday, where we’ll provide some examples of competencies and hear your stories of your encounters with competencies in the library world. And we’ll follow up with a webinar on April 20 to continue the conversation. We hope to see you there.
PLA 2010
Public libraries and access to justice
March 5th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

We encourage those of you attending PLA2010 to attend this session put together by the Self-Represented Litigation Network:

Public Libraries and Access to Justice (Oregon Convention Center Room E145-146), Thursday March 25th at 8:30 AM

This session provides tools and training that will help public libraries serve as gateways to justice and governmental institutions, with a focus on collaboration with courts, law libraries, and legal aid programs. It introduces information and tools and how public librarians can appropriately help their patrons use these tools, such as those provided by legal aid and courts. Participants will learn about the national network of state Access to Justice Commissions, and how public libraries can participate in these groups. The session will also introduce the online “train the trainer” tools developed by the Self-Represented Litigation Network of the National Center for State Courts, as presented at a recent national conference funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Participants will receive tips and a template for creating a list of key resources, and ideas on how state access to justice partners can assist in the customization of that listing.

For those of you who will not be going to PLA: We have also posted the PowerPoint presentation to WebJunction. This slideshow is absolutely chock full of information and links to additional websites and online resources, so be sure to check it out. Additional material resulting from the Self-Represented Litigation Network’s January training workshop on legal resources will also be posted to WebJunction in the coming weeks.
WJ Online Conference
What you told us about Technology Essentials 2010
March 1st, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
Thanks to everyone who attended our first-ever online conference last month, especially those attendees who took a few minutes to respond to our post-event survey. The main goal for this conference was to give a conference experience to those who would are not able to attend other conferences due to budget issues or other resource constraints. We also wanted to give members an opportunity to try out online learning, social tools, and to collaborate with colleagues from across the miles. Finally, we wanted to pilot the online conference format to evaluate its effectiveness and see if it is something that we could conceive of doing more frequently.

I think we can safely say that we met our goals across the board. Here’s what we learned:

Of the 1160 people who registered, most were from public libraries (47%) and academic libraries (29%), and more than half serve populations of fewer than 25,000 people. We also had students and unemployed professionals in attendance.

The top 5 states in terms of attendance were Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, California, and Minnesota. There were also 39 people from outside of the U.S. who registered.

Average attendance at each of the 10 sessions was 291 people. Some folks went to just a few sessions, while some attended every session. We also heard from libraries who set up a room for multiple staff to watch and listen.

The top responses to our survey question about what went well was that the in-session chat area was informative and engaging and that technical issues were fixed quickly. Also noted were that the presenters were knowledgable and prepared, that session timing was managed well, and that audience participation was excellent. Here’s the full list of top responses:
- chat informative and engaging 45
- technical issues fixed quickly 38
- presenters knowledge/preparedness 31
- time management of sessions 23
- audience participation 9
- management/moderation of conference 19
- polls 14
- online conference format in general 13
- orientation to platform/tools 13
- broad range of topics 13
- archives – quick and convenient 10
The top suggestion for how to improve the experience was to improve the audio quality. Other suggestions were to decrease slide lag time, to show the presenters while they are speaking, and to help minimize chat distraction. Here’s the full list of top responses:
- audio quality 27
- slide advancement 23
- chat distracting 13
- ability to see presenter 11
- fewer technical difficulties 9
- session material in advance 8
- reminders and login information 6
- break time (shorter, longer) 5
- better use of online format 4
- presenter delivery – unengaging 4
- longer sessions 3
- more often 3
- start earlier (ends too late) 3
- add video 3
We also asked what topics you would like to see covered in future conferences. The top 10 topics suggested were:

1. customer service
2. social networking
3. grants and grant writing
4. cataloging
5. CMS options
6. patron training
7. reader’s advisory
8. copyright issues
9. library management
10. marketing

With this valuable feedback, we plan to offer another, even better conference in the future on one or more of the topics you suggested. Stay in touch with Crossroads to learn about this and other events at WebJunction.
PLA 2010, Spanish Outreach
WebJunction @ PLA 2010
February 23rd, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment

As you plan your PLA 2010 conference schedule, be sure to include these events, where you’re likely to find other WebJunction members and staff. Beginning to compile this list has made me very excited about this conference and I look forward to adding more suggestions from the WebJunction community in the weeks leading up to the conference. Please post your not-to-be-missed suggestions in comments below and we’ll be sure to spread the word. There are a handful of events below that require separate registration so please note where indicated and visit OCLC’s PLA Events to register for many other sessions on timely topics.

For those who won’t be attending the conference f2f, we aim to provide you with conference coverage here on WebJunction. If you’re a WebJunction member who would like to help cover the conference for the community (the f2f or Virtual PLA versions), let us know and we’ll set you up as a guest blogger!

Wednesday, March 24

If you plan on arriving early, there are over a dozen preconference events to consider but you won’t regret attending this one. Longtime WebJunction member and super hero of accidental technology trainers, Stephanie Gerding will kick-start your conference adventure.

The Accidental Technology Trainer

Presented by Stephanie Gerding
8:30 am-12:00 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A105-106

Accidental technology trainers are responsible for technology training in labs, classrooms, or one-on-one with users or staff. You will learn about great tools and techniques, the most common concerns of technology trainers, and get helpful advice resulting from many years of coordinating and providing training for public libraries. You’ll discover why learning styles are important; how to create an interactive learning community; strategies for communicating about technology; and techniques for using activities, games, storytelling, and case studies.

Exhibits Open/Reception
4:00pm-6:30pm

Stop by and visit WebJunction at the OCLC booth, #1847 in the exhibits hall. We’ll also be there on Thursday from 9:30-5 and on Friday from 9:30-4.

Thursday, March 25

LITA’s Top Technology Trends
8:30-9:45 am, Oregon Convention Center – B113-116

A panel of LITA leaders who are acknowledged for their reputations and expertise in the library and information technology fields will discuss and debate the top technology trends in public libraries. WebJunction’s Michael Porter will be joined by David Lee King, Joan Frye Williams, and Michelle Frisque.

Geek the Library: Putting Theory into Practice
8:30–9:45 am, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Oregon Room
Please register for this session

Geek the Library is a public awareness pilot campaign implemented in select communities in Iowa, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. After several months, the results of the pilot are in. Were we able to increase awareness of the need for public library funding? Get the full scoop, and find out how you can implement Geek the Library in your community.

Power up Your Learning Organization
2:00-3:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A105-106

Transform your library into a Learning Organization. Discover new strategies and tools that move staff beyond training to proactive learning. Explore opportunities for self-directed, online, and social learning. Discuss ideas for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentoring. Then put these ideas into action. You won’t want to miss one, staring some of the WebJunction community’s brightest stars: Betha Gutsche, Jennifer Fenton, Kathleen Gesinger and Michele Leininger.

Latinos and Public Library Perceptions (Talk Table)
4:00-5:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A103-104

In partnership with the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, WebJunction published research about library use and perceptions of more than 2,860 Latinos nationally. At this talk table, discuss the findings and recommendations for increasing Latino library use and suggest best practices for implementing outreach to Spanish-speakers in your library community. Facilitated by WebJunction’s Jennifer Peterson and SLO program coordinator/trainer, MaryKay Dalgreen, Oregon State Library.

WebJunction’s Party with Competencies
6:30-8:30 pm, Note location update: Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood
Please register for this session

Grab a bite and a sip and connect with the people and proven competency resources that can help your library! We’ll have plenty of fun, food, festivities, good company and practical material for you to enjoy and take back to your library to help you and your staff learn and work more effectively.

Friday, March 26

OCLC Update Breakfast
7:30–8:45 am, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood/Ross Island Rooms
Please register for this session

Join OCLC President and CEO Jay Jordan for breakfast and an update on what’s new at OCLC, including service enhancements and new initiatives that make information access easier. Share your questions and discussion with your colleagues at WebJunction’s roundtable discussion.

2010 Perceptions of Libraries in Changing Economic Times
10:30 am–12:00 pm, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood/Ross Island Rooms
Please register for this session

In 2005, OCLC published a groundbreaking report, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources. Five years later, OCLC has embarked on an updated study about library users and their information-seeking behavior, paying particular attention to the perception of libraries in these current economic conditions. Join Cathy De Rosa, Vice President for the Americas & Global Vice President of Marketing at OCLC, for an engaging discussion of the findings from OCLC’s latest research.

Expanding your world through Web Conferencing
2:00-3:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – E141-144

Join panelists Jennifer Peterson, Karen Burns, and Cindi Hickey for a session filled with experience and expertise in online engagement! We’ll discuss our own use of web conferencing tools to host online conferences, produce e-learning activities, conduct capacity building for remote staff, and host virtual meetings and focus groups. Together we will share best practices for presenters, ideas for integrating web conferencing with other technologies, and user success stories. If you want to see what we’ll be talking about, check out the new WebJunction Group Online Conferencing!
Online Collaboration, Online Learning, WJ Online Conference
Participants: Key to success of online conference
February 19th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Thank you to all who attended last week’s Technology Essentials 2010, WebJunction’s first ever online conference. All session archives of the 10 presentations are now posted and include the contributions of ideas, links and resources posted to chat throughout the conference by the over 700 participants! If you haven’t attended one of WebJunction’s online events, you’ve yet to experience the active real-time brainstorming and community building that goes on in the chat feature. Participants are invited to post questions, comments, suggestions and links to help generate learning for all in attendance and for all who review the archives. These contributions demonstrate the sustained influence that online events can have on our library learning. For those who were unable to attend or for those who could only attend one or two sessions, these resources will remain accessible indefinitely!

Two participant generated documents from the conference deserve special recognition:

The Participant Marketing Ideas compiled from the presentation by Cindi Hickey and Janie Rutherford, M&M: Maximum Marketing/Minimum Investment is filled with suggestions and examples on everything from calendar tools to ways of marketing your databases and from partnerships in marketing to leveraging social media tools in marketing efforts. Kudos to Cindi and Janie for putting participant engagement at the core of their presentation!

And longtime WebJunction member, SLO trainer, and Utah State Library’s Library Consultant/State Data Coordinator, Juan Tomás Lee has graciously shared his document collecting Participant Notes, a thorough and thoughtful compilation from all 10 sessions!

We have heard from many of you that you attended the conference along with a group of colleagues and are excited to hear that you are sharing your learning with others via staff meetings and wikis. Please let us know how that experience worked for you or how you are applying new skills, tips or tricks on the job.

And thank you again for your participation. We are thrilled to see that the online conference model sustains WebJunction’s commitment to collaboration and learning and it doesn’t happen without you!

View complete conference archives »