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Webinar

TechAtlas, Webinar
TechAtlas Webinars in March
March 10th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
Join us for today’s webinar on TechAtlas Inventory Tools. It’s the first of our March Madness series exploring WebJunction’s suite of tech planning resources available for free from TechAtlas.

Please join us for any or all of the sessions. All listed times are in Eastern, check out timezoneconverter.com to convert start time to your local time zone.

Here are the details and registration links:
- TechAtlas for Libraries – Introduction to Inventory Tools
  March 10, 1:00 – 2:00pm (Eastern time)
  Join us as we explore the technology inventory tool features in TechAtlas. The TechAtlas tools can help your library build a complete inventory of your technology resources – everything from computers to digital cameras. You can even use a great set of automated inventory tools to help make the process easier. Participants will be lead through a live demonstration of TechAtlas and hear best practices about inventory management.
  
  Register for this Session.
- Implementing an Online Help Desk – Event Tracker
  March 16, 2:00 – 3:00pm (Eastern time)
  Event Tracker is a tool within TechAtlas which allows users to create an online “help desk” so they can track all of the requests and solutions to computer troubles in the library. When a staff member reports the problem using the web-based form, TechAtlas notifies the designated technical support staff by e-mail. After the problem has been resolved, there is space in Event Tracker to include the solution. This creates a knowledge base that can be referred to later if the same problem occurs. It also helps you to stay on top of all the technology tasks that need to be completed in the library. Note that you may find the free session on the inventory tools on March 10 helpful, but it is not required.
  
  Register for this Session
- Technology Planning with TechAtlas
  March 24, 3:00 – 4:00pm (Eastern time)
  Join us as we explore the technology planning features in TechAtlas. The TechAtlas tools can help your library build a technology plan starting with defining your mission and vision, creating goals and objectives and all the way through budgeting your expenses. We’ll discuss important tips for libraries that apply for E-rate funds and that are creating a technology plan as a requirement for that program. Participants will also see a live demonstration of TechAtlas and hear best practices about technology planning and how to help lead your library into the future through effective planning.
  
  Register for this Session
Conferences, Webinar
Webinar: Maximizing Connections with “Mini” Conferences
February 12th, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Join us on February 17 for Maximizing Local Connections and Resources with “Min” Conferences, the second in a series of webinars presented in collaboration with REFORMA. In these times of tight budgets and restricted travel, attending national conferences has become impossible for many library staff. Many local and regional agencies are joining forces to coordinate “mini” conferences that provide the means of connecting and collaborating locally, often providing a more focused and meaningful experience for attendees. Since 2005, the Northeast Chapter of REFORMA has joined forces with ALA ethnic caucuses to present a terrific conference where library workers network, exchange ideas and listen to quality speakers. What started as an idea has grown into an annual event embraced by REFORMA, AILA, APALA, BCALA and CALA. Come hear best practices in planning, coordinating and hosting a “mini” conference from your colleagues who have had success in their regions. Webinar presenters include Loida Garcia-Febo, REFORMA president; Tess Tobin, REFORMA’s Northeast Chapter; and Janice Rice and Haipeng Li, co-chairs of the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.

Register for the event »
Community Building, Library Services, Webinar
Get a bearing on workforce resources
January 27th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
WebJunction’s Workforce Resources topic is growing. Since I first introduced it earlier this month, we are building momentum with new documents and links to information.

New:
- Economic Gardening: libraries help to grow local economies
  Find out how libraries can nurture this exciting idea.
- Community and Library Services Analysis Tools
  Analysis worksheets created by Kitty Yancheff of the Humboldt County Library in Eureka, California to assess community and library services to triage social services.
- Speaking of Kitty, she is one of the presenters in Thursday’s (Jan 28) webinar on Libraries and Workforce Recovery. If you miss it, there will be an archive.
- In fact, there’s a collection of links to Webinar Archives related to Economic Recovery.
- There is a new addition to the Impact Studies and Reports document— a link to ALA’s report A Perfect Storm Brewing: Budget cuts threaten public library services at time of increased demand.
Workforce Resources will continue to grow. We welcome your contributions. Tell us what your library is doing to guide patrons toward recovery. Share your stories of patrons who were steered toward success with the help of the library.
Online Learning, Web development, Webinar
Webinar on Website Accessibility
January 12th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Our friends over at TechSoup are offering a free webinar on website accessibility this week. Here are the details:

An Overview of Website Accessibility
Thursday, January 14, 11 am PST/ 2 pm EST
http://techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/webinar-coming-up-website-accessibility

If you’ve heard of “accessibility” and want your site to be usable for all people, but aren’t sure where to start, this webinar is for you. Mark your calendars!
Conferences, Online Learning, WJ Online Conference, Webinar
WebJunction Online Conference February 9 & 10
January 7th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?
Welcome to 2010 and what’s sure to be the year of online conferencing! WebJunction has been providing online programming in the form of monthly webinars for the past few years and we’re thrilled to be piloting our first-ever online conference filled with presenters from our partner communities and beyond! Join us on February 9–10 for this free online conference, Technology Essentials 2010, focused on practical and timely strategies for leveraging technology in sustaining your library. Conference sessions and presenters include:
- Sandra Nelson with The Planning Puzzle: Integrating your Strategic Plan and your Technology Plan
- Stephanie Gerding with Library Grants 101
- Joshua Dodson and Laura Slavin with WordPress for Library 2.0 and Beyond
- Pat Carterette with Learning When There’s No Time (or Money) to Learn
- Karen McCoy with Implementing Reliable Instant Messaging at Your Library.
You won’t want to miss this valuable learning opportunity for you and your staff. Full program and speaker information is now available and registration is free and open to all.
Library Services, Webinar
Project Compass: libraries providing direction in tough times
January 5th, 2010 | Permalink | 1 Comment

On September 10, 2009, IMLS announced a grant awarded to WebJunction and the State Library of North Carolina to support public libraries’ efforts to meet the urgent and growing demands of our communities as they struggle with the loss of jobs and the needs of the unemployed. The team chose the name of Project Compass as an apt metaphor for the intention of assessing the present situation of workforce development in libraries and for setting direction toward future recovery. The compass is also symbolic of the direction that libraries provide to their patrons and their communities, especially in turbulent times. There is abundant evidence that people are turning to libraries as to the North Star, depending on this community institution to provide guidance through the economic downturn.

Libraries have already responded to the critical needs, creating or augmenting multiple and robust resources and services. The variety of responses to the Library Responses to Economic Tough Times survey brings to light the energetic guidance that is emanating from libraries all over the country. Highlights of the survey responses are captured in the Compass Survey Summary; the details of individual state responses may be read in the collection of Compass Snapshots for each state.

If you have followed any of these links, you’ve had a glimpse of what is a budding resource on WebJunction. In addition to the Project Compass section, which will collect information pertinent to the project and participants, there is a new Workforce Resources topic. This nascent topic area will grow over the coming year. We hope that everyone involved in workforce development issues will help that growth. We are interested in contributions on tools, resources, and services that any library—large or small, state or local— has deployed toward workforce recovery.

WebJunction’s January webinar will focus on Libraries and Workforce Recovery.

Join us on January 28 to learn about successful library programs and best practices that address the increase in patron job-related needs. You’ll hear about strategies for triaging social services and how to analyze your library’s services in relation to existing community social services. You’ll discover new ways to create partnerships with community agencies to leverage workforce development efforts. Finally, you’ll get tips on tactics that can be implemented on a shoestring or non-existent budget to respond to patron workforce development needs.

Register to attend: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=1630

As the Project Compass Coordinator, I welcome everyone’s questions, suggestions, ideas, etc.
Webinar
WebJunction Webinars in WebEx
December 8th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
WebJunction webinars have a new look!

Beginning with this week’s webinar, WebJunction online events will be hosted using the WebEx online conferencing tool. This will allow for a more stable environment for larger groups where audio and load-time for slides has been problematic in the past.

Attending one of our free live online events will remain relatively unchanged:
- Registration will still be taken via our Events Calendar http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.
- Registrants will be sent an email with the link to join the event and can join the event up to 30 minutes before start time.
- The event’s audio will stream over computer speakers or headphones (as Audio Broadcast) but attendees will also be provided with a toll-free option to join by telephone.
- We will continue to use a chat feature for you to engage with other attendees but will add a Q&A feature to manage questions directed to presenters.
- As in the past, all portions of the event will be archived and made available with related resources on the event’s archive page on WebJunction.
Thank you for your webinar participation and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday for Integrated Library Systems: Open Source and Customization, a 1.5 hour session moderated by Marshall Breeding.
MaintainIT, Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar
Top networking questions update
November 12th, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment
We’re still looking to collect your most burning computer networking questions. Based on the poll results so far, security risks and prevention, policies is in the lead as top area of focus for those managing their library’s computer network, but the other areas are not far behind. I’d like to invite folks to start sharing more specific networking questions here on the blog in comments, in a discussion on WebJunction or as a tweet with this hashtag #wjcompnet.

Our panel of expert presenters will be using your questions to guide the December 2nd Library Computer Networking Q&A.

In the mean time, take a look at the great resources on Networking and Security in the latest MaintainIT Cookbook:
Think of this as your opportunity to “call in” and get your toughest questions answered from Libraryland’s equivalent of the “Car Talk” guys!
Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar
ILS webinar moderated by Marshall Breeding
November 5th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

With all the recent news and discussion about Integrated Library Systems (including Marshall Breeding’s call for participation in this year’s Perceptions 2009 International Library Automation Survey), I thought it apropos to mention the upcoming webinar WebJunction is hosting in collaboration with ALA TechSource.

On December 10th at 1:00 Eastern join us for a discussion of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and the trend toward customizability through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) with library systems expert Marshall Breeding and representatives from leading vendors in the field. We’ll discuss new features and capabilities available in the most modern library software, and what it really means for these tools to be “customizable.” This event will coincide with the publication of Marshall Breeding’s December 2009 issue of Library Technology Reports.

Register now for the webinar »
Tech, Webinar
Your Computer Networking Questions Answered
November 3rd, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment

During the month of November, WebJunction is gathering your most burning questions related to the networking of your library’s computers. This is your chance to tap into the expertise in the WebJunction community!

Step 1: Take this quick poll

Step 2: Post your most burning question below in comments or in the discussion on WebJunction

Step 3: Register for the live event on December 2 at 3:00 Eastern, Library Computer Networking Q&A where a special expert panel will answer your most burning questions.

Step 4: Watch it grow…it will be added to the already rich topic area of Networking on WebJunction.

It’s that simple.
Tech, Technology Planning, Webinar
Hidden Gems: TechSoup Donation Partners Every Librarian Should Know
October 23rd, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

TechSoup is a nonprofit that partners with corporations to distribute software and hardware donations to nonprofits and libraries. You may already know about their donation programs that can save your library approximately 90% on Microsoft products and Symantec’s Norton Antivirus donations but did you know they offer a typing program, discount on Flickr and more? Attend this free webinar, Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. Pacific time and learn about TechSoup for Libraries and how they can help you offer more to your patrons and staff and save money.

WebJunction member, Stephanie Gerding will interview Victoria Yarbrough, City Librarian at Douglas Public Library in Arizona, Todd Schlechte, Library Director at Gretna Public Library in Nebraska and Jennifer Doyon, Information Technology/Teen Librarian at the Brookfield Library in Connecticut, to learn about the donation they requested and how they’re using it.

This webinar is best suited for public libraries that are listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database or have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. For more information about TechSoup for Libraries, visit http://techsoupforlibraries.org.

UPDATE: View archive »
Library 2.0, Library Services, Online Collaboration, Webinar
The place for Text Message Reference?
October 19th, 2009 | Permalink | 4 Comments
The recent WebJunction Digital Reference Summit (full archive and related resources) included a presentation by Alison Miller about the rise of text message reference services. At the beginning of the session we polled participants and discovered that just 17% of the nearly 200 in attendance were providing text reference services, but that’s sure to change.

Alison provided a wealth of data to illustrate the current trends in mobile reference services and referenced the nearly 100 libraries offering SMS (text) reference service listed on the Library Success Wiki. There were a handful of questions raised during the webinar about whether or not the 160-character limit allows for an adequate reference exhange or if it only serves to provide quick answers to quick queries.

There are multiple responses to these questions in the recent Library Journal article by Ellyssa Kroski which asks, Text Message Reference: Is It Effective? In the article, Ellyssa references interviews with a half a dozen or so academic reference librarians and presents their answer as a resounding YES! She summarized:
- The 160-character limit does not seem to be an impediment; librarians simply send multiple messages or ask patrons to call or come into the library for further help with more complex questions.
- Libraries are receiving a wide variety of questions via text messaging such as troubleshooting, directional, circulation, and reference queries, with some libraries receiving between 50-90 questions per month via patrons’ mobile devices.
- And it doesn’t seem to matter that the reference interview may take multiple text exchanges, according to these librarians—the content and quality of the answers is more important than the medium of delivery.
Whether or not your library is providing text message reference, I think the verdict is clear. The libraries who remain technologically nimble in our changing times are where their users are.
Webinar
Webinar: Hurricane Preparedness and Response
October 9th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Registration is climbing for the upcoming October 21 webinar showcasing a new web resource from Florida State University’s Information Institute. The development and implementation of the project Hurricane Preparedness & Response for Florida Public Libraries demonstrates the exemplary outcomes possible when libraries and communities collaborate to provide comprehensive and up to date information. Many of the resources apply beyond hurricane preparedness and can inform your library’s disaster preparedness plan and help position your library to play an important role in community preparedness and recovery.

Join us for a free webinar with guest presenter Lauren Mandel, research coordinator for the project as she discusses how the project’s resources can guide your efforts to reprioritize disaster and recovery efforts to address the needs of the broader community through partnerships with fellow responders (emergency management, local government and other agencies) and to become a safe haven, a recovery center, information hub and evacuee resource.

Register now for the webinar »
Rural and Small Libraries, Webinar
Webinar: Best Small Library in America 2009
October 5th, 2009 | Permalink | 2 Comments

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. Register now for Wednesday’s free webinar with Nancy Rosenwald, the library director of this year’s winner, the Union County Carnegie Library of South Carolina. The library was recognized for its transformation into an “inclusive, modern, service-oriented, community center”. Come hear how the strategies and tactics applied over the past 3 years have brought renewal to library services in this tiny community in spite of its high unemployment rate and the library’s shoestring budget. Nancy will be joined by Library Journal’s Executive Editor, Rebecca Miller who will provide an overview of the nomination process and details for next year’s award. You’ve got until November 2 to nominate your favorite U.S. small library!

Register now for the webinar »
Health Information, Library Management, Webinar
Following the flu
October 1st, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Tracking the breaking news and resulting response around the various strains of influenza we are contending with this year has been rather confusing. I know that the big questions around our office and homes has been, “Should I get a flu shot? Should my children or parents? Which ones? By what delivery method?” But I do think that the government and Centers for Disease Control have been doing an admirable job of compiling the essential information and keeping us informed of how to best prepare for this unusual situation.

As WebJunction embarks on this month’s focus on emergency planning and response, I’ve been familiarizing myself with the resources out there that guide businesses and individuals through the process of disaster preparation and recovery. A great site is ready.gov. There is also a spinoff site called flu.gov, which includes a section that contains links to excellent guidance to business for preparing for the seasonal influenza epidemic as well as the N1H1 (aka “swine flu”) epidemic: http://pandemicflu.gov/professional/business/#

I am adding these and other resources to the Disaster Planning topic area on WebJunction, with links to key websites in this document.

We will also be hosting a webinar on October 21 that will discuss how libraries in Florida are being used for hurricane preparedness and response. Visit our Events Calendar to register (it’s free).

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Webinar

TechAtlas, Webinar

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Community Building, Library Services, Webinar

Online Learning, Web development, Webinar

Conferences, Online Learning, WJ Online Conference, Webinar

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Online Collaboration, Tech, Webinar

Tech, Webinar

Tech, Technology Planning, Webinar

Library 2.0, Library Services, Online Collaboration, Webinar

Rural and Small Libraries, Webinar

Health Information, Library Management, Webinar