For Libraries

Overview

Are you interested in overseeing library staff as they learn about Web 2.0 tools relevant to their work in libraries? Please explore the website to find out more about the project.

How to Get Started?

We believe that collaborating with colleagues in your library and having the support of a supervisor/director/trainer plays a crucial role in positively influencing staff learning outcomes with this series of Web 2.0 learning modules.

Important tasks to consider:

  • Determine learning outcomes and deadlines
  • Provide learning support
  • Monitor the learner’s progress. Consider using a spreadsheet (sample spreadsheet) for tracking.
  • Provide incentives

How does my Library Become a Participating Library?

  • Fill out the registration form.
  • Share your library’s instructions (Not required – example instructions coming soon).
  • Participate in an evaluation.

Why Register my Library?

  • To build upon the strong sense of community within Colorado libraries.
  • To share and collaborate with other Colorado libraries.
  • To provide valuable feedback to the program.

How to Share my Library’s Instructions?

After you register you will receive an email from a project contact. We’ll ask you to contribute your library’s instructions for participating staff (Not required). This can be a Word document, or, you can provide a link to content on your library website/intranet that details the plan. It is fine to link to an intranet or other password protected site, but we’d like a copy of your staff instructions to post on our site to allow other libraries to share project implementation ideas. The instructions you send will be shared with others on the Participating Libraries page.

How does my Library Participate in the Program Evaluation?

Participating libraries are encouraged to complete the evaluation for your library once your staff have completed your program. Reach! looks forward to your feedback about Colorado Libraries 2.0!

Recommendations

  1. Make it social! We highly recommend libraries use a social networking tool (blog, wiki, other web presence) to allow your staff to collaborate and communicate. We encourage you to provide us with this social networking link so it can be included in the list of “Library Blogs, Wikis and Sites” on the Colorado Libraries 2.0 site.
  2. Strategies for Online Learning Success: Tips for Online, Self-Directed Learning (PDF – need Adobe Reader?) – Tips for learners and managers on taking self-directed, asynchronous online courses.

More Suggestions for Implementation

Here are some ideas from other libraries for getting started at your library:

  • Have a kick-off event or party (some libraries have used their in-service day), to announce the program. Some libraries have prepared a short welcome and explanation video that they have made available to staff by uploading to YouTube.
  • Many libraries have used a FAQ to explain the details of the program for their staff. Here is a list of some of the most frequently found questions:
    • How does this online learning program work?
    • Is it required and/or who can participate?
    • How long do I have to complete the program?
    • How do I track my progress?
    • Will there be any training classes offered to show us how to do this? (Generally classes are not offered as this is a program of self discovery. Most libraries encourage staff to work together so that those with more experience with one tool can help others with less and vice versa.)
    • Can I work ahead of the modules?
    • What if I need help – who can I call?
    • Does my blog (or reflection document) have to be public?
    • Are there any prizes or other benefits to doing the program?
    • If there is a prize, how do I get it when I am done?
  • Reflection is an important part of learning and many libraries have added this exercise by requesting participants to set-up a personal Blog where they post on each module. Another way to do this is to use a Google Document where participants can add their comments to build a document of ideas for implementation in your Library.
  • Prizes have been a motivator at many libraries. Some libraries give every participant who completes the program a prize. Some libraries put everyone’s name in for a drawing for one or more larger prizes at the end. Don’t forget to ask your local merchants, friends/foundation and computer supply company for donations.
  • As an incentive for participation, some libraries include a portion of their employee’s annual review to topics covered in the program.