The Joy of Computing: Planning for Success, SLA Illinois celebrates it’s members, competencies now linked to the WJIL Course Catalog and PALS and ShLS invite you to join in a synergistic approach to programming. It’s all below in the latest “What’s New @ WJIL.

Contents: Resources | Courses and Learning | Community | What could I do with…? | What’s New RSS Feed

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Resources

The Joy of Computing: Planning for Success

• WebJunction is pleased to host the third cookbook from TechSoup’s MaintainIT Project, Planning for Success. This free online resource brings together the most current ideas and best practices for planning, building, and managing your library’s computer technology. Librarians from around the country have contributed their experience and knowledge on over 50 topics ranging from security solutions and strategic maintenance practices to community building experiences involving Web 2.0 tools and vital partnerships.
• Path: [Technology » Public Access Computing » MaintainIT Cookbooks ]

Black History Month Calendar and Event Flyer

• Join in celebrating Black History month in February by taking advantage of the events scheduled in Springfield and other area libraries. You can download, print or view the calendar of events by clicking on the link above.
• Path:[Illinois Center » Ongoing Statewide Programs » ISL Programs & Centers » Diversity Program]

SLA Illinois Celebrates its Members

• The SLA Illinois Chapter ended 2008 with a festive holiday party and awards ceremony on December 3rd. Members gathered at the Union League Club in Chicago on to celebrate its members with a night of entertainment and awards. Read more about it in this article by Nancy Maloney, WJIL Special Library Subject Curator.
• Path:[Illinois Center -> Illinois Libraries -> Special Libraries]

MLS Service: Adult and Youth Reference Core List for Public and School Libraries

• In 2008, MLS saw the completion of several member group core reference lists covering Youth and Adult Reference, Elementary through High School, and print and electronic sources. This article highlights the work from each of the committees that contributed to the development of these reference resources which are all available on the MLS web site. You can find the article posted in the Illinois School Library section as well as in the following areas:
• K-8: http://il.webjunction.org/k-8
• High School: http://il.webjunction.org/high-school
• Children: http://il.webjunction.org/children
• Young Adults and Teens: http://il.webjunction.org/young-adults-and-teens
• Reference and Resources: http://il.webjunction.org/reference

MaintinIT Library Spotlights

• Take the time to learn from the real life experiences of library staff on a variety of technology topics like “Libraries and IT: A Win-Win Situation” and “Working Together: Thriving with Outside Minimal Help.” Many of the Spotlights include audio and video clips of interviews with Library Staff.
• Path:[Technology -> Public Access Computing -> MaintainIT Cookbooks -> MaintainIT Library Spotlights]

Courses and Learning

Back by Popular Demand: WJIL: Welcome to 2.0 and Intro to TechAtlas in Illinois

• Once again we will be offering these 2 basic intro workshops via Wimba on the following dates: February 13 (both sessions) and March 18 (both sessions). Visit L2 for details and to register.

Competencies and Pathfinders on WJIL

• You might have noticed a recent addition to the WJIL Course Catalog. A new tab has appeared with the label of Competencies. To connect the dots between these competencies and the vast number of resources available on WJIL, pathfinders have been created in a number of areas on the site. These pathfinders are located on the “Overview” tab of each topic page and include links to resources, discussions, groups and of course – courses in the WJIL catalog. Additional pathfinders will continue to be created as the Competencies in various areas are fleshed out, but for now, take the time to explore these newly created tools on the following topic pages by clicking on the link above.

Webinars

Upcoming WJ Webinars (see L2 for details)

• Virtual Town Hall: Focus on Staff Training – January 28th, 1:00 PM
• Technology Planning in TechAtlas – January 29th, 12:00 PM
• WJ Virtual Town Hall: Focus on Staff Training – January 28th, 1:00 PM
• WJIL: Welcome to 2.0 – February 13th, 9:00 AM
• WJIL: Intro to TechAtlas in Illinois – February 13th, 10:45

Community

PALS and ShLS Partner to Create a Unique Illinois Resource: Programapedia

• Using LSTA grant money, two Illinois library systems (Prairie Area Library System and Shawnee Library System) partnered to create a resource that will benefit all Illinois libraries. Programapedia provides a synergistic approach to programming that connects its users with a dynamic collection of program and presenter profiles that offer details about programming events and presentations. Find out more on WJIL and then visit the Programapedia site to join in the synergy and benefit from the online training.

What Could I do with…Competencies on WJIL?

With the January 11 release, you will notice a new Competencies tab on the WebJunction Illinois course catalog. This tab will allow members to easily find courses and content that address knowledge, skills and abilities associated with a specific competency.

While the WebJunction Competency Index addresses a broad spectrum of library practice and service, currently only the Library Management section of the Index is being displayed in the WJIL Course Catalog. In the coming months, WebJunction will continue to roll out additional sections with the publication of the full Index expected later this year. In the meantime, you can learn more about how to use the competencies.