Check out the Librarian’s Helper, find out how to manage an online help desk using a TechAtlas feature, browse the latest WJIL resource pathfinders and learn more about a new employee buddy program. 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
WJIL Pathfinders related to Technology
Along with the new Technology Competencies associated with the IL Course Catalog you will find pathfinders that lead to additional resources on the site. Following is a list of the pathfinders recently added.
Core Technology
Systems and IT
- Digitization
- Hardware
- Networking and Security: Networking, Wireless Networking, Security
- Operating Systems and Integrated Library Systems
- Public Access Computing
- Software Applications: Application Software, Software
- Technology PLanning: Technology Planning, Buying Technology
- Computer Policies
- Resources for Trainers
- Website Development
Librarian’s Helper: A Guide for New Library Directors
- The Librarian’s Helper handbook was created by the Lewis & Clark Library System to provide an overview of public library administration for librarians and library boards. The handbook provides general, basic information on topics effecting the administration of a public library
- Path: [Illinois Center » Illinois Libraries » Public Libraries ]
Selected Curriculum for Computer Classes
- Want to train the public in use of computers and technology but don’t have the time to create lessons? Here are two sites for patron training resources, including lesson plans and materials for teaching classes on basic computer skills.
- Path: [Technology » Basic Computer Skills]
Internet Services and Training in Social Roles of Public Libraries
- Chapter 4 from Public Libraries and Internet Service Roles: Measuring and Maximizing Internet Services (ALA Editions) that discusses the important role libraries now play in providing Internet training to patrons
- Path: [Library Services » Patron Training ]
Open Source Library Automation: Overview and Perspective
- A chapter from Library Technology Reports that discusses the options and the criteria for making a decision about which ILS solution to implement
- Path: [Technology » Software » Integrated Library Systems]
- The New Employee Buddy Program is a program at the library where each new employee is paired up with an experienced employee for the first 30-days of employment. “Buddies” help show the new employee the ropes. They share their knowledge and work experiences in a friendly, informal way. The objectives of the program are:
- To create a welcoming atmosphere for the new employee
- To help the new employee adjust to the work place
- To instill a sense of belonging to the library
- Path: [Library Management » Training & Development » Mentoring]
Courses and Learning
Implementing an Online Help Desk Using TechAtlas Event Tracker
- 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. Watch the archived webinar and browse related resources of this workshop from April 16th.
- Path: [Member Center » Events » Webinars » Webinar Archives ]
Illinois Wimba Archives
We’re constantely adding to the Illinois Wimba Archives. Click on the link above to access these archived learning opportunities any time of the day or night.
- Planning For Your Digital Archive
- Tea for Two Plus You? (A series of 30 minute tutorials on WJIL): Posting a Document to WJIL, Creating and Joining Groups on WJIL, Registration and Social Networking on WJIL
- Path: [Illinois Info Center -> Illinois Learning Center -> Online Learning -> Illinois Wimba Archives]
Dump the Drone: Easy Steps to Livelier Elearning
- Enjoy this design advice from Cathy Moore in the form of a slide show. Although the focus of this presentation is elearning, the design tips apply to all forms of training.
- Path: [Library Management » Training & Development » Create & Design Training]
Upcoming WJ Webinars (see L2 for details)
- Finding Funds for Preservation, May 5
- Spanish Language Outreach Success Stories, May 13
- Libraries as Learning Organizations, May 26
Community
Evaluate Your Technology Competencies
Assess your skill level in core technology or systems and IT to establish a baseline for measuring your progress. For more information on this self-evaluation visit the WebJunction blog post.
Join the latest WJIL Group – AskAway Illinois
- Visit the link above to find an area for AskAway Illinois librarians to share ideas and materials. The group may also be used to post announcements about the cooperative. Visit the Illinois Groups page to learn more about current IL Groups and how to create a new Group. You can also watch the archive of an online workshop on creating and joining Groups on WJIL.
- Path: [Member Center » Illinois Library Community » Illinois Groups]
What Could I do with…Pathfinders?
As a part of the new Competencies on WJIL, resource pathfinders were developed on appropriate pages. (You can see the full list of the Technology pathfinders at the top of this newsletter). Each competency statement is associated with WebJunction courses and these related resource pathfinders that will help fill the skills and knowledge gaps needed to build competency in a given area.