BlogJunction Illinois » Technology

Teaching Technology in Libraries

WJIL Project Team — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:41:50 +0000

Libraries, especially public libraries, are finding that they still need to teach the basic classes of computer literacy to their patrons. As a part of their Technology Training Wheels the Alliance Library System has developed a short resource module for Teaching Technology in Libraries.

The Teaching Technology in Libraries module provides materials and resources for library staff members with training responsibilities and online tutorials and websites for patrons working to improve their skills. Staff members can view actual scripts, handouts, and other resources to assist with the design of computer classes in their own libraries. Many of the materials provided can be duplicated or adapted.

March Webinar Madness on TechAtlas

WJIL Project Team — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:55:33 +0000

Are you looking for help with managing your library’s technology inventory or maybe you need to start working on a technology plan? In March, WebJunction will be hosting a series of webinars to introduce you to the free, online technology planning and management tool called TechAtlas for Libraries. Participants in the sessions will get to see live demonstrations of the tools and also hear tips on best practices for planning and technology management.

For details see the following on L2:

TechAtlas for Libraries: Inventory Tools - March 10
Implementing an Online Help Desk Using Event Tracker – March 16
Technology Planning with TechAtlas – March 24

Public Library Per Capita Grant Requirements

WJIL Project Team — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:25:35 +0000

The FY2010-11 (due 15 October 2010) Per Capita grant has a technology plan requirement, ” The library must submit a Technology Plan…” from the FY2011 Requirements.

On the 24th of March, WebJunction is hosting Technology Planning with TechAtlas Webinar at 2 p.m. Find out more on L2.

Four More Windows 7 Courses added to the WJIL Catalog

WJIL Project Team — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:15:50 +0000

With the popularity of Microsoft’s latest OS, related courses are being added to the WJIL Catalog as they are released. These 4 recents ones are all directed at IT staff who are either planning to migrate to Windows 7 or are pursuing/updating their MS certification. And this brings the total to 7 courses on Windows 7 in the WJIL Catalog. To enroll in these most recent offerings visit the WJIL Catalog, then click on “Windows” under the Operating and Automation Systems category.

Installing, Upgrading, And Migrating To Windows 7

Overview/Description

Windows 7 is a new desktop operating system from Microsoft. The majority of computer users interact with desktop operating systems more than any other type of computer operating system today. This course will show you how to install Windows 7 in a single and multiboot environment, along with showing the process involved in migrating or upgrading from previous Microsoft operating systems. This course maps to exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7 Configuring. This exam is required for the certification MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration.

Windows 7: Deploying

Overview/Description

Deploying system images and configuring VHDs are skillsets that system administrators working with Windows 7 must become familiar with. This course examines the methods used to capture, prepare, and deploy system images along with configuring VHDs. This course maps to exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7 Configuring. This exam is required for the certification MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration.

Windows 7: Configuring Hardware and Applications

Overview/Description

Configuring device and application support, restrictions, and compatibility is one of the main jobs of desktop administrators. Windows 7 has many features built into it to allow you to perform these actions. This course will examine how to install, configure, and troubleshoot devices drivers ; Applocker will be examined; application compatibility tools will be configured, and IE 8 will be examined to show how administrators can configure it for end user support. This course maps to exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7 Configuring. This exam is required for the certification MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration

Windows 7: Configuring Access to Resources

Overview/Description

Computer and network access configuration is a major part of a computer administrator’s job role. They make sure authentication and authorization schemes, user control, and file access are properly configured on computers in their networks. This course examines authentication and authorization, User Account Control, file access and shared resource management, and HomeGroup and BranchCache configurations. This course maps to exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7 Configuring. This exam is required for the certification MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration.

Computers in Libraries Conference Discount

WJIL Project Team — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:21:36 +0000

A group discount is being offered to ILLINET member libraries for the Computers in Libraries 2010 Conference (CIL) in Arlington, Virginia April 12-14th. The rate is $244 for the 3-day event–more than 50 per cent off the regular price. Additionally, the Internet@Schools East Conference 2010 is being held April 12-13 and is being offered at the discounted price of $109. Register to attend the CIL general conference and the Internet@Schools East Conference combined at the discounted price of $244. No discount rates are available for pre or post-conference seminars and workshops.

Information about conference topics, a preliminary program, hotel information and an exhibitors list are online.

To receive a registration form with special discounted ILLINET member pricing, contact Jill Heffernan or call Jill at 217-557-3386. To receive the discount, a completed registration form must be returned to Jill by March 10th.

Trendy Topics: Social Software for Libraries

WJIL Project Team — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:52:32 +0000

The Alliance Library System and TAP Information Services are offering a dynamic monthly series of online workshops you can enjoy right at your desktop.

The first workshop, Social Software for Libraries, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9. Meredith Farkas of Norwich University and columnist for American Libraries will be the opening keynote speaker at 10:00 a.m. CST. She will address “Building Collaboration, Participation, and Community in Libraries.” Farkas will talk about how social software is opening up new opportunities for reaching out to patrons, providing library services, and transforming our websites.

Other speakers for this daylong conference include Lauren Jensen talking about Facebook; Joe Murphy speaking on Twitter; Rhonda Tureman talking about Second Life; Beth Duttlinger on Technology Training Wheels; Rebecca Teasdale on YouTube; Alison Miller on Tagging Technologies; and Matt Gullett on Sharing the Story Using Social Media. A flier for the first workshop is available and detailed information and registration for each of the workshops can be found on the Alliance Library System site.

Registration for librarians per one-day conference is $40; for students $30; and for groups $100. For further information on these workshops, please contact Lori Bell from ALS at
or Tom Peters, Tap Information Services.

Great Interest in Broadband Program

WJIL Project Team — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:30:41 +0000

The Illinois State Library had nearly 200 responses expressing an interest in participating in the statewide application under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Public Computer Center Program (BTOP) for Round 2.

Applications are available and are due at the State Library by January 15th, 2010.

There will be one-hour OPAL sessions next Wednesday January 6th at 10 a.m. and Thursday January 7th at 1 p.m. in the ISL OPAL Room to provide a brief overview of the second round of BTOP funding. The session will consist of a very short presentation and the remainder of the time will be for participant questions and answers. Register at L2.

Broadband Technology Opportunities Public Computer Center Program

WJIL Project Team — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:44:13 +0000

The Illinois State Library (ISL) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will develop and submit a statewide application under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Public Computer Center Program (BTOP) for Round 2. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) includes $7.2 billion to expand broadband access to communities across the United States, preserve and create jobs, spur investments in technology and infrastructure, and provide long-term economic benefits. The ARRA provides $200 million specifically for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Public Computer Center Program. The first application round closed on August 14th. The ISL and DCEO intended to develop a first round proposal; after careful consideration, however, we opted to submit a more comprehensive application targeting the second round of BTOP funding.

We are now inviting libraries to participate in the statewide application we will submit. If we receive the funding, each participating library may receive up to $75,000 for a two-year period per library building, subject to available matching funding by DCEO. Libraries will receive a choice of equipment, hardware, software, peripherals, and/or furnishings. Personnel and training support will also be provided. Participating libraries must agree to certain terms.

Find the application, Executive Summary, grant details and application instructions at this link.

If you would like to participate, send an email to Debra Aggertt at the State Library by December 21st. In the subject line, put “Participate in BTOP Grant”, indicating intent to participate in the project. Applications are due at the State Library by January 15th, 2010.

The State Library will host two webinars to discuss Illinois’ joint BTOP application. Participation is encouraged but is not required. The webinars will be held next Wednesday December 9th from 1-2:30 p.m. and December 16th from 10-11:30 a.m. Both webinars will be held in the ISL OPAL room. Register at L2.

Save the Date: Technology Essentials 2010

WJIL Project Team — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:38:57 +0000

On February 9–10, WebJunction is hosting a free two-day online conference, and you are invited to attend. The theme for this inaugural event is Technology Essentials, with a focus on practical and timely strategies for leveraging technology to help you in a wide range of library services and operations, including:

Staff training
Marketing
Outreach, funding, advocacy
Services and programming
Technology planning
Virtual libraries
Your library’s web presence

You can find preliminary program and speaker information here; a full schedule, logistics, and registration information will be available in January. For additional information visit the Technology Essentials 2010 web page.

ER-EXPO Next Month

WJIL Project Team — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:01:52 +0000

The ER-XPO 2009: The Illinois State Library’s Electronic Resource Exposition will be held December 9th at Schaumburg Township District Library. The 2009 ER-XPO features vendors who have participated in Try-It! Illinois. The day will provide opportunities for one-on-one consultations with vendor representatives, as well as Q & A focus sessions with individual vendors in a lab setting. There is no charge to attend ER-XPO. Registration is suggested but not required. For more information contact Gwen Harrison at 217-785-7334.

Vendors in attendance will include Capstone Publishers, EBSCO, Encyclopedia Britannica, GALE/CENGAGE Learning, Lexis Nexis, Mango Languages, Morningstar, OCLC, Public Records, Questia School, Rand McNally, Geographic Research Inc. – Simply Maps, Standard and Poors, U.S. Business Journal, The World and I, and World Book.