[13497] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: training (fwd)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Anne Mitchell)
Fri Aug 18 20:01:36 2000
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 14:14:02 -0500
From: Anne Mitchell <amitchell@UH.EDU>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
Message-Id: <0FZI00IQG5FE6C@Post-Office.UH.EDU>
1. How many libraries are doing formal training in-house? Are you using
"systems staff" (ie, technicians) or do you have a "trainer"? If you have
a
trainer, does that person report to the head of systems?
We do most of the formal training in house. We have an Office Automation
Task Force which has provided training in: Windows, Word, Excel,
Powerpoint, Access, e-mail, miscellaneous other desktop functions. The
trainers are a mixture of librarians and paraprofessionals; I taught Word
classes, a Library Assistant did an Excel class, etc. The Task Force is
part of the Information Technology Team (we don't have a systems department
per se) but is made up of people from all parts of the Library. Currently
we are not offering any classes; we poll each year to see what is needed.
Right now we are offering person-by person help.
HTML and Web authoring training is currently being done by a reference
librarian. I do 'global' INNOPAC training, e.g. how to use the Innopac
manual, and specialized Innopac training as requested. Area supervisors
are
responsible for basic Innopac training in their areas, e.g. how to
check-out
books.
Public training (how to use the OPAC, databases, Internet, etc.) is handled
by the reference librarians. They do tons of class-specific Bibliographic
Instruction sessions. There are some general Library Instruction sessions
handled by students trained by us.
2. Are any outsourcing? Are you using vendors like Catapult or New
Horizons?
No.
3. How many are relying on their computing centers?
The campus ATS (Academic Technology Support, part of the campus IT area)
does provide some basic 1 or 2 hour classes each Fall for faculty, staff
and
students on e-mail, Internet basics, and functions like Word. Recently
they
have also started classes for faculty in creating CAI/CBT or real-time
distance-learning type classes with course authoring software. They have
also set up a site of CBT software for various programs licensed to the
campus. Our staff have made use of these, but we rely primarily on
in-house
training.
Sandra Card
Library
Calif. State Univ., Los Angeles
scard@calstatela.edu
(323)343-4894
