WebJunction

Sneak Peek Preview of the Next WebJunction

On July 1, Michael Porter presented a sneak peek of the next version of WebJunction. If you weren't able to make the online session, but want to learn more about what's coming, view the archive of the preview session.

Crossroads newsletter is getting a facelift

Along with the new site, we are updating the look and feel of Crossroads. You'll see the new brand and an improved layout. The plain text version of Crossroads will reflect the Text Email Newsletter (TEN) Standard for improved accessibility.

Community of the Month: Illinois

When WebJunction Illinois says they’re ‘learning and leading’, they’re not kidding! There are a lot of things happening in libraryland in Illinois and WJ-IL helps library staff find what they’re looking for and learn new skills. Library staff can get involved with the Illinois Adult Literacy Program, connect to Featured Statewide Initiatives, subscribe to BlogJunction Illinois for the latest updates, and listen to podcasts at Live from WJ-IL.

Congratulations to WJ Member Awardees

The 2008 Member Awards went to 5 outstanding WebJunction members this year. All were nominated by their colleagues in the WJ Member Survey, awarded based on their contributions to WebJunction and to their commitment to building the community of resources, learning and discussions on WJ and their role as advocates and mentors. Congratulations Stephanie Gerding, Michele Leininger, Stephanie Race, Carla Lehn, and Elena Tscherny.

Next WJ Features: Coming soon to a blog near you

Curious about the next version of WebJunction? WJ staff members have been blogging on some of their favorite new tools, features, and capabilities of the new WebJunction site. You can continue to expect regular peeks into the ways it will help you Connect, Create and Share. Stay up-to-date by following BlogJunction's Next WebJunction category.

English-Spanish Medicare Library Outreach Toolkit

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have developed an extensive toolkit to help librarians direct Medicare beneficiaries/seniors to the right place when they need help regarding Medicare issues. The toolkit provides resources in English and Spanish. You can download the toolkit.

WJ Community Guidelines: Love 'em or Hate 'em?

There's still time to provide input on our community guidelines. These guidelines have served us well, but may require updating to better reflect our 2.0 world. We've created a wiki workspace and hope you’ll share your guideline thoughts through the magic of Wiki editing. For more information stop by BlogJunction.

Government Information in 21st Centrury project goes global

In June, 22 information professionals from 21 countries visited the University of Denver to learn how to better meet the information needs of government information users. Christopher Brown, Government Documents Librarian at Penrose Library, presented an overview of the Gi21 program, showed them how to navigate the WebJunction site, and invited their questions when they return home.

Rural Webinars: Motivating Your Board—Money, Lawsuits, and Facilities

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries and WebJunction offer free monthly webinars on topics of interest for Rural and Small Libraries. Join us on July 31 for the second webinar in our 2008 series on board relationships and strategies. Ellen Miller and Jim Connor will facilitate a session on proven techniques for motivating your board and empowering them to make the most from their position. View information on our upcoming July webinar on the Rural In Focus Webinar page.

Maintain IT Webinar: Notes from a PC Reservation system that works!

On July 15, grab a comfy chair and participate in a 30-minute discussion where contributors to the Cookbooks share their insights, their secrets, and what you can do to get started with projects like theirs. Join Kieran Hixon and Jesse Walker from John C Fremont Library in Florence, CO as they share their trials and tribulations around their former PC reservation system, and jump for joy as they reveal what saved them (hint: it's open source, free, and yours for the taking!).

Learning Webinar: Cultivating a Culture of Learning at the Library

On August 5 there will be an encore presentation of a free 1-hour webinar discussing why you need to get your staff out of the classroom and focusing on creating a culture of learning in your library. Presented by Lori Reed, Training Specialist for the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. To register and receive instructions for joining the webinar, visit the WebJunction Calendar of Events.

Creating a Technology Petting "Zoo"

Join Maurice Coleman and Annette Gaskins of Harford Co. Public Library (MD) on August 14 as they show you how to create a learning-by-play environment for effective technology training. You'll learn how to gain support, organize logistics, and prepare and run the "zoo" on your own. To register and receive instructions for joining the webinar, visit the WebJunction Calendar of Events.

Webinars will grow with the new site

All the changes you've been hearing about new functionality and learning opportunities on WebJunction will also be affecting webinars. We will be continuing our Learning, Spanish Language Outreach, Rural, MaintainIT, and Tech Atlas webinar series. But you should also watch for webinars and online events in our newest Community series. Webinar participants will be able to continue the conversation by participating in groups and discussions for each webinar series. Do you have an idea for a webinar or are you interested in presenting a webinar? Contact info@webjunction.org for more information.

TechAtlas Webinar: Writing SMART Goals

Have you ever asked for something and ended up getting something totally different? Whether you are submitting a request for more public access computers or assigning a project to a staff member, clearly identifying the way things currently are and where you are headed helps to ensure you arrive at your intended goal. Join us for a free 1-hour webinar on July 16, where you will learn to write goals and objectives—whether it is for a technology plan or an employee performance improvement plan—using the SMART format—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound. Please register in advance for the webinar and review these instructions for joining the Webinar.