Illinois - Staff Training

RE: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2009-08-06T17:34:31Z

Just make sure you open the CD drawer and loudly say "This is NOT a cup-holder!"

Staff Training

2009-01-13T01:24:51Z

Staff training workshops at least once every two months can keep staff in tune and up to date on changes within the system to make sure that everyone is on the same accord.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T20:44:32Z

I will check out techatlas and suggestions on WJ.

I would love an actual test and say you must score at least XXX. But human resourses would probably not allow that. I will try the compentency approach allowing staff to say yes I can do this. I think I will come up with a list type thing using alot of the information from the compentency thing on WJ.
Giving them a list of what is expected is much better than asking "can you use a computer".
Now there is one statement in the interview that asked if you can use a computer. If we handed them the list of what is expect first and indicated this is what we mean by "can you use a computer". It could have something on it where they can check off what they can/cannot do.

Another idea I had was using some of the multiple choice questions from free online test to come up with a written test. Use some of the most common questions to see if they can answer it.

A NC school system has an online test that is okay.
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/Pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/index.htm

A few colleges have online test that are pretty simple. They may be able to screen out the very worst.
http://www.cod.edu/Online/techskllr4.htm

The same person just asked me how to turn off the computer. She needed someone to show her to to logoff because she was just hitting the power button with applications still open. She did not know how to close them, so she had a weeks worth of applications open on the desktop.

At times I think I expect too much
thanks
-jackie

Thanks for the help.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T19:21:05Z

Do you want the assessment to actually test their skills? Basically, they would have to complete the tasks correctly?

Or do you just want an assessment that asks them if they think they could complete the tasks or has them self-report their level of comfort with certain tasks?

If you want the latter, then the WJ assessments or basically any type of survey that you created on Zoomerang / SurveyMonkey, etc. would work.

If you want the former, then generally, I think you are going to be looking at some dollars to do that type of testing. But there are vendors that do that sort of test, it would just require some additional reserach.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T14:06:22Z

There are such tests but I have not been able to find any vendors for them besides this one - http://www.ikmnet.com/products/assessment_samples.cfm - this takes you through one of their assessments. Their assessments cover really technicalareas, such as Java programming, but I assume they also would have one for basic comptuer skills that might be useful toy ou.

Is this the sort of thing that you are looking for? My guess is that their service is probably expensive.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T17:41:48Z

Yes, I've had this experience too! I know I shouldn't so surprised each time, but I always am :-(

There are some resources on WJ that may help you identify the competencies you expect from new hires. There is a great new resource, [url /do/DisplayContent?id=15575] Technology Competencies for Public Access Computing[/url] and then other list of [url /do/DisplayContent?id=1066] Resources for Evaluating Staff Competencies[/url] from around the country. And finally, I know that [url /do/Navigation?category=13408] TechAtlas[/url] has a tool for staff skills assessment. Here is a link to a presentation on [url /do/DisplayContent?id=13938] Using the TechAtlas Staff Skills Survey[/url] that I hope helps!

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T17:06:01Z

From a fast look at their website it may be too much. I need something for people to take at a job interview to find out if they are computer literate. We have a new employee who works 1/2 day in outreach nd 1/2 at circa. Everyone thinks she is wonderful and loves her, I was told by several staff members she was "good with computers". Last week I was under a computer when she walks in and asks if I could help a patron at the circa desk. I ask her with what they needed and she said attaching a document to email. I asker why she could not help them and she said "I need more training." I hoped she was just nervous. The next day she asked where to find some information and I gave her a URL, she went into Google and did a search for the URL. Now I realize she is not very computer literate. I am not saying she is not trainable but I would like new employees to be at a higher skill level.
I would like to have a way to screen for this problem. ;-)
Also we have some long time staff that constantly does not help patrons with computer issues. I need to have something to say you must be able to do blah blah blah and assess that they know how. We offer classes and money to go to classes but they do not go. I would like to give them a test and say if you do not pass it you will have to take a class.
Okay - it is Friday and I have a headache so I went on and on. Thanks for letting me vent.
-jackie

Re: Assessment - tech skill level of staff and patrons

2007-05-03T20:41:09Z

I would like an assessment test for computer competencies for staff. I expect all staff to be able to help patrons with simple skills such as bold, center, save, email, print but I am finding staff are not able or want to.
If I cannot find a test maybe a check sheet such as all staff must be able to: 1. print, 2. create an email, 3. add an attachment to the email, 4. bold
It would have to be more detailed but something to find out where everyone is at.
I am sure there is some sort of computer competency test out there for human resources.
thanks
Jackie

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-03T20:32:54Z

I would like to find a competency test online. I would like to find out where the current staff are and possibly test incoming staff. I do not believe I am expecting too much. I believe all staff members should be able to help patrons with basic skills such as bold/print/save/email etc. I am not asking them to create a database but possibly point someone to the help function.
Is there a test out there for me?
-jackie

Re: Patron Training Handouts

2007-05-01T14:08:46Z

Thanks for sharing, Jay. One of the challenges for offering patron training in the small library is access to training materials. I created a list of curriculum for distribution at the Minnesota RLS workshops.

Here's the link to where I originally posted the patron training curriculum handout:
http://webjunction.org/forums/click.jspa?searchID=-1&messageID=40082

Feedback and additional suggestions for future versions of the list are welcomed.

Mary Ann Van Cura
MN State Library Services
maryann.vancura@state.mn.us

Patron Training Handouts

2007-04-30T15:58:01Z

Here are handouts for 4 patron training classes that have proved useful here in Ohio.

Jay
Jay Burton
State Library of Ohio
614-466-5511
jburton@sloma.state.oh.us

Re: Upcoming Infopeople course: Developing a Library Technology Plan

2007-02-09T16:09:06Z

Wow. This looks like a great course -- and the price is certainly right. Thanks for the heads up!

Upcoming Infopeople course: Developing a Library Technology Plan

2007-02-09T01:06:22Z

Thanks to the folks at Infopeople for alerting me about this great FREE opportunity available nationwide as an online course:

[url http://infopeople.org/workshop/313] Developing a Library Technology Plan[/url]

Dates: March 27 - April 23, 2007

Fee: Thanks to the Gates Staying Connected grant, Infopeople is able to offer this workshop to the library community free of charge.

Technology is an integral part of every library environment. Whether your library is big or small, computers are a fact of life. In order to effectively and efficiently manage and use technology, the library must have an up-to-date technology plan. A technology plan is much more than a technology inventory. It is a living document that helps the library continually evaluate their use of technology to ensure that technology investments are in line with the library's service goals.

For information about registration and additional workshop description, visit [url http://infopeople.org/workshop/313]Infopeople[/url].

Rural Librarianship in the 21st Century

2006-11-02T01:03:53Z

Rachel at WJ sent me the link to this great article from <a href="http://www.lisjobs.com/newsletter/index.htm">Info Career Trends</a> - Lisjobs.com's Professional Development Newsletter.
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<br>
Daniel Sifton in <a href="http://www.lisjobs.com/newsletter/archives/nov06dsifton.htm">Small Steps to the Future: Rural Librarianship in the 21st Century</a> provides some excellent advice for all of us, but especially for those in isolated settings, on how to stay current in our rapidly changing information profession.
<br>
<br>
Thanks Rachel!

Re: Recommendations for Online Learning

2006-11-01T22:01:21Z

Thanks Linda,
Should be ok now. I'm working on the November edition of the update right now, so you'll have that via email next week. You'll be able to see an example of the course recommendations!

Thanks for the head up! I love getting responses, even if they are for corrections...makes the connection with all of libraryland come alive!!

Recommendations for Online Learning

2006-11-01T18:03:58Z

The <a href="/do/Navigation?category=13920">Rural Updates</a> are beginning to feature a section highlighting online courses especially relevant to the work of rural and small libraries. We'd love to get some of those recommendations from you! Please share your ideas here, and we'll be sure to feature them in our monthly updates.

Message was edited by:
jenpeter

Re: Recommendations for Online Learning

2006-11-01T21:54:12Z

Jen, the link is not going through. I've tried it a couple of times--could you check it again?
Thanks.
Linda Gens

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-14T19:56:32Z

Kathy,
Our library recently had an adult computer class and a retired business teacher from our local high school taught the class without charging our library.
You may be able to find someone in your area willing to do this.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-13T19:51:46Z

Carolyn:
You are correct -- doing demonstration training classes using an LCD projector can be very effective. We have done these types of classes for many years at PPL in addition to our hands on classes and often have 20 or more attend. In fact, for certain topics, demo classes can work better. Just make sure you have detailed handouts to accompany your slide show and online demo. Oh, I have even given out exercises the end of demos and give small prizes to the first 3 to return to the library with the exercise completed.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-13T19:24:34Z

Hi Kathy (and everyone!),
Reading through the questions and replies, I thought a possible answer to the problem of too few computers and staff might be the use of a computer overhead projector (I don't know the official term). An evening workshop involving the instruction could be done as a group. Patrons and staff could practice what they learned upon returning home or at their next library visit. I know these are costly, but possibly the hardware could be loaned through the library system. Good luck! Carolyn in New York, North Country Library System