Posts Tagged virtual reference

Register Now for Upcoming e-Learning Opportunities from ACRL!

June 9, 2009 at 4:30 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

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Keep up to date with upcoming e-Learning opportunities from ACRL via the new RSS feed!  Subscribe today at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/acrl_elearning.

June/July

Virtual Reference Competencies (Multi-week Online Course: June 22 – July 31, 2009)
In this six-week seminar, participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians. During this course, engage in learning activities supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/VirtualReference.cfm

For more information about any of the above courses or webcasts, please contact ACRL Web Services Manager, Jon Stahler, at jstahler@ala.org.

Jon Stahler

Web Services Manager

Association of College and Research Libraries

(312) 280-2511

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Register Now for Upcoming e-Learning Opportunities from ACRL!

May 6, 2009 at 4:30 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

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Registration is now open for the following e-learning opportunities from ACRL.  Stretch your professional budget by registering now for these affordable distance learning courses and events! For more information on each course, including a link to online registration and registration fees, please visit the course page by clicking the course title.  Space is limited, so register now to reserve your seat!

Keep up to date with upcoming e-Learning opportunities from ACRL via the new RSS feed!  Subscribe today at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/acrl_elearning.

May

Design Thinking (Blended Librarianship) (Live Webcast: May 14, 2009)
There is an extensive body of literature on information literacy and the importance of librarian-faculty collaboration in achieving it. The workshop will bring a new perspective on information literacy and collaboration through a conceptual framework the workshop leaders refer to as “Blended Librarianship.”

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:
http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/blendedlibrarianship.cfm

Electronic Collection Development (Multi-week Online Course: May 18 – June 6, 2009)
In this hands-on course you will learn to create an academic e-library collection development plan for free and fee-based Web-accessible resources for a patron community of your choice. Students will focus on developing a collection plan for one library patron group of their choice. Patron groups may include: faculty, students, researchers, general public, subject specialists, etc. This collection plan will be developed in five parts. Each part includes lecture, discussion and hands-on activities that will step participants through creating or assessing a collection plan for developing a e-library collection.

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/ecolldev.cfm

Web Design and Construction for Libraries Part 2 (Multi-week Online Course: May 18 – June 13, 2009)
This four-week course builds on the work completed in “Web Design and Construction for Academic Libraries, Part 1.” Participants will learn about advanced CSS design, accessible menus, and re-Javascript and will review multimedia (FLASH, Quicktime etc.), Web-accessible database applications (PHP, MYSQL, ASP etc.), and content management software options.

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/webdesign2.cfm

June/July

Podcasting for Libraries (Live Webcast: June 2, 2009: 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific)
Podcasting is like an Internet radio show, or a blog with audio.  It uses the power of RSS syndication to automatically deliver new episodes to listeners.  There are millions of podcasts available, covering nearly any topic imaginable.  Any library can produce a podcast using free software and inexpensive hardware.  If you can post to a blog and talk into a microphone, you can create a podcast.  How can your library use podcasting as a tool for teaching, promotion, outreach and programming?

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/podcasting.cfm

Virtual Reference Competencies (Multi-week Online Course: June 22 – July 31, 2009)
In this six-week seminar, participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians. During this course, engage in learning activities supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

For more information, including a link to online registration, please visit the course page located at:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/VirtualReference.cfm

For more information about any of the above courses or webcasts, please contact ACRL Web Services Manager, Jon Stahler, at jstahler@ala.org.

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Register Now for Upcoming ACRL e-Learning Opportunities!

April 21, 2009 at 4:01 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , ,

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Registration is now open for the following e-learning opportunities from ACRL.  Stretch your professional budget by registering now for these affordable distance learning courses and events! For more information on each course, including a link to online registration and registration fees, please visit the course page by clicking the course title.  Space is limited, so register now to reserve your seat!

ACRL is excited to announce the introduction of the ACRL e-Learning RSS feed. Stay up to date on affordable professional development opportunities!  Subscribe today at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/acrl_elearning.

Multi-week courses

Electronic Collection Development (May 18 – June 6, 2009)
In this hands-on course you will learn to create an academic e-library collection development plan for free and fee-based Web-accessible resources for a patron community of your choice. Students will focus on developing a collection plan for one library patron group of their choice. Patron groups may include: faculty, students, researchers, general public, subject specialists, etc. This collection plan will be developed in five parts. Each part includes lecture, discussion and hands-on activities that will step participants through creating or assessing a collection plan for developing a e-library collection.

Web Design and Construction for Libraries Part 2 (May 18 – June 13, 2009)
This four-week course builds on the work completed in “Web Design and Construction for Academic Libraries, Part 1.” Participants will learn about advanced CSS design, accessible menus, and re-Javascript and will review multimedia (FLASH, Quicktime etc.), Web-accessible database applications (PHP, MYSQL, ASP etc.), and content management software options.

Virtual Reference Competencies (June 22 – July 31, 2009)
In this six-week seminar, participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians. During this course, engage in learning activities supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

Live Webcasts

From Encounters to Experiences: Using Design Thinking to Create a User Experience (April 23, 2009: 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific)
Convenient. Simple. Unexpected. Impressive. The Age of User Experience has forever altered the expectations of American consumers, especially the younger generations that are the academic libraries significant user population. To successfully reach and engage these users academic librarians must master the art of adaptability. Many organizations are learning they must go beyond traditional customer service into the new realm of user experience design. Doing so requires new skills and a willingness to evolve professionally. This webcast will explore how user experience design may help academic librarians to offer their users more than just transactions. Moving from transactions to experiences can enable the library to exceed user expectations. Steven Bell, co-author of Academic Librarianship by Design and lead blogger at Designing Better Libraries, will introduce user experience as a strategy library workers can use to transform routine products and service into memorable experiences that exceed user expectations.

Design Thinking (Blended Librarianship) (May 14, 2009: 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific)
There is an extensive body of literature on information literacy and the importance of librarian-faculty collaboration in achieving it. The workshop will bring a new perspective on information literacy and collaboration through a conceptual framework the workshop leaders refer to as “Blended Librarianship.”

Podcasting for Libraries (June 2, 2009: 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific)
Podcasting is like an Internet radio show, or a blog with audio.  It uses the power of RSS syndication to automatically deliver new episodes to listeners.  There are millions of podcasts available, covering nearly any topic imaginable.  Any library can produce a podcast using free software and inexpensive hardware.  If you can post to a blog and talk into a microphone, you can create a podcast.  How can your library use podcasting as a tool for teaching, promotion, outreach and programming?

For more information about any of the above courses or webcasts, please contact ACRL Web Services Manager Jon Stahler at jstahler@ala.org.

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QuestionPoint User Group Meeting at the REFolution

March 30, 2009 at 3:42 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , ,

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Reference services are evolving rapidly in response to changing customer demands and new technologies.  Prepare for tomorrow’s challenges at…

*REFolution: Reference Service in a Constantly Changing World
April 6-7, 2009
Holiday Inn, Harrisburg – Hershey *

Kicking off this unique and exciting event is the *Pre-Conference OCLC QuestionPoint User’s Group Meeting*, featuring…

- OCLC Presentation and Demonstration of QuestionPoint software updates and developments
-  OCLC Presentation on 24/7 Reference Cooperative
-  Panel Discussion: Making Connections
-  Roundtable Discussion (with starter topics)

*Register for the full program* *before April 1st to take advantage of extended savings on your hotel stay*! With the full program registration you can participate in the pre-conference activity as well as attending breakout sessions and product demonstrations, including hands-on learning experiences. Join in discussions about your library’s reference service practice and receive feedback from reference service experts. Learn about the many resources and technologies available to reference providers.

Other highlights Include:

- Keynote Address by Marie Radford, Rutgers University SCILS:   *Foreshadowing Reference Futures: Far Out or Forthcoming?*
- Interactive, hands-on *Reference Recess* period to roll up your sleeves and play with the latest products and technologies from our sponsors

For more information, or to register for this event please visit:

http://www.palinet.org/refolution

The REFolution is supported, in part, by
*The Institute of Museum & Library Services*
under the provisions of
*The Library Services and Technology Act **
as administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania*
and by
*HSLC/ACCESS PA*

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video from 2008 Oregon Virtual Reference Summit is now online

October 21, 2008 at 2:22 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged ,

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I am happy to announce that video from the 2008 Oregon Virtual Reference  Summit is now online at www.oregonlibraries.net/videos

The summit seeks to bring together practitioners of virtual reference in Oregon. For many of us, it is the only time we see each other face-to-face.

The event took place May 9, 2008 outside of Salem, Oregon. It took 5 months to get these online, but I think they are still extremely valuable for anyone interested in virtual reference.

Besides a great keynote by Dave Lankes, we had a session discussing surveys and focus groups with remote library users, one on teaching search in virtual reference, and one encouraging libraries to implement local IM services.

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Register Now for Upcoming ACRL eLearning Events!

October 20, 2008 at 9:21 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , ,

ACRL is proud to offer the following upcoming eLearning events!  Space is limited and registration deadlines for some are soon approaching, so reserve your seat today!

Virtual Reference Competencies, Part 2: Practice and Expand Communication Skills and Knowledge

Format: ACRL Online Seminar

Dates: October 27 – November 15, 2008

Presenter: Diane Kovacs

Description:

Virtual reference service requires all of the same professional communications skills and knowledge as face-to-face reference service. The challenge is to apply, practice, imagine, and understand how to communicate professionally within the technology context and using good reference skills and knowledge. During this course, engage in learning activities supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion, to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

Registration fees are as follows:

ACRL member: $135

ALA member: $175

CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)

Nonmember: $195

Student: $60

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/proftools/courses/virtualref2.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Life-Work Balance

Format: ACRL Live Webcast

Date: October 28, 2008 (11 a.m Pacific | 12:00 p.m. Mountain | 1:00 p.m. Central | 2:00 p.m. Eastern)

Presenter:  Melanie Hawks

Description:

Personal and professional commitments can collide at any career stage. What does a healthy life-work balance look? How should you use limited resources in the face of limitless possibilities? How can you accomplish your goals, fulfill your obligations, and still get a decent night’s sleep?

This webcast will provide you with tools you can use to:

* Define what “balance” means to you

* Explore your assumptions about what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing with your time

* Set clear priorities and maintain them, even under stress

Registration fees are as follows:

ACRL member: $50

ALA member: $75

CACUL member: Can$90 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)

Nonmember: $90

Student: $40

Group*: $295

* Webcasts take place in an interactive, online classroom environment with one user/one login. If you select the group rate, one person must register, login, and keyboard during the event. A group registration allows an institution to project the Webcast to participants in the same location.

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/proftools/courses/lifeworkbalance.cfm.  Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Teaching Portfolios for Librarians

Format: ACRL Online Seminar

Dates: November 3 – 22, 2008

Presenters: Judith Arnold, Joan Ruelle and Beth Woodard

Description:

Participants in the three-week course will learn the concept and structure of teaching portfolios, articulate their teaching philosophy, identify supporting materials to include in their portfolio, and more. The course will provide the opportunity to learn from one another through online peer interaction and review.

Registration fees are as follows:

ACRL member: $135

ALA member: $175

CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)

Nonmember: $195

Student: $60

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/portfolios.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Electronic Collection Development for the Academic Library

Format: ACRL Online Seminar

Dates: November 3 – 22, 2008

Presenter: Diane Kovacs

Description:

In this hands-on, three-week course, participants will learn to create an academic e-library collection development plan for free and fee-based Web-accessible resources for a patron community of their choice. Participants will end the session with a completed collection development plan for the e-library collection they wish to develop.

Registration fees are as follows:

ACRL member: $135

ALA member: $175

CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)

Nonmember: $195

Student: $60

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/ecolldev.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Information Commons 101

Format:  ACRL Live Webcast

Date:  November 6, 2008 11 a.m Pacific | 12:00 p.m. Mountain | 1:00 p.m. Central | 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Presenter:  Joan K. Lippincott

Description:
Is your institution in the planning phase for a library renovation or addition that includes a space that will serve as an information or learning commons?  If so, this webcast will provide an overview of some of the key planning components you should take into consideration as you develop a program for the facility.  Today’s information or learning commons combine access to digital and print content, access to technology, access to expert assistance, and often access to other campus services.  Many institutions focus on selecting furniture and choosing equipment as they plan their commons, and they postpone discussion of some of the elements that can actually be key to the success of their facility – namely, the kinds of services that will be offered and the kinds of staff expertise that will be available.

Registration fees are as follows:
ACRL member: $50
ALA member: $75
CACUL member: Can$90 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $90
Student: $40

Group*:  $295

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/infocommons101.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Librarianship by Design
Format:  ACRL Live Webcast
Date:  November 11, 2008 11 a.m Pacific | 12:00 p.m. Mountain | 1:00 p.m. Central | 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter:  John Shank

Description:
The focus of this webcast is to explore the various methods that libraries can employ to further integrate their services and information literacy programs into Course/Learning Management Systems (e.g.  Blackboard, ANGEL, eCollege). This integration is crucial because students and faculty are increasingly using these systems as a primary means to deliver course content. It is vital that the library be fully integrated into this environment to take advantage of the resources sharing, communication, and assessment tools that these systems offer.
Using Blended Librarian principles, the webcast will also explore how to appropriately identify and design library services for a Course/Learning Management System environment both at a course-level and a system-level.

Registration fees are as follows:
ACRL member: $50
ALA member: $75
CACUL member: Can$90 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $90
Student: $40

Group*:  $295

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/librarianshipbydesign.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Influence without Authority
Format:  ACRL Live Webcast
Date:  November 18, 2008 11 a.m Pacific | 12:00 p.m. Mountain | 1:00 p.m. Central | 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter:  Melanie Hawks

Description:
Regardless of what position you hold, much of your success in the library profession will depend on your ability to enlist the support of others. How can you influence people even when you don’t have (or don’t want to rely on) formal authority? This webcast will focus on three components that have a major impact on your ability to influence: you, your audience, and your message.

Registration fees are as follows:
ACRL member: $50
ALA member: $75
CACUL member: Can$90 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $90
Student: $40

Group*:  $295

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/influence.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Next Generation Information Commons
Format:  ACRL Live Webcast
Date:  December 4, 2008 11 a.m Pacific | 12:00 p.m. Mountain | 1:00 p.m. Central | 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Presenter:  Joan K. Lippincott

Description:
Some information commons are now more than ten years old and are in need of refreshing in terms of conception, configuration, technologies, and services. Others are so popular that additions are planned, either adjacent to the existing commons, on other floors, or in other buildings on campus. Through the use of principles and practical examples, participants will learn about trends in information and learning commons. A wide variety of photos will be used to illustrate the presentation.

Registration fees are as follows:
ACRL member: $50
ALA member: $75
CACUL member: Can$90 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $90
Student: $40

Group*:  $295

For more information on this event as well as registration, please visit the event page at http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/nextgeninfocommons.cfm. Registration for this event is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Questions?  Please contact Jon Stahler at jstahler@ala.org.

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Register for ACRL Moodle Seminar: “Virtual Reference Competencies Part 2: Practice and Expand Communications Skills and Knowledge” October 27 – November 14

October 20, 2008 at 2:39 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , ,

Register for now for the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) e-learning course, Virtual Reference Competencies Part 2: Practice and Expand Communications Skills and Knowledge: An ACRL Moodle Seminar, October 27 – November 14.
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/virtualref2.cfm (Part 1 is not required)
Other courses listed at: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/elearning.cfm

ABOUT THE COURSE
Virtual reference service requires all of the same professional communications skills and knowledge as face-to-face reference service. The challenge is to apply, practice, imagine, and understand how to communicate professionally within the technology context and using good reference skills and knowledge.  In this course participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

“Virtual Reference Competencies II: Practice and Expand Communications Skills and Knowledge” is a primarily asynchronous seminar, allowing participants to work through course material at times convenient to them throughout the three week scheduled course time. Participants may also choose to schedule online chat time with the teacher, as they feel necessary. Specific material and learning activities will be covered during each week of the course. Threaded discussion forums are available for use in learning activities and other course-related conversations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

* Ability and awareness of the need to continue learning technical, communications, and reference skills and knowledge
* Awareness and understanding of good reference interviewing skills and techniques
* Detailed functional knowledge of good reference interviewing skills and techniques
* Ability to empathize with virtual reference users during a virtual reference interview, and to understand something of the culture and social environment of the Internet
* Ability to explain library and research processes without using library jargon
* Awareness of the need to imagine and project a professional persona as part of library participation in the Internet community ­ Œlibrary space¹ on the Web
* Ability to provide information without making value judgments, to maintain and project professional objectivity
* Ability to carefully and quickly read and respond to the text typed by a library user and displayed on a computer monitor – communicating to the user that you are Œlistening’
* Understanding of the need and the ability to Œbe there¹ for the virtual reference user ­ avoiding ’silence’
* Understanding of when and how to teach or instruct during a virtual reference transaction
* Awareness of when and how to provide follow-up, referrals, or to request consultations with other professionals
* Ability to work with multiple users in a virtual reference only environment
* Ability to work with multiple users in a mixed virtual reference and face-to-face environment
* Detailed functional knowledge of typing quickly and fluently on a computer keyboard in order to communicate – typing fluency

INSTRUCTOR
Diane Kovacs, Kovacs Consulting
The instructor has been teaching virtual reference related concepts and skills online and in-person for more than 16 years. She is the author of The Virtual Reference Handbook: Interview and Information Delivery Techniques for the Chat and E-Mail Environments Neal-Schuman Publishers (2007) published concurrently in the United Kingdom by Facet Publishers (2007)  and The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development:  Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines  (Neal-Schuman, January 2004). Additional Biographical Information is available at <http://www.kovacs.com/aboutus.html>
<http://www.kovacs.com/dianevita.html>

REGISTRATION
Registration for this seminar is now open. For additional information and a link to the online registration form, visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/proftools/courses/virtualref2.cfm

ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

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Register for ACRL e-learning course, “Virtual Reference Competencies Part 1″

September 16, 2008 at 3:54 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , ,

Register for now for the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) e-learning course, “Virtual Reference Competencies Part 1,” to be offered September 29 ­ October 17, 2008.

ABOUT THE COURSE
The technical competencies essential or desirable for virtual reference librarians to acquire or to improve on are the foundation of virtual reference service provision. Virtual reference service is built on a technical infrastructure. The Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, Web chat, Instant Messaging, and all the associated supportive technology and software are the environment in which virtual reference librarians work. In “Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills and Knowledge,” participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
·         assess and improve your ability to type on a computer keyboard and make use of other related input devices (mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.)
·         assess and improve your work with multiple software applications on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)
·         evaluate and add to your detailed functional knowledge of how to access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites
·         increase your detailed functional knowledge of at least one Web browser
·         cultivate your awareness of the basic technologies that any given virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have access to, or be limited by
·         develop awareness of the chat software specifics for a given system you are going to be using then develop detailed functional knowledge of the specific chat software used by your library or other organization for chat reference
·         cultivate awareness of how to connect to and chat through Web-based chat software, Internet messaging, etc.
·         add to your awareness of the options for document or information delivery

INSTRUCTOR
Diane Kovacs, Kovacs Consulting
The instructor has been teaching virtual reference related concepts and skills online and in-person for more than 14 years. She is the author of The Virtual Reference Handbook: Interview and Information Delivery Techniques for the Chat and E-Mail Environments Neal-Schuman Publishers (2007) published concurrently in the United Kingdom by Facet Publishers (2007)  and The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development:  Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines  (Neal-Schuman, January 2004). Additional Biographical Information is available at <http://www.kovacs.com/aboutus.html>http://www.kovacs.com/aboutus.html.
<http://www.kovacs.com/dianevita.html>More information on Diane Kovacs
REGISTRATION
Registration for this seminar is now open. For additional information and a link to the online registration form, visit:
<http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/virtualref.cfm>http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/virtualref.cfm
ACRL and ALA members will receive a registration discount. The seminar is limited to 60 participants, so register early. Payment may be made by credit card or purchase order (PO) only.
ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can $195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

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Register for ACRL e-learning course, “Virtual Reference Competencies Part 1″

September 3, 2008 at 2:44 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , ,

Register for now for the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) e-learning course, “Virtual Reference Competencies Part 1,” to be offered September 29 – October 17, 2008.

ABOUT THE COURSE
The technical competencies essential or desirable for virtual reference librarians to acquire or to improve on are the foundation of virtual reference service provision. Virtual reference service is built on a technical infrastructure. The Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, Web chat, Instant Messaging, and all the associated supportive technology and software are the environment in which virtual reference librarians work. In “Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills and Knowledge,” participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

·assess and improve your ability to type on a computer keyboard and make use of other related input devices (mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.)

·assess and improve your work with multiple software applications on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)

·evaluate and add to your detailed functional knowledge of how to access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites

·increase your detailed functional knowledge of at least one Web browser

·cultivate your awareness of the basic technologies that any given virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have access to, or be limited by

·develop awareness of the chat software specifics for a given system you are going to be using then develop detailed functional knowledge of the specific chat software used by your library or other organization for chat reference

·cultivate awareness of how to connect to and chat through Web-based chat software, Internet messaging, etc.

·add to your awareness of the options for document or information delivery

INSTRUCTOR
Diane Kovacs, Kovacs Consulting

The instructor has been teaching virtual reference related concepts and skills online and in-person for more than 14 years. She is the author of The Virtual Reference Handbook: Interview and Information Delivery Techniques for the Chat and E-Mail Environments Neal-Schuman Publishers (2007) published concurrently in the United Kingdom by Facet Publishers (2007)  and The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development:  Essential Core Subject Collections, Selection Criteria, and Guidelines  (Neal-Schuman, January 2004).  Additional Biographical Information is available at http://www.kovacs.com/aboutus.html.

More information on Diane Kovacs

REGISTRATION
Registration for this seminar is now open. For additional information and a link to the online registration form, visit:

http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/virtualref.cfm

ACRL and ALA members will receive a registration discount. The seminar is limited to 60 participants, so register early. Payment may be made by credit card or purchase order (PO) only.

ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can $195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

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Website Marketing of Your Virtual Reference Service: Lessons Learned from an AskColorado Research Project

July 11, 2008 at 1:53 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

Please join us if you are interested in learning more about marketing your virtual reference service.

Session Title: “Website Marketing of Your Virtual Reference Service: Lessons Learned from an AskColorado Research Project”
Presenter: Kris Johnson, AskColorado Coordinator
Session Description: In spring 2007, AskColorado contracted a researcher to study how participating AskColorado libraries were linking to the service (if at all.) The purpose of this website marketing investigation was to examine how library websites were advertising the existence of and services offered by Ask Colorado to their own patrons. A secondary focus of the project was to analyze website usage statistics of www.askcolorado.org to determine top referring websites and URL. The two areas of research were the correlated to determine which participating library websites generated the most traffic to the Ask Colorado website and whether the methods they use to link to the service correlated to higher use by their patrons. (Hint: It did!)  By doing a 12-month comparison of the usage statistics of Ask Colorado a pattern was seen of which websites bring the greatest and most consistent traffic to the Ask Colorado website.

When: Thursday, July 24, 2008 at  4:00 PM Eastern Time
To register, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/540024256
via DIG_REF

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