Are you looking for a fun way to bring technology to your library customers? Learn how you can plan and conduct a technology petting zoo as Maurice Coleman and Annette Gaskins of the Harford County Public Library in Maryland show you how to create a learning-by-play environment for effective technology training.

This one-hour webinar is available on WebJunction and can be viewed from any computer with headphones.

Click here to view the archived webinar, handouts, and to participate in the discussion.

Tags: Annette Gaskins, equipment, gadgets, hardware, Maurice Coleman, petting zoo, Technology

Do you know Novello? Novello brings authors and readers together to celebrate books and reading. This year’s festival takes place from Oct. 2-30, 2008.

In preparation for Novello branch managers are asked to select one person from each branch to act as a Novello ambassador. Selected staff will be asked to register for “Know Novello” a workshop designed to educate and excite staff about the upcoming Novello Festival for 2008.

Details and registration for Know Novello can be found on myHR.

To learn more about Novello and to view this year’s program line up visit plcmc.org/novello.
To view more photos from past Novello events visit Flickr.

Tags: novello

Tech Central at ImaginOn is currently seeking applications for the Fall 2008 Youth Technology Staff Exchange. The purpose of the program is to give PLCMC staff the opportunity to learn technologies they would like to use for a program or other services at their branch. The technologies learned will be available at the branches either as equipment that circulates, can be installed on a flash drive, or similar options.

Another part of the deal is that staff from Tech Central then provide an exchange by helping out your branch in either covering your hours that you spent learning the new technology at ImaginOn, helping give programs to youth involving technology, or wherever we can help serve you best.

Consider filling out the application: youth-technology-staff-exchange-it’s easy! Visit the blog about the program to see how librarian Catherine Haydon’s voyage with the staff exchange program went in the summer of 2008.

Contact Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian, for more information.

Tags: ImaginOn, staff exchange, Tech Central, Technology, Youth

Creating Online: Video Game Design and Virtual Worlds Made Easy

Description:
This program will provide an overview of using Scratch and MultiMedia Fusion software that can be used to design games. Features of the programs, how to start learning, and how to offer it as a library program to patrons will be discussed. Since game design can often attract those that hand out in virtual worlds, participants will learn some steps on advertising their game designs in the virtual world of SmallWorlds and Teen Second Life.

Audience:
Library staff who would like to offer video game design workshops to youth and teens.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List and be able to perform basic tasks in two video game design programs.
• List at least five tips and tricks on teaching the program as well as how to learn the programs themselves.
• Facilitate at least one program at your location for teens on video game design.

Prerequisites:
None

Session:

Monday, August 25, 2008 1-3pm at Steele Creek Branch Library

Register online through myHR.

Tags: games, programs, teens, video game design, Youth

OverDrive is a library resource free to cardholders from the PLCMC Web site: http://plcmc.org/online. OverDrive offers downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. September is OverDrive’s Open Training Month! Join OverDrive’s expert trainers in an educational and fun program designed to increase staff knowledge and maximize circulation of your OverDrive download library.

The following sessions are open on myHR for registration:
OVERDRIVE 101: BROWSE, CHECK OUT, AND DOWNLOAD DIGITAL MEDIA

Description:
The first hour of OverDrive 101 will consist of a webinar where OverDrive trainers will demonstrate new features and how to to browse, check out, and download OverDrive media.

The second hour will provide you with an opportunity to get hands-on practice using OverDrive. Please bring your MP3 players and iPods (with connection cords) if you have one. We will have extra MP3 players on hand for those who do not have one.

Audience:
Library staff who need an introduction to OverDrive’s download service or as a refresher course.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Answer basic questions about OverDrive.
• Download and view at least one eBook.
• Download and listen to at least one audiobook or music file.
• Download and view at least one video.

Sessions:

• 9/8/2008 11am-1pm FRL
• 9/9/2008 11am-1pm FRL
• 9/10/2008 7pm-9pm MOR
• 9/11/2008 11am-1pm SUG
• 9/15/2008 3pm-5pm IB
• 9/16/2008 3pm-5pm MOR
• 9/17/2008 3pm-5pm BFR
• 9/18/2008 3pm-5pm MTI
• 9/23/2008 11am-1pm NCO
• 9/24/2008 11am-1pm UC
• 9/25/2008 11am-1pm SUG

OVERDRIVE MARKETING: INTRODUCING NEW LIBRARY USERS TO DIGITAL MEDIA

Description:
The first hour of OverDrive Marketing will consist of a webinar where OverDrive trainers will share creative techniques for introducing cardholders to our OverDrive download library. OverDrive will showcase promotional ideas from high circulating libraries, plus you’ll have a chance to share your own examples. With these tips you can attract a whole new audience to PLCMC’s ‘Virtual Branch’.

The final 30 minutes will consist of a brainstorming session for PLCMC staff to discuss ideas of how we can promote overdrive to our customers.

Audience:
Library staff who want to learn and contribute ideas for marketing OverDrive to our customers including: outreach, training, marketing, and public service staff.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Answer basic questions about OverDrive.
• Take back to your location at least two new ideas for marketing OverDrive to library customers.

Sessions:

• 9/8/2008 3pm-4:30pm FRL
• 9/16/2008 11am-12:30pm SUG
• 9/22/2008 11am-12:30pm SC
• 9/24/2008 3pm-4:30pm SOR
• 9/30/2008 3pm-4:30pm FRL
• 10/1/2008 7pm-8:30pm MOR

OVERDRIVE 102: CUSTOMER SUPPORT BECOME AN OVERDRIVE DOWNLOAD SPECIALIST

Description:
The first hour of OverDrive 102 will consist of a webinar you will take your understanding of OverDrive download media to the next level so you can share your knowledge. This course focuses on frequently asked questions by patrons. We’ll review quick answers, support tips, and online help resources.

The final 30 minutes will consist of a brainstorming session for PLCMC staff to discuss ideas of how we can best assist our customers with using overdrive.

Audience:
Library staff including IT, outreach, and public service staff.

Prerequisites:
You must attend OVERDRIVE 101 before taking this couse.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Answer basic questions about OverDrive.
• Be familiar with frequently asked questions by the public about using OverDrive.
• Locate resources to assist library customers with OverDrive questions.
• Take back to your location at least two new ideas for assisting library customers with OverDrive.

Sessions:

• 9/17/2008 7pm-8:30pm BFR
• 9/29/2008 3pm-4:30pm FRL

Tags: audiobooks, digital media, downloadable media, ebooks, overdrive, webinar

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