The weekly e-newsletter, American Libraries Direct, is now available to anyone who wants to sign up for it, not just ALA members. The sign-up form, as well as the FAQ, is at http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/aldirect/aldirect.cfm.

Additionally, login is no longer required to view the current issue of the American Libraries print magazine online (in PDF format), or to view the archives, which date back to the January 2003 issue. Go directly to http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/alonlineebrary/alonlineebrary.cfm

First-time viewers will need to install the ebrary reader to view issues. To download, go to http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ala/Download.

Firefox 3 users installing the reader for the first time will need a workaround, http://www.ebrary.com/kb/users/ff3install.jsp, to make the ebrary reader work with their browser.

If you are an ALA member and receive American Libraries by mail, you can opt out of the print copy and save a tree or two! Click here for instructions.

Tags: ALA

Getting more people into your library is easy with online products that take their interests, hobbies and business ideas to the next level. Schedule a free Webinar to learn how Gale is working with your library to provide the best information solutions for your patrons — from global news to antiquing and collecting to starting a small business — there’s a resource that will engage everyone.

Please click on the desired date(s) to register for your free Webinar.
All times are Eastern Time.

Gale Virtual Reference Library

… provides your patrons with unlimited 24/7 access to thousands of electronic reference titles — eBooks — in virtually any subject area.
Oct. 16, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Oct. 22, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Literature Resource Center

Uniquely relevant to today’s curriculum, Literature Resource Center’s rich critical, biographical and contextual materials support interdisciplinary approaches, information literacy and the development of critical thinking skills.

Oct. 16, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 30, 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Tags: gale, Online Resources

SOLINET (Southeastern Library Network) has released the fall schedule of learning opportunities. The classes include face-to-face, live online, and self-paced tutorials.

PLCMC staff must fill out a Continuing Education/Travel Requisition Form and submit this to HR for approval in order to have the library pay your registration fees.

The following is a sample of classes available. Be sure to check fall schedule to see the full list of classes.

10 Interactive Information Literacy Teaching Strategies (Live Online)
Instructor: Russell Palmer
$120(Member)
$170(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Tuesday, November 18 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

Designing Learning Spaces for Your Library (Live Online)
Instructor: Tim Daniels
$120(Member)
$170(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Tuesday, October 21 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

Latino Cultural Workshop: Getting to Know and Serve our Latino Patrons (Live Online)
Instructor: Susana Baumann
$170(Member)
$220(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Thursday, November 6 to Friday, November 7 (10:00 a.m. to noon)

Latino Cultural Workshop: How to Attract Spanish-Speaking Patrons (Live Online)
Instructor: Susana Baumann
$120(Member)
$170(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Wednesday, October 29 (10:00 a.m. to noon)

Promoting Library Services Using Blogs and RSS (Live Online)
Instructor: David Greenebaum
$170(Member)
$220(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Tuesday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 3 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

The Library As Place (Live Online)
Instructor: David Greenebaum
$120(Member)
$170(Non-member)
Distance Education
• Wednesday, November 12 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

Tags: solinet

Here’s a great one-day workshop for anyone new to training or who wants to brush up on his or her skills.

If you’re new to training or are transitioning to a training and development role,
this event’s for you!

Back to Basics is a one day conference that includes these topics:

Delivering Training

• Questioning Skills
• Listening Skills
• Operational Logistics
• Creative Facilitation
• Effective Use of Training Mediums

Designing Learning

• Basic Design Terminology
• Creating a Design Template
• Basics of Needs Analysis
• Classroom Activities
• Simulations
• Developing Effective Test Questions

George Piskurich, an industry expert in designing, developing, and delivering training,
provides the morning keynote!

Date: Friday, October 17th
Location: Employers Association, Charlotte, NC (map and directions)

Price: ASTD Members: $129, Non-members: $179

Registration: register online or register by mail (MS-Word doc, 64K)

PLCMC staff must fill out a Continuing Education/Travel Requisition Form and submit this to HR for approval in order to have the library pay for your registration.

If you are interested in becoming an ASTD member remember that the library will pay for one professional membership per year. Click here for details.

Tags: astd, conferences, train-the-trainer