Free Online Library Tutorials: A compiled list that covers a variety of library topics and are a good way to supplement your library skills or integrate into staff training programs. Please contact Stephanie at sgerding at mindspring.com for any corrections or suggestions for additions.
Resources for Training
Libraries love to share! Visit these websites and borrow handouts, PowerPoint slides, take part in online tutorials, webinars and discussions, and get ideas for workshops.
Training Materals--Training Tutorials--Training and Tech Related Websites--Webcasts and Webinar--Library Tech Blogs--Training Discussion Lists--Podcasts--Professional Training Organizations--Training Scholarships
From: The Accidental Technology Trainer: A Library Guide, Chapter 11. Written by Stephanie Gerding, Information Today, 2007.
Training Materials
· Akron-Summit County Public Library, Ohio (ascpl.lib.oh.us/training/handouts.html) Very thorough handouts for library workshops on everything from Introduction to Computers to eBay and Blogging.
· Hennepin County Library's Extranet (www.hclib.org/extranet)
Includes trainer outlines, PowerPoint presentations and handouts for workshops for the public.
· InfoPeople (www.infopeople.org)
Archived webcasts, podcasts, training materials such as handouts and PowerPoints, as well as resources for training. InfoPeople is a statewide LSTA project that functions as the training arm of the California State Library.
· MERLOT: Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching(merlot.org) Created by The California State University in 1997 and free to all users, MERLOT is supported by a variety of schools, systems, and organizations. Individual membership also is free, and any member can submit a learning object to MERLOT. Materials are submitted by faculty members who are experts in their content areas, and a peer review system is in place to make sure that the materials are of high quality.
· Milwaukee Public Library (www.mpl.org/file/computer_curriculums.htm)
Outlines and Handouts on various popular workshops.
· Oregon Library Instruction Wiki (http://instructionwiki.org)
Oregon Library Association’s Library Instruction Roundtable’s collaboratively developed resource for librarians involved with or interested in instruction. Includes handouts, tutorials, and teaching techniques.
· PRIMO: Peer-Reviewed Instructional Materials Online Database (www.ala.org/CFApps/Primo/public/search.cfm) PRIMO is hosted by ALA’s Association of College and Research Libraries to share peer-reviewed instructional materials created by librarians to teach people about discovering, accessing and evaluating information in networked environments. Currently includes over 145 projects.
· TechAtlas (techatlas.org) Free online technology assessment and inventory tool, including staff skills surveys.
· WebJunction(http://webjunction.org)
o Materials for Working with Computers and Spanish Speakers (http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=7843)
o Internet Resources for Patrons (http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=518)
o Training Materials (http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=543)
o Creating lesson plans for teaching the public (http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1243) Article by the Hibbing Public Library, includes links to lesson plans
Online Tutorials
There are many online tutorials that you can access for free and even incorporate into your workshops.
· Akron-Summit County Public Library, Ohio A variety of tutorials (http://ascpl.lib.oh.us/training/tutorials.html)
· Chris Rippel's Mouserobics (www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html) A popular tutorial for using the mouse. Rippel works at the Central Kansas Library System, Great Bend, Kansas.
· Free Online Library Tutorials(home.earthlink.net/~stephaniegerding/accidentaltechnologytrainer/id2.html) Maintained by the author, a collection of various library related free online tutorials.
· Learn the Net(www.learnthenet.com) Interactive and antimated tutorials on Internet basics.
· LibraryU (http://learning.libraryu.org) LibraryU in Illinois has free self-paced tutorials on a variety of library topics such as administration, basic technology, marketing, and developing web-based instruction.
· University of North Texas Lifelong Education @ Desktop (http://web2.unt.edu/cmp_lead) Many tutorials available, all specifically written for libraries. Fee-based, but can be purchased as package for multiple-users at a very affordable rate.
Training and Technology Related Websites
· Bob Pike Group(www.bobpikegroup.com) Books, Seminars and Creative Training Techniques workshops
· Center for Accelerated Learning (www.alcenter.com/alindex.html) Includes tips, information about the Accelerated Learning Training Methods workshops, and The Accelerated Learning Handbook by Dave Meier.
· Guide on the Side Columns by MarieWallace (www.llrx.com/cgi-bin/llrx.cgi?function=browseauth2&id=9) Training related issues.
· Kipp Brothers(www.kipptoys.com) Source for buying cheap training incentives (toys).
· Oriental Trading Company (www.orientaltrading.com) A great source for buying cheap training incentives (toys).
· Pew Internet and American Life Project(www.pewinternet.org) Reports and statistics on how Americans are using the Internet.
· SnagIt (www.techsmith.com) Great screen capturing program useful for creating handouts.
· TechSoup's Community Technology Centers Section(www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/ctc)Community technology centers (CTCs) face many of the same issues that other public access computing centers face. This section of TechSoup contains articles that will help you build your library into a thriving learning center.
· Teaching Tips Index, Honolulu Community College Intranet (http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/teachtip.htm) Tons of great information.
· Techsoup’s Training section (www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/training) Includes training articles on a variety of topics.
· The Masie Center Learning LAB and ThinkTank (www.masieweb.com) An international ThinkTank focused on the changing workforce and how they will learn and perform.
· Tools for E-Learning Trainers and Designers (http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=14410) Visit Dale Musselman's collection of links to rapid creation tools, live online training systems, and sites to share and borrow content.
· Trainer’s Warehouse (www.trainerswarehouse.com) Source for training supplies, manipulatives, and copyright free music.
· Zoomerang (http://zoomerang.com) An easy to use online survey tool, with a free version available with less options.
Webcasts and Webinars
Keep current and provide staff training by attending live or archived presentations broadcast on the Internet.
· Cnet.com (http://courses.help.com) Free online courses on a variety of technology topics such as PowerPoint, PC Troubleshooting, and Digital Photography.
· College of DuPage Press Library Teleconferences (www.dupagepress.com/COD) Programs can be viewed via satellite downlink, webinar or DVD. Some State Libraries, library consortiums and cooperatives purchase subscriptions for entire states or regions.
· Hewlett-Packard HP Online Courses (http://hponlinecourses.com) Free courses including topics such as digital photography, Excel, graphic design, and scanning basics.
· Library of Congress Webcasts(www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc) Topics include History, Culture, Education, Government, Literature, Religion, Science, and Technology
· Medical Library Association Distance Education Program Resources (www.mlanet.org/education) Includes some technology topics.
· OPAL: Online Programming for All Libraries (www.opal-online.org) OPAL is an collaborative effort by libraries of all types to provide free web-based programs and training for library users and library staff members. You can find free courses such as the Ten Top Technologies for Librarians, Day of the Digital Audio Book, Wikis, and How to Google: An Introduction to Searching the Web.
· SirsiDynix Institute (www.sirsidynixinstitute.com) - Free webinars - including archived training on Blogs & Libraries, Library 2.0, Gaming, etc.
· Webjunction’s Online Courses (http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=442) Everything from basic computing skills to training on advocacy and outreach.
· WebJunction Webinars (http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=12365)Live and archived free webinars on topics including technology, training, and outreach.
Library Technology Related Blogs
· ALA TechSource Blog (www.techsource.ala.org/blog) is published by the American Library Association with authors Michelle Boule, Michael Casey, Michael Golrick, Teresa Koltzenburg, Jenny Levine, Tom Peters, Karen G. Schneider, and Michael Stephens.
· BlogJunction (http://blog.webjunctionworks.org) is WebJunction’s blog authored by WJ staff and will keep you up to date on WJ events, programs, and staff observations.
· Information Wants to Be Free (http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/index.php) by Meredith Farkas, Distance Learning Librarian at Norwich University, includes posts regarding the library profession and technology.
· It's All Good (http://scanblog.blogspot.com) is maintained by five Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) staff members with posts about “all things present and future that impact libraries and library users.”
· LibrarianInBlack(http://librarianinblack.typepad.com/librarianinblack) is by Sarah Houghton-Jan, Information and Web Services Manager for the San Mateo County Library, who writes “resources and discussions for the “tech-librarians-by-default” among us.”
· Stephen's Lighthouse (http://stephenslighthouse.sirsidynix.com) by Stephen Abram, SirsiDynix’s Vice President of Innovation includes his thoughts on library technology issues and notes from his national presentations.
· Tame the Web: Libraries and Technology (tametheweb.com) by Michael Stephens, Instructor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University, focuses on Web 2.0 and Library 2.0, technology related articles and presentations, and technology trends.
· The Shifted Librarian (www.theshiftedlibrarian.com) by Jennie Levine, Internet Development Specialist and Strategy Guide, American Library Association, contains posts on technology gadgets, gaming, and social technologies.
Training Discussion Lists
· CLENERT is the discussion list of ALA’s Continuing Library Education and Networking Exchange Round Table (www.ala.org/ala/clenert/discussionlist/discussionlist.htm)
· LEARNING-ORG is the Learning Organization Mailing List (www.learning-org.com/LOinfo.html)
· TRDEV is the Training and Development Discussion Group (http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/trdev)
Podcasts
These are audio only broadcasts that can be downloaded for free online.
· CNET Networks(http://CNET.com) Includes podcasts such as Buzz Out Loud, Gadgettes, and MP3 Insider),
· Talking with Talis (http://talk.talis.com) Listen to conversations about the interface between Web 2.0, Libraries, and the Semantic Web.
· TWiT: This Week in Tech (www.twit.tv) Free podcasts on technology topics.
Professional Training Organizations
· ASTD (www.astd.org) The American Society for Training & Development is a professional association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. It began in 1944 and provides certification.
· CLENE (www.ala.org/ala/clenert) The American Library Association (ALA) sponsors a Continuing Library Education Network and Exchange Round Table. Its goal is to promote quality continuing education for all library personnel. Membership includes membership to the American Management Association.
· Library Instruction Round Table (www3.baylor.edu/LIRT) LIRT is a roundtable of the American Library Association and advocates library instruction as a means for developing competent library and information use as a part of lifelong learning. Many members are academic librarians.
Training Scholarships
Apply for a training scholarship to attend a course or conference!
· American Library Association (www.ala.org) Look at awards, grants and scholarships. Also, look under divisions such as ACRL, AASL, LITA, PLA, etc.
· Special Library Association (www.sla.org/content/learn/scholarship/index.cfm) Also, see if your state chapter offers professional development awards.
· Your State Library: (www.publiclibraries.com/state_library.htm)
· Your State Library Association and Regional Association (www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/chapters/stateandregional/stateregional.htm)
Stephanie Gerding, 2007
