My book on technology training is now available
My new book, Technology Training in Libraries, was officially published today! Hurrah and happiness! My book is part of Neal Schuman’s 10-book Tech Set, which covers the most pressing issues in library technology.
Technology Training in Libraries covers technology training for libraries…with an approach that works for both staff and customers. I cover different types of tech training: how to create a basic technology training program, technology petting zoos, peer training, lunchtime brown bags, online learning, and face-to-face learning. I talk about documentation, class websites, marketing, and success measures. I cover tips for trainers too: organizing courses, creating class materials, pacing classes, engaging difficult learners, and working with library management and unions. I also include a humongous list of recommended resources on anything and everything related to tech training — from tutorials to sample lesson plans, from how-to videos to sample library tech competencies lists.
And if you’ve ever heard me speak or read something I’ve written, you know that I lean toward the practical side of the tracks. The book reflects my budget-conscious and time-conscious approach to all things library. After all, none of us has all the money and time in the world, now do we?
A lot of love and effort went into writing this book, as it does for every author. I have very strong beliefs about workplace learning and training. I believe that while the responsibility for “keeping up” with technology has long lain with the individual employee, that employee has rarely been given motivation to keep those skills up. There are no positive rewards and no negative consequences.
The attitude of “oh yes, it’s nice if you have the technical skills necessary to do your job well but if not that’s okay” makes me want to pull my hair out. We are all responsible for doing our jobs well, and for managers that means empowering your employees to do their jobs well. This book is part of that equation. Figure out how to help yourself, and others, to stay on top of technology trends and skills. Fostering a thriving learning culture is fulfilling for the trainer, the employee, and greatly furthers the library’s mission and service goals. So have at it!
May 1st, 2010 at 10:45 am
Hello,
Thank you for this precious book, which has long waited to issue many new books will help school librarians in the development of school library services and develop their skills and technical service.
I would like to get some articles on the technical requirements for the training of school librarians
Respect
May 1st, 2010 at 2:36 pm
So glad you find the book useful! You say you want articles about school librarian tech training. I suggest just looking for technology training information in general – as it doesn’t matter what field, or what type of librarian…technology training is technology training. If your library has article databases, I suggest searching in those for “technology training.” The resource list in my book also provides a list of a number of useful articles, blog posts, and other resources. Beyond that, I probably need to know more about what exactly it is that you need before I can suggest anything else. Good luck!