Upcoming Technology Webinars

WebJunction: Implementing an Online Help Desk Using Event Tracker

Stephanie Gerding — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:58:19 -0500

Event Tracker is a tool within WebJunction's free set of tools called TechAtlas for Libraries which allows users to create an online "help desk" so they can track all of the requests and solutions to computer troubles in the library. When a staff member reports the problem using the web-based form, TechAtlas notifies the designated technical support staff by e-mail. After the problem has been resolved, there is space in Event Tracker to include the solution. This creates a knowledge base that can be referred to later if the same problem occurs. It also helps you to stay on top of all the technology tasks that need to be completed in the library.

Note that you may find the free session on the TechAtlas inventory tools on March 10 helpful, but it is not required.

Around the Twitter World in 60 Minutes

Stephanie Gerding — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:03:22 -0500

Twitter has claimed its place on the short list of communications tools for nonprofits and libraries to consider when designing online strategies. This webinar will survey the Twitter landscape, explaining core concepts, enumerating best practices, and describing the tools and tactics that exist to leverage Twitter's strengths.

Kami Griffiths will interview Allen Gunn, Executive Director of Aspiration, who will be offering a balanced perspective, assessing both the pros and cons of Twitter and helping you understand how best to use it.

This webinar is ideal for anyone interested in getting started using Twitter. It's especially relevant if you're unsure about the terminology or where to begin.

InfoPeople: OpenOffice - What Libraries Need to Know

Stephanie Gerding — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:40:51 -0500

Are you curious about a free, open source alternative to Microsoft Office? Meet OpenOffice, the leading open-source office suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. Learn how it measures up to the competition, how it can be used in libraries and other factors that will help you decide if OpenOffice is for you.

At the end of the webinar, participants will:

· Be familiar with the platform requirements for running OpenOffice

· Be able to identify which versions of Microsoft products are compatible with OpenOffice, and vice-versa.

Speaker: Laura Solomon. Laura Solomon, MCIW, is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network and the former Web Applications Supervisor for the Cleveland Public Library. She has been doing web development and design for over ten years, in both public libraries and as an independent consultant. She also authored a statewide web site usability study in 2004 that evaluated the site of every public library in Ohio. She specializes in developing with Drupal, as well as in web code and accessibility standards.

If you are unable to attend the live event, you can access the archived version the day following the webinar. For more information and to participate in the March 18 webinar, visit this website.

WebJunction: Library Images and Video: Engage, Inspire and Tell your Story

Stephanie Gerding — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:01:00 -0500

In this entertaining and heartwarming presentation you will learn how two librarians teamed up to advocate more effectively (and boldly) while staying true to the personality of the communities, the libraries and the staff they serve. You and your library really can market your services and engage more effectively, and images, video and authenticity can be a key! Learn how you too can use images and video creatively and effectively to inspire Libraryland, engage the communities you serve boost staff morale and get more enjoyment from your job. The stories and lessons in this session will be presented by Jeff Dawson from the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers Wisconsin and by Michael Porter from WebJunction.

WebJunction: Libraries Go Boom! Library Service to Older Adults and Baby Boomers

Stephanie Gerding — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:04:30 -0500

Douglas C. Lord, of the Connecticut State Library and active WebJunction contributor will share best practices related to services to older adults with a special emphasis on the baby boom generation. We'll discuss the characteristics and needs of boomers, and share ideas on how library programming can respond to those needs. We'll also look at what the future holds as boomers continue to age and the next generation enters seniority.