Evaluation for Workshops to Go
Basic PC Maintenance
Is your PC running slower? Learn some simple tips to keep your PC running longer and faster
requirements: computers at your library in offices or classroom
Blogging: What’s a Blog?
Think “blog” sounds like something a bloated toad sits on? Discover what these what-you-see-is-what-you-get websites are all about, and how you can use them in your library for a variety of purposes from news to programming!
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Database Searching
Choose from an introduction to PowerSearch, Newsbank, New York Times Historical, or World Book, or focus on resources such as e-books or specific databases within each collection.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Demystifying the Web
Are you lost in Cyberspace? Learn about browsers, searching and evaluating the web.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Email Management
We are inundated daily with a deluge of memos, announcements, invitations and questions via email – and that’s not counting spam! Learn how to quickly sort through the junk to get to the gems using filters, folders and flags, and discover how to make your outgoing mail more manageable for your peers.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Emerging Technologies
Wikis, blogs, podcasts, RSS, SMS, bluetooth, flash drives, digital audio – what are all these new technologies and trends, and how are they impacting libraries?
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Exploring Firefox
Come and explore the latest Browser that is giving Internet Explorer a run for its money. Firefox is more secure and packed with user-friendly features that Microsoft’s product cannot match!
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff if hands-on, Firefox browser installed on machines
Instant Messaging: Reference Via IM
Discover how to use instant messaging to reach out to your customers! Packaged in a one-hour presentation or two-hour hands on class.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Elements
Have you downloaded images from your digital camera, but don’t know the next step? Learn how to shrink, crop, and modify images using Photoshop Elements.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on), Adobe Photoshop Elements installed on machines
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Learn how to create basic spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. In this hands-on course you will learn how to enter, format, and sort data, as well as create charts and perform basic mathematical functions.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on), Microsoft Excel installed on machines
Introduction to Microsoft Powerpoint
Learn how to create basic Powerpoint slides in a snap with text and images, and incorporate shapes, textures and shadows, transitions, charts & graphs, and animated text.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on), Microsoft Powerpoint installed on machines
Introduction to Microsoft Publisher
Learn how to create basic posters and brochures using Microsoft Publisher. In this hands-on course you’ll examines menus and templates to create customized brochures and posters by adding text and images.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on), Microsoft Publisher installed on machines
Introduction to Microsoft Word
Learn how to use one of the most popular word processing software to create, edit and save documents. In this hands-on course you will become familiar with basic formatting tools and shortcuts.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff if hands-on, Microsoft Word installed on machines
Hacking Google
Harness Google’s full potential through Boolean search options, limiters, and quotes. Narrow searches to specific languages, files, even websites. Test some well-known Google hacks to make the site locate, calculate, translate, and more! Explore the future of the web in Google Labs.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Podcasting: What’s Podcasting?
Discover the details of the Podcast craze and hear how libraries are using audio to enhance their websites and services.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff if hands-on, iTunes installed on computers
Web Design
As much as the web has evolved, some things never change, and good design is one of them. Learn to make your webpage more accessible, easier to navigate and user friendly through viewing replicable models, discussion, evaluation and hands-on editing.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
Wikis: What’s a Wiki?
It’s fun to say, but what is it? Discover what wikis are, the benefits and hazards of using them, and discuss the future implications of libraries and wikis.
requirements: Internet connection, computers for staff (hands-on)
NON-TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS are very flexible – they can be tailored to any time limit, focus on any age group, and be as low or high tech as your library can accommodate! These are just a few of the possibilities – call with your suggestions and we’ll be happy to customize an original training session.
TAG, You're It! Creating and Maintaning a Sucessful Teen Advisory Group
Teens can be to most valuable asset to a Young Adult librarian. Sounds obvious, right? But getting them interested in the library can often be the hardest task of all. We'll share some tips and tricks on how to on creating a unique teen advisory group, keeping the teens engaged in the library and your community, and using their knowledge to help create a “kick” teen section at your library!
Graphic Novels 101
As the popularity of comic panel format increases and gains acceptance, learn how to select, evaluate, purchase and promote titles for all ages: child, young adult, adult and student.
Long Range Planning for School and Public Libraries
Discussion and exercises to help your library focus and create a vision/values/mission statement, set roles, and prioritize objectives goals and activities for long range planning.
Reference Interviews
Hone your active listening, open questions and basic customer service to find out what your customers are really asking you for.
SHUSH! Communicating with teens without saying a word
Learn about new ways to promote library services to teens without even talking. This workshop will cover online networking software such as Instant Messaging, MySpace, and Facebook.
Programming for Tomorrow’s World
Try a video game designed by a team of teens during a library camp program. Chat with an author on AOL IM. Participate in a book review blog. Best of all, learn how to justify and then replicate these inexpensive and easy tech programs for teens in your library.
Reader’s Advisory: Romance from Bronte to Bodice Rippers
What is the difference between Jane Austen and Jane Green? Charlotte Bronte and Catherine Coulter? What are the titles and resources to know, why is it important to purchase books in these genres, and how can generalists and non-fans of these genres provide good reader’s advisory?
Reader’s Advisory: SF/Fantasy
What is the difference between Science Fiction and Fantasy? What are the titles and resources to know, why is it important to purchase books in these genres, and how can generalists and non-fans of these genres provide good reader’s advisory?
Reader’s Advisory: Young Adult
Choose from a tailored workshop on books for reluctant readers, middle schoolers, adult books from young adults, specific genres, non-fiction, or top choices. Presentation includes discussion of teen developmental needs, definitions of genres, and booktalks.
Volunteers @ your library
This presentation showcases successful volunteer programs from local libraries and provides an overview of volunteer programs in the US using children and teens and answer some pressing questions: What are the state laws for volunteers? What are their rights? What will their duties be? What are the library’s responsibilities - and liabilities? Together we’ll brainstorm a list of volunteer projects to implement @ your library.
Weeding 101
You renovated the library five years ago, and it’s already straining at the seams. Explore the CREW/MUSTIE method for streamlining your collections and put it to a hands-on test.
requirements: Prior to this program, please work with Minuteman (or your catalog provider) to create lists to be used in collection development.
Who/Why YA?
Call them what you like: millennials, gamers, twixters, generation Y – by 2010, there will be an estimated 34.9 million of them, making up 25% of the population. How will your library rise to serve them? Define who teens are and why service to them is not just important but vital, and implement a plan of service to this underserved group.