Alaska Library Association

 

Continuing Education Opportunities for Alaska Library Staff

Use this page for announcements and regularly changing continuing education opportunities.  For for information about regular resources through this committee, please see the regular Alaska Library Association Continuing Education Committee page at www.akla.org/education/index.html. 

 

Do you see something out of date on this page?  Have a suggestion of a resource to include?  Please contact Freya Anderson by using the link at the bottom of the page for contacting the wiki owner, or leave a comment.  I'll do my best to make updates or provide editing invites promptly.

 

Internships

 

BCR Self-Paced Online Workshops (Register anytime and then take the course at your leisure)

 

RSS 101: An Introduction to Really Simple Syndication; $50; approximately 1 hour long; Shelly Drumm instructor

This self-paced course is designed to give you a solid understanding of how to use RSS technology as a consumer of RSS feeds. This understanding will be the foundation for using RSS in more creative ways to promote your library and its services. In this class you will:

 

• Gain an understanding of how RSS works
• Learn the kinds of sources that are RSS enabled
• Discover some of the tools that use RSS

Set up an RSS aggregator for yourself in which you can read current professional news and more http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=414

 

RSS 202: Creating and Repurposing "RSSified" Content; $50; approximately 1 hour long; Shelly Drumm instructor

In RSS 101, you learned how to use RSS as a consumer of information. In RSS 202, you'll learn how you can create content that is distributed via RSS and how you can repurpose that content to the benefit of your library and community.

http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=415

 

Blogging for Beginners; $80; approximately 2 hours long; Shelly Drumm instructor

By now you have probably heard of blogs (short for web logs), and you might even be reading some - whether you know it or not. Many of us, though, are still wondering just how we can use this exciting web-publishing platform in our libraries. This self-paced, activity rich online workshop will introduce you to the wide world of blogging. We will explore how to use blogs to keep up with our professional (and personal) reading, as well as how to use these great new tools to spread the word about the valuable services your library is offering.

Prerequisites: RSS101

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of blogs and blogging
• Build their own blog using the popular blogging platform WordPress.com or get lots of practice with a demo account at WordPress.com
• Explore some of the ways that they can dress up and customize a WordPress.com blog
• Explore exciting ways to use these powerful tools in their libraries

http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=422

 

  

BCR Online Workshops for Winter/Spring 2010

 

February 16th, 17th and 18th, 2010; Cataloging Using the OCLC Connexion Client; 8-10am each day; $175

Description: This three-day online course will introduce library staff to OCLC's client interface to the Connexion service and demonstrate how to use it efficiently. Focus will be on using the software for new and copy cataloging and will include how to:

• Apply known search techniques to the new interface.
• Edit existing records to better suit the needs of your library.
• Create new records from scratch or from existing records.
• Export records for use in your own local system.
• Work offline using the software's batch capabilities.
• Create labels using the built-in label program. 

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=138

 

February 16th, 17th and 18th, 2010; Introdcution to Dublin Core Metadata; 11am-1pm each day; $175

Description:  This online workshop will concentrate on the creation of both simple and qualified Dublin Core metadata for digital objects. We will also explore the concept of devising best practices for cataloging, using the Collaborative Digitization Program’s Dublin Core Metadata Best Practices as a guide. Participants will have opportunities to practice with hands-on exercises.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=301

 

February 17th, 2010; BCR Member Forum; 9-10am; free

Description: BCR is currently exploring new member service opportunities through discussions with LYRASIS, a regional membership organization serving libraries and information professionals primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern and New England regions. Given the current economic environment, BCR feels it is important to be forward-thinking and investigate new ways to meet the needs of members in the most cost-effective way possible. What are your thoughts and opinions as a BCR member about how we can best serve you? What feedback and questions do you have about the potential for BCR to work more closely with LYRASIS? Please join us during one of our online BCR Member Forums with BCR President & CEO, Brenda Bailey-Hainer. Available only to BCR members. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=439

 

February 17th and 18th, 2010; Introduction to Digital Audio Projects; 8-10am both days; $150

Description:  aspects of planning for an audio project. Participants will receive a strategy to help libraries and cultural heritage practitioners know what to expect when converting audio materials from analog to digital as well as how to create and serve born digital audio material.

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• construct an outline for planning their audio project
• define and describe standards and best practice in the field of audio conversion
• recognize the value of PB Core as a metadata schema designed specifically for media items
• identify where to find additional information

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=326

 

February 19th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Hot Tools for Tough Times Drive-by Series - Pt. 3: Spreading the Word with Free Online Tools; 8-9am; free

Description: No matter where you are or what kind of library you’re in, times are tough and money’s tight. Your library budgets are most likely getting slashed, and it’s quite likely that your patron’s wallets are a little less thick than they used to be, too. We all know that in dark economic times, more and more people turn to our institutions for help and entertainment, but it’s not always clear how we can best help them – and ourselves – when we have seemingly fewer resources with which to do so. This series of short presentations will hopefully help you brainstorm some creative ways you can add value to the services you provide, without adding more stress to your budget!

Part 3: Spreading the Word with Free Online Tools Once you’ve got great programming and new tools in place, just how do you let your patrons know about it? In times like these, we’re not exactly able to take out full page ads in the local paper, and even printing up a few hundred flyers may be out of the reach for our budgets. In this talk, we’ll explore ways you can use blogs and social networks like twitter and facebook to promote your library’s collection and programs.

http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=426

 

February 22, 2020; BCR Member Forum; 9-10am OR 11am-12pm; free

Description: BCR is currently exploring new member service opportunities through discussions with LYRASIS, a regional membership organization serving libraries and information professionals primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern and New England regions. Given the current economic environment, BCR feels it is important to be forward-thinking and investigate new ways to meet the needs of members in the most cost-effective way possible. What are your thoughts and opinions as a BCR member about how we can best serve you? What feedback and questions do you have about the potential for BCR to work more closely with LYRASIS? Please join us during one of our online BCR Member Forums with BCR President & CEO, Brenda Bailey-Hainer. Available only to BCR members. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=439

 

February 22nd and 23rd, 2010; Customizing the OCLC Connexion Client Software; 8-10am both days; $150

Description:  This online course will instruct library staff on how to customize the Connexion client software to streamline their workflow and improve their cataloging experience. Topics covered include:

• How to customize the desktop for greater efficiency
• How to record macros to increase productivity
• Customizing client options for greater control of the interface

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=188

 

February 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2010; Introduction to Digital Project Management; 11am-1pm each day; $175

Description:  The purpose of this workshop is to introduce librarians and staff from other cultural heritage institutions to the range of issues associated with digitization of primary source materials.

This workshop provides an overview of key issues such as selection of materials, physical preservation, considerations for digitization including rights management, workflow considerations, and the resources required for responsible sustainability of digital collections.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=396 

 

February 26th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Rocking the Sandbox--Big Ideas from a Little Library; 8-9am; free

Description: They say that poverty and necessity are the mother of invention and the John C. Fremont Library is proving it. In this small, rural library they git-r-done in 2.0 style. Open source software and free software has revolutionized their workflow and their expectations. From an open source ILS to a wiki based acquisitions system, they will experiment with anything. Thier successes and failures have taught them a lot. Join Kieran Hixon as he reveals what works and what hasn't for his library from Ready reference, PC reservations, online reference, blogging, social media, wikis and more.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=434

 

March 2nd and 4th, 2010; More Than Just Googling; 8-10am both days; $150  Description:  Google definitely has made a name for itself as the frontrunner in web searching, but they didn’t stop there. The bright minds at Google have been turning out more fantastic tools to help you tackle the ever-growing mass of information on the net. In this hands-on, 2 -day online workshop, we’ll take a look at Google Reader, iGoogle, Google Books, and Google Docs. Time permitting, we might check out a couple more, too! If you don’t have a Google account already (e.g. Blogger, Picasa, or Gmail), you might want to set one up before the workshop – you’ll definitely use it! http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=438

 

March 5th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Finding the Silver Lining--Cloud Computing and Libraries; 8-9am; free

Description:  There was a ton of buzz surrounding the technology term “cloud computing” in 2009 - but what is it? And more importantly, what will it mean for you in 2010 and beyond? This hour-long session will explore the basic concept of cloud computing as well as just a few of the advantages that cloud computing offers both libraries and individuals. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=435

 

March 9th, 10th and 11th, 2010; Cataloging Sound and Moving Image: Introduction to Public Broadcasting Metadata Dictionary (PBCore);  11am-1pm each day; $175

Description:  This online workshop will explore the Public Broadcasting Metadata Dictionary (PBCore), a metadata schema that is based on Dublin Core. This schema is ideal for describing sound and moving image resources for rich discovery, retrieval, and archiving purposes. Participants will have opportunities to practice with hands-on exercises.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=354

 

March 10th, 2010; Copy Cataloging with CatExpress Online; 8-10am; $80

Description:  This live online course provides instruction on copy cataloging using the CatExpress interface. This course covers the copy cataloging workflow including searching, holdings maintenance, exporting and downloading records. After completing this course, the learner will be prepared to fully utilize the CatExpress service. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=387

 

March 11th, 2010; Force Field Up: Deflection in OCLC WorldCat Resource Sharing; 8-9am; $50

Description:  Maximize your lending functions by enabling the deflection functions in WorldCat Resource Sharing and Local Holdings Maintenance. This session will cover both types of deflection that are built into the OCLC ILL system. We’ll look at the how-to aspects of enabling and managing the features as well as the workflow and policy issues that are best addressed by these utilities. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=431

 

March 12th, 2010; Free Friday Forum:  ISTC (International Standard Text Code); 8-9am; free

Description:  The ISBN has been working well since 1970 to help the publishing, retail and library worlds identify “books” in a standard way. In FRBR (Functional Requirements of Bibliographic Records) terms, an ISBN identifies a particular “manifestation” of a “work.” But what identifies a work? Several years ago, the International Standard Text Code (or ISTC) was developed as a standard identifier for a textual work. This free one-hour session will introduce you to the ISTC. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=429

 

March 16th and 17th, 2010; Getting Ready for RDA; 11am-1pm both days; $150    Description: This two-session workshop will help you prepare for Resource Description and Access (RDA)—the anticipated next edition of cataloging rules for much of the English speaking world. We’ll look at some of RDA’s basics, as well as the basics of one of its underlying conceptual models, the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR).

The changes between RDA and the current Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2) will be reviewed, as will the new and changed MARC bibliographic record coding required by RDA.

Participants will have exercises to complete between the workshop’s sessions to reinforce certain of the concepts we discuss. Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=427

 

March 17th and 18th, 2010; Libraries Helping Job Seekers in Hard Times; 8-10am both days; $150

Description:  In the current economic climate, library resources are being used more than ever, especially by people hunting for work. Libraries are struggling to meet users’ needs for assistance with all aspects of the job hunt, from resume creation to the actual application process. On top of that, library staff must grapple with patrons’ varying skill levels and the additional demands these create for staff.

This online workshop focuses on available resources, many of which are free, to help you help your users. We’ll be discussing ideas for addressing the challenges presented by job seekers and encourage workshop participants to brainstorm strategies for their libraries.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=393

 

March 19th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Fragile Imaging--Lantern Slides, Glass Plate Negatives, and Daguerreotypes; 8-9am; free

Description: This class will introduce cultural heritage institution staff to preservation issues specific to glass-based image materials and provide some strategies for designing appropriate workflows. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=432

 

March 23rd and 25th, 2010; Picture This!  Introduction to Digital Imaging; 8-9:30am both days; $175 

Description:  (Formerly known as: Introduction to Digital Imaging)

The focus of this workshop is on basic digital imaging techniques. It introduces cultural heritage institutions to vocabulary necessary to understand the Western States Digital Imaging Best Practices version 2.0, quality control, and storage of image files.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=397

 

 

March 26th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: More than Making Do-Using Free Tools to Make a Big Splash; 8-9am; free  Description: The public libraries of Key West and the Florida Keys face a situation familiar to a lot of small libraries: no dedicated webmaster on staff to maintain a sophisticated, dynamic website. In an effort to provide innovative and interesting content to their users, they got creative! Sit in on this free webinar to hear how the folks way down at the Southernmost Library are using the social networking tools Facebook and Flickr to provide great, current information to their patrons.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=436

 

March 29th and 31st, 2010; Social Media Marketing for Libraries:  You Have the Power; 11am-1pm both days; $150

Description:  As the web continues to evolve, social networking and social media sites are becoming pervasive. Facebooking and Tweeting have become commonplace verbs, and most successful professionals or organizations seem to be running a blog. A lot of libraries have begun tapping into the power of blogs, Facebook, and Twitter as marketing and brand-building tools to great effect. In this 4 hour WebLive class, we'll explore these three tools in-depth, and explore ways to build a cohesive social media marketing strategy to drive traffic at your library and library websites.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=442

 

April 2nd, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Volunteer Staff, Big Ideas-How the Vermillion, Kansas Library Just Plain Rocks!; 8-9am; free

Description: In this installment of the “Libraries that Rock” occasional series, Shelly Drumm will interview Matthew Ekstrum, Chari Reynolds and Audrey Broxterman from the Vermillion Kansas Library (link http://vermillion.mykansaslibrary.org/). Vermillion, Kansas (population 107 per the 2009 census) is an incredibly small town, but their library has got some big ideas! Matthew set up their website which is run on the state-of-the-art content management system, WordPress, which allows them to display current and relevant content up on the web. As such, they’ve become the de facto weekly news outlet for their town. In addition, Chari is bringing history alive by re-publishing the town news from their collection of turn-of-the-last-century local newspapers. And the biggest part of all? They’re doing this with an entirely volunteer staff! http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=440

 

April 6th, 2010; Generation Archives 2.0: Tools for Promoting your Archives on the Web; 8-10am each day; $175

Description:  This workshop will explore more than 20 free-to-inexpensive Web 2.0 technologies that archivists can use to promote and market their digital and physical collections to an ever-expanding globally connected community.

Participants will learn what Web 2.0 is and what it means for archives and will visit a number of websites to see first-hand how archivists are using Web 2.0. The workshop will consist of a mix of demonstrations, case-study examples and lively group discussion. Participants will also learn planning strategies for implementing these tools, including developing policies and allocating staff resources. Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=430

 

April 27th, 28th and 29th, 2010; Introduction to Metadata for the Digital Environment; 8-10am each day; $175

Description:  Are you responsible for providing access to digital objects, but have no idea how to go about it? Is just the term “metadata” a mystery to you? It won’t be after you take this workshop!

Participants of this workshop will gain a firm understanding of metadata basics and terminology, including crosswalking, harvesting, metadata interoperability, and metadata 2.0. The workshop will explore a number of metadata schema frequently used by libraries and cultural heritage organizations to describe digital collections, and participants will have an opportunity to work hands-on with Simple Dublin Core. Participants will also learn how to plan and organize a metadata project at their organizations.

No prerequisites or prior experience required.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=402

 

May 4th, 5th and 6th, 2010; Introduction to Digital Project Management; 8-10am each day; $175

Description:  The purpose of this workshop is to introduce librarians and staff from other cultural heritage institutions to the range of issues associated with digitization of primary source materials.

This workshop provides an overview of key issues such as selection of materials, physical preservation, considerations for digitization including rights management, workflow considerations, and the resources required for responsible sustainability of digital collections.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=396

 

May 7th, 2010; Free Friday Forum: Functional Requirement of Authority Records; 8-9am; free  Description: You’ve probably heard quite a bit about FRBR (Functional Requirements of Bibliographic Records) but have you heard about FRAD, the Functional Requirements of Authority Data? FRAD extends some FRBR concepts to another type of key cataloging data—the authority record.

Join us for an overview of FRAD and discussion of some of its basic concepts. Perhaps most importantly, we’ll look at how FRAD has influenced the development of Resource Description and Access (RDA), the next edition of the cataloging rules. http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=428

 

May 11th, 12th and 13th, 2010; Introduction to Dublin Core Metadata; 8-10am each day; $175

Description:  This three-day online workshop will concentrate on the creation of both simple and qualified Dublin Core metadata for digital objects. We will also explore the concept of devising best practices for cataloging, using the Collaborative Digitization Program’s Dublin Core Metadata Best Practices as a guide. Participants will have opportunities to practice with hands-on exercises.

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=301

 

 

May 18th and 20th, 2010; Picture This! Introduction to Digital Imaging; 8-9:30am both days; $150

Description:  Formerly known as: Introduction to Digital Imaging

The focus of this workshop is on basic digital imaging techniques. It introduces cultural heritage institutions to vocabulary necessary to understand the Western States Digital Imaging Best Practices version 2.0, quality control, and storage of image files. 

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=397

 

May 27th, 2010; Web 2.0 Issues for Record Managers; 8-10am; $80

Description:  This workshop will introduce participants to the concept of Web 2.0 and to a number of Web 2.0 tools used by organizations for outreach and business purposes. These tools are producing documentation at an exponential rate, and some of this documentation may have to be retained, based on organizational mandates and regulations. Participants will explore the challenges that these tools present to records retention, and they will discuss strategies and solutions to meeting these challenges. The workshop will consist of a mix of demonstration, exploration of examples from other organizations, and lively group discussion. 

Note:  This course is designed for individual participation.  Regardless of whether you attend as an individual or as a group, the fee for this online workshop will be charged for each person who views the session.  All participants must register separately.  http://www.bcr.org/training/schedule/programdetail.php?programid=441