[WEB4LIB] Certifying library staff in the use of technology

[TMGB]

I think you have a very good idea with this certification plan if you
can find the time.  But then again does it take more time to go the
current route.  Anyway aside from that the only real training I give
everyone is that there's always a possible cure in rebooting the PC.  I
have edited the SCANDISK.INI file on  our machines so the user is asked
no questions when scandisk runs and the PC normally reboots in normal
mode after a cold reboot.  I also have told them to notify me if they
have to do this very often to any one particular PC.  But, even now I
get calls like the mouse stopped working and I ask, "Have you rebooted
the PC?" and the person says "no".   Sorry I have no plan to offer but I
think a basic one should include Cold Reboot for IBM compatible PCs. 

Thomas



Mary Martin wrote:
> 
> Everyone,
> 
> Making sure that our library's staff is properly trained in the basics
> of using library computers and applications has always been important to
> me, but unfortunately, it doesn't always get done as well as I'd like it
> to. We recently received several Gates computers and a couple of them
> were put in the circulation area (currently the only place we have
> room), where staff is not used to either using a computer, or helping
> patrons with computer problems.
> 
> I have one staff member who has become very upset and claims she'd
> rather retire than learn how to use these computers. I have other staff
> members who don't know enough to correctly diagnose a simple problem, so
> they don't even bother trying to help patrons, who end up getting the
> frustrating message that they're on their own (unless I happen to be
> walking by, in which case I help them).
> 
> Instead of rushing around trying to train people quickly and perhaps
> haphazardly, or relying on one or two semi-technologically literate
> people in each department, I'm starting to think that the best option
> might be to create several levels of staff technology certification, and
> provide short one-on-one training sessions, and follow-up exercises, so
> that staff can successfully complete these certification levels. I am
> hoping this will help them get comfortable with technology and with the
> computer apps so that they can help patrons more efficiently.
> 
> Before I re-invent the wheel, I thought I would ask if anyone else has a
> similar plan in place. If so, what are the requirements for
> certification at each level? If you wouldn't mind sharing your
> experiences and information, I would be very grateful. I have
> cross-posted this message to Lib-NT and Web4Lib.
> 
> Thanks a lot for your help!
> --
> Mary C. Martin, Computer/Technical Services Librarian
> Fort Smith Public Library
> 61 South 8th Street, Fort Smith, AR  72901
> 501-783-0229 (phone)   501-782-8571 (fax)
> http://www.fspl.lib.ar.us

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett           Appalachian State University
Computer Consultant II                  University Library
bennettt at am.appstate.edu               
http://www.library.appstate.edu/admin/
Voice:  828 262 6587			FAX:    828 262 3001

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