[WEB4LIB] Re: Certifying library staff in the use of technology

[Thomas Edelblute]

Last week, I offered training for library technicians who wanted to learn how
to troubleshoot computer problems.  No one was interesed.

TMGB wrote:

> 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
>
> Windows 95 is a 32-bit extension to a 16-bit patch for an 8-bit
> operating system that was originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor.
>  - Chris Dunphy     Boot Magazine



--
Thomas Edelblute
Anaheim Public Library