OPAL - Online Programming for All Libraries

[Lori Bell]

OPAL – Online Programming for All Libraries

The Illinois Network of Libraries Serving the Blind
and Physically Handicapped and the Alliance Library
System have initiated a collaborative online
programming cooperative for libraries of all types
(http://www.opal-online.org) By combining their online
programming efforts into a shared calendar and series
of programs, OPAL libraries are able to offer their
patrons a wide variety of interesting programming
without expanding or exploding their individual
programming budgets.  The idea and reality of
cooperative purchasing by libraries has been around
for decades.  Cooperative online programming focuses
on enhancing and leveraging library programmatic
offerings.  The benefits to the end-user population
will be significant and immediate.  Digital libraries
initially focused on content.  Digital library
services, such as virtual reference and online
programming, will be the next phase of digital library
development and maturation.

This program will be offered on an experimental basis
for one year – September 1, 2004 – August 31, 2005. 
OPAL utilizes a software program called iVocalize from
Talking Communities
(http://www.talkingcommunities.com) which includes
web-based voice over IP, text chat, application
sharing, co-browsing and the ability to share power
point presentations.  Participating libraries do not
need to host any software.  Presentations, programs
and tutorials can also be recorded and made available
on the library’s website for ongoing use.  The
software is also accessible for the visually impaired.
 To participate in a program, all that librarians and
their patrons need are an Internet connection, sound
card, and a pc-based microphone (which can be
purchased at Wal-Mart for $10).

The purpose of the cooperative is to assist libraries
in beginning online programs such as book discussion
groups, library training programs, and meetings.
During the year, each participating library will
develop a program which can be offered through the
group website.  Participating libraries will have
access to the programs other libraries are sharing.
They can also have their own programming in a room,
which will belong to them.  With each library
contributing one program, all the participating
libraries benefit and can offer that program to their
library patrons.

A planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22
at 10:00 a.m. central time. The meeting will be held
online in the OPAL auditorium. If you would like to
attend, you are invited. Here are directions for
attending:

1.  Go to
http://www.talkingcommunities.com/entrance.pl?LIB-Auditorium&nopass_field=1
type your name and click enter.
2.  A small software applet will download to your
computer and you will enter the room.

Currently, the following programs are offered through
OPAL:
1)	Monthly book discussion group
2)	Online library training including sessions of
Google, Intermediate Google, First Search and
Intermediate First Search
3)	EBookworm – a monthly online discussion group with
a guest expert and a discussion on ebooks.

Important Information
·	Participating libraries will be given their own
online meeting room for up to 15 people where they can
schedule their own programs or meetings.
·	Participating libraries will have access to a larger
auditorium for no extra charge for up to 50-100 people
if they wish to offer a larger program.
·	All shared programs will be offered in the OPAL
auditorium.
·	Training on the use of iVocalize software will be
offered.
·	Libraries must agree to develop one program to be
offered through OPAL by December 2004.
·	Libraries can choose to publicize and participate in
any of the cooperative programs offered through OPAL. 
They can participate in as many or as few as they
choose as long as they are providing a program, which
can be used by other libraries.
·	The monthly cost to join OPAL is $20 per month or
$240 for the year, payable to: Mid-Illinois Talking
Book Center/Alliance Library System.  Libraries who
wish to share a room can also share the cost of a
room. Scheduling of the shared room is the
responsibility of the libraries.
·	Libraries are committed to the program for a year.
·	There will be a monthly online meeting of an
advisory committee to discuss progress of the project;
proposed programs; publicity methods, etc. Each
library may send any staff member to the meeting and
will have a vote on issues discussed by the group.

If you would like a trial room to try at no charge or
obligation through August 31, please contact us. We
will set up a test room for your use.
If you have questions, would like a demonstration or
are interested in participating, please contact Lori
Bell at MITBC at 1-800-426—0709 or (309)694-9200 ext.
2128 or by email at lbell at alliancelibrarysystem.com.

Deadline for participation is August 15, 2004.

Contact Lori Bell for a registration form.







	
		
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