[Web4lib] An ACRL E-Learning Seminar February 15 through March 26, 2010 "Virtual Reference Competencies: Technical, Communications, and Reference Skills and Knowledge (6 week course)"

[Diane K. Kovacs]

" *Virtual Reference Competencies: Technical, Communications, and 
Reference Skills and Knowledge" (6 week course)*

An ACRL E-Learning Seminar - February 15 through March 26, 2010

Registration is now open on the ACRL E-Learning site:  
http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/elearning/courses/virtualref.cfm

Course Description:

The technical competencies essential or desirable for virtual reference 
librarians to acquire or to improve on are the foundation of virtual 
reference service provision. Virtual reference service is built on a 
technical infrastructure. The Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, Web 
chat, Instant Messaging, and all the associatedsupportive technology and 
software are the environment in which virtual reference librarians work. 
In "Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills 
and Knowledge," participants will engage in learning activities, 
supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to acquire and 
improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual 
reference librarians.

"Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills 
and Knowledge" is a primarily asynchronous seminar, allowing 
participants to work through course material at times convenient to them 
throughout the three week scheduled course time. Participants may also 
choose to schedule online chat time with the teacher, as they feel 
necessary. Specific material and learning activities will be covered 
during each week of the course. Threaded discussion forums are available 
for use in learning activities and other course-related conversations.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this seminar you will:

    * assess and improve your ability to type on a computer keyboard and
      make use of other related input devices (mouse, trackball,
      touchpad, etc.)
    * assess and improve your work with multiple software applications
      on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between
      windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between
      multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic
      sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)
    * evaluate and add to your detailed functional knowledge of how to
      access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites
    * increase your detailed functional knowledge of at least one Web
      browser
    * cultivate your awareness of the basic technologies that any given
      virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have
      access to, or be limited by
    * develop awareness of the chat software specifics for a given
      system you are going to be using then develop:
          o detailed functional knowledge of the specific chat software
            used by your library or other organization for chat reference
    * cultivate awareness of how to connect to and chat through
      Web-based chat software, Internet messaging, etc.
    * add to your awareness of the options for document or information
      delivery
    * practice sending files as attachments in e-mail
    * understand when and how to make use of other file transfer options
      (e.g., Internet messaging, ftp, Web posting)
    * develop awareness of common computer file formats for information
      transfer/document delivery (e.g., .txt, .doc .html .gif .jpg .mpg,
      .pdf)
      cultivate detailed functional knowledge of your local e-mail
      system and its limitations as well as general awareness of the
      functionality of email software used by others.
    * make use of options to download, install, and use toolbars, search
      engines, plug-ins, and other helpful browser extensions.
    * assess your ability to use a document scanner to scan print
      materials to be faxed and/or saved for transfer to the user (e.g.,
      send as attachments by e-mail, file transfer options)


Audience:
Librarians and Library paraprofessionals who want to assess and improve 
their technical skills for virtual reference services or for those who 
are training librarians and library paraprofessionals in technical 
skills for virtual reference services.

Some basic reference service experience is assumed. Level of instruction 
is beginners or for those training beginners in providing virtual 
reference services.

Participants should know how to use e-mail and a current standard Web 
Browser Firefox, Netscape 7.0, Safari or IE 5.5 or higher is preferred.

Instructor:
Diane Kovacs, Kovacs Consulting http://www.kovacs.com/ 
<http://www.kovacs.com/aboutus.html>

Course Requirements:
Your participation will require approximately three to five hours per 
week to:

    * Read the online seminar material
    * Post to online discussion boards
    * Complete online exercises
    * Complete a seminar evaluation form

Registration
ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can$195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60