Questions?

Use the comments feature to post your questions about the mechanics of the hcplc-Lib 2.0 training program. The questions will be added to this blog post - with answers - to become a participant-generated FAQ about the training.

#1 - Are there prizes for participants?
Answer - Yes, for those who follow the entire program, create a training blog and fully participate there will be a drawing in July to award prizes like an iPOD Shuffle! Cool, huh?

#2 - I will be on vacation twice during the run of this training. Should I work ahead before each vacation or catch up at the end?
Answer - The training is self-paced, so there is no set start/stop dates for each section. That said, it would probably be better to catch up when you get back from your leave so you will have the benefit of the training blog postings and comments.

#3 - When we create a blog for the Lib 2.0 training, do we have to use our full names?
Answer - Participation in this training is a work-related activity and must be done using your real name. If you are uncomfortable using your last name when creating or posting to a blog (since they are publicly available), you can use your first name and last initial as an identifyer. Please let your immediate supervisor know if you will be doing this to ensure that you will receive appropriate credit for your participation. We also need to know who to give the fabulous prizes to after the training is complete!

#4 - I just posted something! Should I tell you (the 2.0 training team) or someone?
Answer - No need to tell us when you participate, although you might want to keep your supervisor informed about participating. Once we get to the third section (about blogs), every participant will be creating a blog to use as a workbook for the remainder of the training. We will be watching your progress on that.

#5 -With the "#12 - Gaming in Libraries" part of the "hcplc=Lib 2.0 Workbook" we going to have "games" unblocked so we can look at these on work time. For Example : http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html Not Available: Why? --> The Websense category "Games" is filtered. and our Skills Practice says to: Go to Just for Kids: Games and play one of the education games that the library offers through it's Web site.

Answer - Yes, during the training periods these sites will not be blocked on staff computers. The sites mentioned will only be unblocked for the duration of that section of the workbook though.

#6 - Some of these sites & services that we are using in the training have cool downloads, toolbar "add-ons" or other widgets that require install on the PC. Can we do this? Does this violate county or library policy on the use of the computers?

Answer - While we will be able to fully participate in the training and use all of the sites & services mentioned, there may be some policy issues that arrise. County policy prohibits the download and install of programs, toolbar accessories, etc. to the PCs. You will still be able to use the service (let's say del.icio.us) but not with the quick toolbar feature. Sorry, we can't override BOCC or county policies to do this training.

#7 - If I already have a blog (for some other purpose), can I use that user name and password for my 2.0 training blog?

Answer - Yes, you do need to create a new blog for the training though. If you use Blogger, you will see all of the blogs you have access to under the same password on the Blogger dashboard.

#8 -

About hcplc=Lib 2.0

The hcplc=Lib 2.0 training program is designed to:

• encourage exploration of Web 2.0/Library 2.0 concepts and new technologies by HCPLC staff.
  
• provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support HCPLC's mission to have “a network of free libraries with open access, a community focus, welcoming environments, a broad range of relevant materials in a variety of formats, and highly qualified, customer-focused employees.”
  

The goals of hcplc=Lib 2.0 are simple – to explore, to play, and to have FUN – and maybe learn a thing or two.

Seriously, that’s all.

Here's the plan...

We ask that you spend just 15 minutes every other day learning, reading, doing the skills practice and sharing your experiences at the hcplc=Lib 2.0 blog. Yes, that's it...just 15 minutes every other day! Surely you can squeeze that in to your busy schedule.

Each hcplc=Lib 2.0 Workbook section will be highlighted and discussed for about two week - making the whole training program a six month training event. Each Workbook section has four parts:

• Learning Objectives - that provide the topics to be covered and the skills to be learned, online & video tutorials,
• Skills Practice - with practical exercises, pointers and video/audio instruction,
• Experience Sharing - ways to discuss and share what you have learned with the entire group,
• Resources - with magazine articles, useful Web sites, research studies and opportunities for more instruction online.
  

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. Staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs.

How did you come up with this great training idea?
Well, that's simple...we borrowed - and is some cases copied wholesale - from other Library 2.0 training programs like: PLCMC's 23 Things: Learning Library 2.0, 5 Weeks to a Social Library, KCLS' Learning 2.0 - 27 Things, and Steve Abram's 15 Minutes Each Day (PDF).

Is this program open to all HCPLC staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL HCPLC staff regardless of position and status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the HCPLC staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion.

How long do I have to complete the program?
The program kicks off in January, 2008 with system-wide email fanfare. The will be one workbook lesson highlighted every two weeks ending with celebrations and prizes in early-July.

How do I track my progress for this 6 month training program?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a 2.0 Learning blog to track their progress and will also need to provide the blog URL to be listed on the hcplc=Lib 2.0 training site.

Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
Yes, a few in-person sessions will be offered (some through TBLC) but this is primarily a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff member's blogs can help, too.

What if I can't follow the skills practice and get so frustrated that I want to swear and smash the computer?
Stop, take a deep breath and try again later - maybe tomorrow. You can always ask a colleague for help or call an LTA.

I've seen the "workbook" sessions on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week, three or four posts will be added to the hcplc=Lib 2.0 blog with details about the skills practice exercises for that week. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own!! However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to recieve full credit for its completion.

What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. All of the participants' blogs will be listed on the fromt page of the hcplc=Lib 2.0 blog. You can also ask any of our LTAs for assistance (their 2.0 Learning blogs will be marked with "LTA").

Can I participate anonymously in the hcplc=Lib 2.0 training?
No. Participation in this training is a work-related activity and must be done using your real name. If you are uncomfortable using your last name when creating or posting to a blog (since they are publicly available), you can use your first name and last initial as an identifyer (ex: "Joe S"). Please let your immediate supervisor know if you will be doing this to ensure that you will receive appropriate credit for your participation. No nicknames or "avatars" are to be used for participation. We also need to know who to give the fabulous prizes to after the training is complete!

You are welcome to follow along with the training in an "unofficial" capacity if you would like - but your comments will not be included on the blog, you will not be eligible for prizes and you will not receive credit for participating.

Will there be fabulous prizes for the participants? When will the drawing take place for prizes?
There will be fabulous prizes: an iPod Shuffle, several portable MP3 players, t-shirts and other fine trinkets. A drawing will be held in early July from among the participants who have complete the entire training program.

Don't find your question answered here? Then enter it is as comment below.