Make Your Point! Using Google Maps at your Library
October 1 - 31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Explore and learn the ins and outs of Google Maps and consider the possibilities this tool offers your library. We will begin with an overview of Google Maps and Google's mapping tools and functionality, look at eight mapping examples which could easily be used in library settings as either program extensions or an extension of existing library services, and brainstorm about your individual libraries and how you might use Google maps.
Participants will leave with extensive handouts about Google Maps, with easily implementable steps to take to create any of the mapping applications covered, and with a broader understanding of Google Maps and mapping tools available.
Instructor: Bonnie Peirce is Head of Children's Services at the Dover Town Library and was recently profiled in Library Journal's Movers and Shakers as a 'Web 2.0 guru'. Bonnie is the founder of B3OK, an open global mobile knowledge network connecting the physical and digital worlds. She is also co-founder and CTO of thebestkidsbooksite.com, a growing and unique knowledge brokering service serving child-focused professionals and families around the world, and founder of the Library Goddesses Blog Network, a collaborative blog network with companion wikis to enable librarians across the United States and Canada to share their knowledge of books and their professional experience with many different aspects of librarianship. Bonnie is a graduate of GSLIS, received her business degree from Thunderbird and did her undergraduate work at Dartmouth College. Bonnie has traveled extensively, is an avid podcaster, blogger, and advocate for incorporating new media tools and practices into public library services, and has an abiding interest in global literacy; wizardhere@gmail.com
Creating Web Site Indexes
October 1-31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at: http://www.hedden-information.com/view2.php
As websites grow in size and
complexity, users need additional means beyond the navigational menu and a site map to search a site for the
information they want. Unless a site is very large, an onsite search engine often does not retrieve
satisfactory results. Browsable A-Z indexes, on the other hand, a format familiar to users from their
appearance at the back of nonfiction books, can provide highly accurate retrieval when added to websites.
Index entries are hyperlinked to the desired text within a webpage or to an anchored point such as the
section heading within the webpage.
During this workshop, participants will learn how to create and format a hyperlinked A-Z website index and how to use a freeware web indexing tool and the free demo of another web indexing tool. The workshop begins with a discussion about the structure of a website index and which sites would benefit from an index. Topics covered include basic skills in indexing, the process of indexing, and the use of HTML code in indexing. Basic knowledge of either HTML or HTML editors (such as Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage) is assumed. Prior training or experience in indexing is not required, but would be helpful. Participants will need a computer running Windows (to run the web indexing tools), Internet access, a web browser, and e-mail.
Instructor: Heather Hedden is Principal at Hedden Information Management, manager of the Taxonomies & Controlled Vocabularies special interest group of the American Society for Indexing, formerly a Controlled Vocabulary Editor at Gale/Information Access Company, and author of "Indexing Specialties: Web Sites" heather@hedden.net
Strategic Information Arrangement: Theory and Techniques
October 1-31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Futurist Ray Kurzweil believes that
"order is more profound than information" because it "fits a purpose". "Strategic Information Arrangement" is
an entertaining look at the basic building blocks of order, especially arrangement styles for organized
information. These are the components of information display, whether in taxonomy, classification, or
structured lists. Knowledgeable understanding of these building blocks can result in ordered arrangements
that persuade users. Lack of arrangement skills can inadvertently send users in the opposite direction. Since
all information has some kind of order, even if only random, each delivery is an opportunity to persuade or
accidentally dissuade.
The course examines fifteen list structures, six hierarchic methods, and five persuasion strategies. Katherine's client Snoopy helps explain some of the concepts. You will learn how each technique fits a unique purpose and you will learn how to use organized information to persuade. We will review the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme from World War I as two similar structures requiring different name arrangements although their subject and their goals are the same. In the optional assignment, you will design a hierarchic structure with provided material on an entertaining topic.
Instructor: Katherine Bertolucci is an information management consultant and owner of Isis Information Services in Phoenix, AZ. She specializes in the development and arrangement of subject-based classifications, taxonomies, and other formats for structures information presentation. A pioneer in non-traditional classification, she built her first taxonomy in 1978. Her wide ranging clients include poets and transnational corporations such as Procter & Gamble and Thomson Financial. Known for her work with Snoopy, Katherine's programs are entertaining and informative. She is a former Chair of SLA's Library Managment Division. Her print publications include "Beyond Findability: Organizing Information in the Age of the Miscellaneous" (Searcher, 02/09), and "Happiness is Taxonomy: Four Structures for Snoopy" (Information Outlook, 03/03). Katherine blogs at IsisInBlog; katherine@isisinform.com.
Information Entrepreneurship
October 1 - 31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Explore the exciting field of information entrepreneurship with a focus on independent research businesses, also called information brokerages. Workshop topics will include education, skills, and traits for information entrepreneurship, developing a business infrastructure, marketing and sales, product development and deliverables, and tools of the trade. We will discuss activities pursued by independent information professionals (IIPs), such as online research, monitoring, tracking, alerting, telephone research, manual library research, legal research, public records research, market research (secondary and primary), competitive intelligence, company research, industry research, patent research, medical information retrieval, prospect research, due diligence research, consulting (which depends on interest, background, and skills), teaching, and training.
Participants will be given weekly assignments to submit for class discussion. Regular participation, at
least once weekly, in class discussion is requested for best results in creating a high-quality synergistic
learning environment for all participants. Books for the workshop:
1. Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the
Independent Information Professional, Information Today Inc.
http://store.yahoo.com/infotoday//builandrunsu.html
2. Sabroski, Suzanne. Super Searchers Make It On Their Own: Top Independent
Information Professionals Share Their Secrets for Starting and Running a
Research Business http://infotoday.stores.yahoo.net/supsearmakit.html
Instructor: Amelia Kassel is President and owner of MarketingBase, a firm specializing in industry, company, and competitive and market intelligence research since 1984. Amelia taught at the graduate level for 15 years at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, four years as adjunct faculty at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, and now teaches distance education for San Jose SLIS including Online Searching, Advanced Online Searching, and Competitive Intelligence Research. Amelia is author of The Super Searchers on Wall Street and a columnist for Searcher Magazine, and she operates a successful one-on-one email-based training program for new searchers in corporations and independent information professionals starting or expanding their research businesses; amelia@marketingbase.com
Talking Walls, QR Codes, Hidden Clues . . . Mobile Delivery, Mobile Services, and Your Library
October 1-31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Are you experiencing mobile delivery services for your library or library department? Are you looking to extend more mobile offerings further? QR codes offer many exciting and easily implementable opportunities and possibilities.
The first week of the workshop will cover the basics of QR codes - what are they, and how to do they work? Week two will cover devices and software, cost-effective library set-ups, and simple QR code knowledge mashups. In the third week, we'll explore how QR codes function out in the world, linking together people, knowledge, and physical locations in an interactive manner. During week four, we'll cover building QR code applications for your library, examining 20 different QR code applications that librarians can easily and cost-effectively implement at their libraries.
Workshop participants will leave the course with a solid understanding of the basics and mechanics of QR codes and 20 easy ways to implement QR codes in their libraries and communities. This is a self-paced four week workshop with discussion and email support. Workshop materials will be available to participants after the conclusion of the workshop, should they wish to explore any of the subject areas in greater depth.
Instructor: Bonnie Peirce is Head of Children's Services at the Dover Town Library and was recently profiled in Library Journal's Movers and Shakers as a 'Web 2.0 guru'. Bonnie is the founder of B3OK, an open global mobile knowledge network connecting the physical and digital worlds. She is an avid advocate for incorporating new media tools and mobile devices into public library services; wizardhere@gmail.com
Isn't Otaku a Kind of Sushi? Graphic Novels, Manga and Anime
October 1-31, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Join graphic novel, manga and anime enthusiast (and librarian) Robin Brenner for a look into the world of graphic novels, Japanese manga (print comics), and anime (animation). Learn about the history of the art form, the elements that make it unique, where to find more information, how to understand and attract fans and new readers, how to create programming ideas and opportunities, and how to build the best collections for libraries. This workshop will concentrate on core collections and new titles as well as highlighting the latest trends in Japanese manga and anime, the top selling titles with teens. Participants will need a computer with Internet access, e-mail, and the ability to open Powerpoint, PDF, and audio files such as mp4 from iTunes or mp3.
Instructor: Robin Brenner, Reference/Teen Librarian, Brookline, MA; robin@noflyingnotights.com
Discovering Game: Game Design for Librarians
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview first week of workshop here: http://discoveringgame.com/?p=113
Learn to engage youth at the library with interactive,
multimedia, content creation workshops: video game design! Not all libraries embrace the same "learn by
failing" method that gamers employ; this six-week course will introduce you to the fundamentals of game
design and provide guided access to free tools (Ben 10 Game Creator, Scratch, Cube, Gimp) that you can use at
your library for game design workshops. Content will be delivered through audio lecture, slideshows and video
capture, as well as hands-on game play, exercises, and assignments using game design software.
Instructors: Beth Gallaway, author of Game On! (Neal-Schuman 2009), was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2006 for her work in advocating for video games in libraries. She is an independent library trainer/consultant specializing in gaming, technology, and youth services, and is a YALSA certified Serving the Underserved (SUS) trainer; informationgoddess29@gmail.com
Chris Castaldi is a masters degree candidate in game
development at the University of Advancing Technology in Phoenix, AZ. He facilitated a 3 week-long game
design camp at Glendale (AZ) Public Library in summer 2008.
Instructional Design: Creating Effective Materials for Online Learning
October 5 - November 8, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at:
http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/docs/instructdesign_preview.doc
What is instructional design and why is it important in the development of online learning materials? And what is the role of instructional technology in the design process? Technology tools abound. Wikis, blogs, podcasts, asynchronous and synchronous forums have become popular and are tempting instructors to say, "We need to develop a wiki," or "We need to be podcasting," rather than purposefully looking at the instructional need first.
At the end of this course, you will have a basic understanding of instructional design principles as they pertain to online learning. You will be able to apply instructional design principles to solve online instructional challenges. You will also identify the role technologies play in the design process and how to determine which tool works best for what purpose, but most importantly, you will develop skills essential to preparing an online course or online tutorial
Instructors: John McCormick is Instructional Design Specialist in Academic Technology at North Shore Community College. He works with faculty in designing online, blended (hybrid) and web-supported instruction for online and face-to-face delivery. He also designs and facilitates faculty development programs, primarily focusing on transitioning face-to-face instruction to blended and online formats. He has a Masters in Educational Communications and Technology from the University of Washington. Prior to working with North Shore, he worked at Simmons College, partnering with faculty to design online, hybrid and web-supported courses. He also taught ESL at Boston University's Center for English and Orientation Programs and Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington. His interests include the design of informal learning environments, authentic assessment, the use of multimedia for learning, and methods for increasing teaching presence in online learning; johnmccormick33@gmail.com.
Elizabeth Santiago is on the staff of the University Park Campus Institute, a collaboration of Jobs for the Future, Clark University, and the University Park Campus School to prepare small school developers, leaders, and teachers to implement the strategies and techniques that have led to college readiness for students at UPCS. As Training and Curriculum Specialist, she assists in creating curriculum to support this endeavor; elizsant@comcast.net
Podcast Boot Camp
Podcast Boot Camp is a blended workshop combining a three-and-a-half hour session on October 24 at Simmons in Boston with a five-week online session running from October 25 to November 30. If you can't attend the face-to-face session, you can still register for the workshop and we will have a digital recording of it available online. Note that you cannot just attend the session at Simmons.
Face-to-Face: October 24, 2009 - 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Online: October 25, 2009 - November 30, 2009
$275 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $220)
Atten-SHUN! Whip your library into 2.0 shape with Podcast Boot Camp. Basic
training includes subscribing, listening to and evaluating podcasts; learning to create, edit and post a
digital audio podcast with show notes; and discussion of the impact of podcasting on current and traditional
library services.
Instructor: Independent Library Consultant and trainer Beth Gallaway (MSLIS Simmons '98) was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker (2006) for her work in advocating gaming in libraries. A graduate of Podcast Academy Boston, she has been creating podcasts since 2006 and currently contributes to the Gaming in Libraries podcast at www.gaminginlibraries.org; informationgoddess29@gmail.com
The Career-Savvy Information Professional
November 1 - 30, 2009 SESSION FULL
March 1 - 31, 2010
Special Pricing! Only $85 for all registrants!
Are you looking to get back into the library field and need some help
getting up to date on all the new skills and trends? Are you interested in exploring different kinds of
library careers, or looking to move beyond traditional library jobs? Have you recently entered the job market
and are eager to learn ways you can stand out from the many other job applicants? Or would you just like to
learn how to become a savvy career professional? If so, or if you'd just like to be sure your skills are
keeping up with new developments in the LIS field, then this workshop is for you.
As a participant in this workshop, you will build a personal career plan. First, learn how to assess your current skills and compare them with expectations in today's LIS job market; next, identify the transferable skills you bring to a desired position; and finally, create a plan to address any potential gaps.
Workshop topics will include career opportunities within all types of libraries, as well as alternatives to traditional library jobs. We will cover online career research tools and show ways you can structure and organize your career search process. We will also help you develop individualized strategies for updating your resume and new networking techniques to advance your career search, such as conducting effective informational interviews, researching and reaching out to employers, and broadening your professional network. Lastly, you will find out about a broad array of LIS professional development resources, including an optional workshop module that will help you develop and practice your skills with web 2.0 technologies.
Instructors:Kelly Jo Woodside, Information Literacy Librarian, Simmons College; woodside@simmons.edu, and Cheryl Kohen, Career Resource Librarian, Simmons College; cheryl.kohen@simmons.edu
Taxonomies and Controlled Vocabularies
September 1-30, 2009 SESSION FULL
November 1 - December 5, 2009 SESSION FULL
January 1 - 31, 2010 SESSION FULL
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at:
http://www.hedden-information.com/GSLIS-taxonomies.htm
Taxonomies are becoming popular for organizing information in business knowledge management, enterprise content management systems, and intranets. Are these taxonomies different from literature retrieval thesauri? How does one go about creating a taxonomy? This online workshop will provide recommended best practices for how to create terms, relationships, and variants for different kinds of taxonomies or controlled vocabularies, and will also introduce different software tools for doing so. Whether you need to create a taxonomy to organize information on a web site, classify information in a content management system, establish a controlled vocabulary for a periodical or database indexing project, or simply understand how to use them better, this workshop will get you on your way.
Instructor: Heather Hedden is Principal at Hedden Information Management, manager of the Taxonomies & Controlled Vocabularies special interest group of the American Society for Indexing, formerly a Controlled Vocabulary Editor at Gale/Information Access Company, and author of "Indexing Specialties: Web Sites" heather@hedden.net
Technology Programming for Teens
November 1 - 30, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at: http://tinyurl.com/tech4teens
Jump onto the
Web 2.0 bandwagon by offering interactive, multimedia content creation programs for teens at the library!
Discover model programs in technology for teens while experimenting with new technologies and evaluating for
usability. Discuss the benefits and barriers to delivering tech programs for teens, and learn how to justify
and then replicate these inexpensive and easy tech programs for teens in your library. By the end of this
session, participants will: make an avatar; discover how to use Wordle; test a video game designed by teens,
and create their own; chat with an author via instant messaging; participate in a book review podcast; and
brainstorm a teen technology program to implement at their library.
Instructor: Independent library trainer and consultant Beth Gallaway is a former young adult librarian who facilitated a successful teen book group for five years. Beth was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2006 for her work in advocating for video games in libraries and is a YALSA certified Serving the Underserved (SUS) trainer; informationgoddess29@gmail.com
Keeping Up With New Technologies, While Keeping Your Sanity
November 1 - 30, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
How often do you hear about a new web tool, or a "tech" development and you don't have any idea what it's about? Do you sometimes wish you knew a little more about what some of the tools do, and why you should care? This workshop will provide some basic information on recent developments in the "techie" world of web tools, and how to incorporate them into your existing work. Topics will include creating your own RSS feeds for sharing information, understanding mashups, and strategies for keeping up in this ever-changing environment. Students will learn about the topics through readings, online discussions and practical application of tools, and will complete the workshop with a realistic plan for keeping up to date with new developments in libraries and beyond. No prior technological experience necessary -- just a willingness to learn!
Instructor: Rebekah Kilzer is currently the Emerging Technologies Librarian at Drexel University Libraries where she works with library staff to discover, research and implement methods for fruitful and effective interactions with students and faculty. Her background in Systems and Technical Services provides a well-rounded perspective on library work. She is also an adjunct instructor at Drexel University's iSchool, teaching in the MS/LIS program; rebekah@drexel.edu
Digital Copyright
November 1 - 30, 2009
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
This four-week workshop gives students a hands-on view of copyright. Who owns the works I create? When can I use text, images and songs created by others? Learn how to determine if an item is in the public domain. If it is not, learn how to determine if the library/archive exception in copyright law allows your use. If the library/archive exception doesn't fit your need, learn how to make a good faith Fair Use evaluation. Finally, learn some tips about getting permission to use others' works.
Assignments include: registering for a copyright, creating a creative commons license for a work you've created, searching the Copyright Clearance Center (copyright.com) for permissions and designating a copyright agent with the Copyright Office.
Threaded discussions with classmates and the instructor will be the primary means of feedback.
Instructor: Mary Minow, J.D., A.M.L.S. is a Library Law consultant at librarylaw.com; simmons@librarylaw.com
ILL and Resource Sharing: Best Practices, Practical Innovations, and New Directions
January 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
ILL/RS is an integral service provided by libraries to their users. In today's rapidly changing information landscape, ILL/RS services have become hubs through which myriad services and systems converge. In this workshop, we will examine best practices and strategies in providing ILL services, discuss practical innovations you can adopt to better serve different user populations, and explore the exciting new directions ILL/RS systems and services are heading in. Learn how to use ILL data effectively; evaluate ILL/RS partnerships and programs, and develop new services to connect local and distance populations to your library.
Instructor: Evan Simpson is the Head of Reference and Instruction for the Tisch Library at Tufts University, where he leads the development of research assistance services and instruction programs for a broad range of research communities in the School of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. Evan is responsible for identifying and promoting emerging research and instruction technologies and for cultivating collaborative initiatives between reference and other library and non-library departments and programs throughout the University. Evan has long been involved in resource sharing services where he has direct experience managing interlibrary loan and document delivery units, developing new resource sharing services, and building partnerships with libraries and consortia. Evan is interested in the affect of digitization on research, instruction, and resource sharing; trends in scholarly communication; marketing and outreach for libraries; emerging technologies and their integration in instruction programs as well as discovery and delivery systems; and in Resource Sharing as a developing strategy for academic and public libraries; evandsimpson@gmail.com
Marketing Your Academic Library
January 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
In tough economic times, your library can't afford to avoid marketing. Marketing is the process of communicating with users and potential users to determine their needs, designing services to meet those needs, and informing the community about your services. Marketing does not have to cost much money and you don't have to devote an entire position to communications, marketing, or outreach in order to raise the visibility of your library. In fact, you don't even have to know marketing lingo — such as SWOT analysis and market segmentation — or create a marketing plan. While this workshop will introduce students to basic marketing definitions and provide them with resources for creating a marketing plan, the focus will be on identifying grassroots marketing efforts that individual participants can get up-and-running on their campuses without too much effort. In this workshop, participants will:
- recognize opportunities on their academic campuses for partnerships with other units ("marketing opportunities")
- identify main user groups and focus on soliciting user-centered feedback
- learn to position themselves and by default, the library, as active participants in campus life
- attempt to re-envision library services in terms of their "return on investment"
Each week, participants will be assigned readings and homework exercises and will be required to participate in online discussion forums with the instructor and classmates. The class will draw heavily from two main texts: "Marketing Today's Academic Library: A Bold New Approach to Communicating with Students" by Brian Matthews, and "Studying Students: The Undergraduate Research Project at the University of Rochester" edited by Nancy Fried Foster and Susan Gibbons.
Instructor:Rebecca Metzger is a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Lafayette College's Skillman Library in Easton, PA. In addition to regular reference and instruction duties, Rebecca heads Skillman Library's outreach efforts. She runs a student advisory board, organizes orientations and open houses for students and parents, produces a newsletter for faculty, and promotes library services to students through online and offline communications. On campus, she is a faculty advisor to Hillel Society, an academic advisor, and the chair of the faculty's Teaching and Learning Committee. Off campus, she is currently the chair of ACRL's Instruction Section's Management and Leadership Committee. She has been published in Library Journal and NMRT Footnotes, was selected to participate in ACRL's Immersion 2008 program, and is currently serving as an ALA Emerging Leader. Rebecca graduated from Simmons GSLIS in January 2006; metzgerr@lafayette.edu
Business Research 101: Sources and Strategies
January 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at:
If you work or plan to work in a corporate, academic or
public library that provides any kind of business reference service or if you do business research for
yourself, this class is for you. Over four weeks we will cover basic sources and strategies in the areas of
company, industry, international business, and marketing research. Sources explored in the course will
include major free web resources, such as Edgar, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's free database,
the government's Bureau of Economic Analysis, Reuters' database for company information, and Eurostat, a
great source for international statistics and business information. We will also look at subscription
business databases and if possible, students will find and explore these via local libraries. Students will
work on various research examples to gain a good understanding of how to tackle basic business research
questions typically found in library work and will be able to share their experience of sources covered in
the course with colleagues via the discussion list. Students will also focus on a short research project of
particular interest to them and complete it over the course of the four weeks. A bibliography of further
reading in business research will be made available via the course. Time commitment: approximately 15 hours
total or about 3.75 hours per week.
Instructor: Sharon Radcliff, MLIS, MA. Business Librarian. Saint Mary's College of California; sradclif@stmarys-ca.edu
Managing the One-Person Library
January 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at: http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/docs/managingone.pdf
Solo librarians,
as well as assistant librarians and other paraprofessional library staff, will learn how to effectively and
efficiently manage a one-person library of numerous types (e.g., academic, public, school) by learning
operational, organizational, and marketing skills to ensure that their library grows, thrives, and becomes an
integral part of their school and their community. They will also learn networking and professional
development skills to enhance their experience and maintain their connections to the library community.
Format will be weekly modules of reading assignments and written projects, with instructor assessment and
student-instructor feedback and class participation. Students will be expected to actively participate in
online discussions as an important complement to their written classwork.
Instructor: Larry Cooperman is the library director at the Orlando, FL campus of Everglades University, a four-year college providing baccalaureate degrees in construction management, aviation management, alternative medicine, and business administration. He has been a librarian since receiving his MS from Simmons College in 2002, having previously worked as the library director at ITT Technical Institute (Jacksonville, FL) and as a media specialist at Seminole High School, Sanford, FL. He has served on the Northeast Florida Library and Information Network (NEFLIN) Continuing Education Committee from 2002 to 2004 (serving as Chair in his final year) and the Florida Library Association (FLA) Scholarship Committee from 2003 to 2006. He has presented a half-day workshop, IT Resources on the Internet for Librarians, at various locations; he also writes book reviews for School Library Journal, Reference & User Services Quarterly, and College & Research Libraries News. He is a full member of the Central Florida Library Cooperative (CFLC) and the FLA; lcooperman@evergladesuniversity.edu
Using Social Bookmarking Services for Subject Guides, Course Reading Lists, and Reader Alerts
January 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Social Bookmarking Services allow anyone to produce easily updatable lists of links on any subject imaginable. Any permanent link can be used, including links into library catalogs and databases. The more advanced services allow easy addition of these lists to webpages. Participants will use the Delicious bookmarking service to assemble a collection of links on a chosen topic, and then insert those links into basic webpages, blogs, and/or RSS aggregators. Tips on organizing and displaying links will be covered.
Instructor: Rebecca Hedreen is the Coordinator for Distance Learning at Southern Connecticut State University's Buley Library. She provides reference services for students around the world to facilitate their access to library resources, and works with faculty in SCSU's online courses to provide library resources for their courses. She does workshops, presentations, and writings on Web 2.0 technologies for academic and library research.; hedreenr1@southernct.edu
Getting Beyond "It's Good . . .": Evaluating and Reviewing Books for Youth
February 1 - 28, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/22436
Learn to evaluate books for youth with a
discriminating eye! Instructor Beth Gallaway will cover terms to know and things to watch out for.
Participants should be prepared to read and write reviews of picture, nonfiction and chapter books less than
one year old, and be comfortable enough with computers to navigate Good Reads (www.goodreads.com), Library Thing (librarything.com) and Shelfari (www.shelfari.com). By the end of this session, participants will learn how
to:
- Read a book review with a critical eye
- Share online and print review resources, selection materials and resources for children's collections
- Discuss criteria for evaluating fiction and nonfiction for youth
- Text new evaluation skills by writing and editing reviews of books for youth
Advance copies and galleys to examine can be provided to early registrants. If you are NOT interested in book reviewing as part of your career development, this session will provide a solid overview of selecting for excellence that will aid collection development for youth.
Instructor: Library Journal Mover & Shaker Beth Gallawayis an independent library consultant specializing in gaming, technology, and youth services. She is the author of Game On! (Neal-Schuman, 2009). She is currently serving a two year term on the YALSA Alex Award Committee, has reviewed for VOYA and Science Books and Films, and is owner/administrator of the Hip Librarian's Book Blog (http://hiplibrariansbookblog.blog-city.com); informationgoddess29@gmail.com
Human Resources Management
February 1 - 28, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
The goal of this workshop is to provide students with an overview of human resource management functions in libraries and other information agencies. Workshop topics will include:
- Human resource management roles & functions
- Motivation in the workplace
- Recruitment & interviewing
- Orientation to the workplace
- Training & staff development
- Employee supervision
Instructor: Lisa Hussey is an Assistant Professor at Simmons College in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Her teaching focuses on management and related topics; lisa.hussey2@simmons.edu
The Open Movement and Libraries
February 1 - 28, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
"Openness" which has become a hallmark of the new Web has long been a mission in libraries. The philosophy of free and open access to information and technology has become a critical subject for information and technology leaders and practitioners. This month-long session will focus on what's happening in the realm of "open" on today's Web including an overview of open-source technologies (such as content management systems and ILS programs) which are being used by libraries today and an exploration of the latest efforts of the open access movement, open courses and learning initiatives, open conferences and "camps", and open licenses (like GPL and Creative Commons).
Students will explore weekly modules which will introduce them to open topics. They will have the opportunity to take part in weekly discussions via a private chat room, and will blog their impressions of the materials on an interactive website custom-designed for the course.
Instructor: Ellyssa Kroski, information consultant, reference librarian, and adjunct faculty member at Long Island University, Pratt Institute, and San Jose State University. Author of the blog iLibrarian and the book "Web 2.0 for Librarians and Information Professionals" (2008); ellyssakroski@yahoo.com
Teen Films: Media, Viewing, and Fandom
February 1 - 28, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Libraries are renowned for their print collections, but more and more media from films to online media are vital and important parts of collections, especially those aimed at the media-hungry teen generation. Teens devour film clips on Youtube and mashup their favorite media in fan videos and fanfiction. As titles like Harry Potter and Twilight make the leap from book to screen to graphic novel to fan videos, the lines between media blur. Films, television, online media and online participatory fan culture drive the popularity of titles and influence not only what we read but how we read. Join VOYA film columnist Robin Brenner for a workshop that is both a primer on teen films and a brainstorming venue for understanding how teens view media and how to create programs that appeal to this plugged-in group. We will discuss the challenge of creating an appealing and appropriate film and television collection, the influence of media fan activities on the source materials and spin-offs, how libraries can wisely keep up to date with pop culture trends, and best practices for related programs hosted in the library world. Students will finish the class with a firm grasp on the variety of films and television available for teens, how they can build a successful collection within their environment, how to comprehend and address fan culture, and the resources available to help them maintain a successful collection. This month long course will require the ability to watch media online via Youtube, flash, and other online media, as well as access to film collections for viewing. Viewing will be asynchronous, but should be week by week.
Instructor: Robin Brenner, Reference/Teen Librarian, Brookline, MA; robin@noflyingnotights.com
Writing for Publication
February 1 - 28, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
The "publish or perish" syndrome is one of the most difficult aspects of academic life, especially for librarians, who often don't receive adequate support from their institutions. Besides the obvious benefits of promotion and tenure, publishing in academic journals can help make your work known within the library profession and lead to other projects, such as book contracts or further collaboration with professional colleagues. This course will teach you strategies and techniques that can help you get published. In the first part of the course, we will discuss the publishing cycle from article submission to the final step of signing an author contract. The second part of the course will focus on how to take an idea and develop it into a publishable article. Some of the topics addressed in this section will be: structuring an article to fit the style guide of a journal, the importance of doing a literature review, and strategies for time management and garnering institutional support. The last section of course will discuss strategies for getting work published. Some of the topics addressed will be: how to pick the right venue, why an article is accepted or rejected for publication, and how to rewrite an article to satisfy an editor's or a peer-reviewer's objections. Students are expected to have begun or to be thinking about an article-length work for publication.
Instructor: Marta Deyrup is an associate professor/librarian II at Seton Hall University Libraries. She is the author/editor of three books and has written scholarly articles, news pieces, interviews, and book reviews for publications that include Library Administration & Management, College & Research Libraries,Technical Services Quarterly, Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Slavic and East European Journal, and Slavic and Eastern European Information Resources. She is on the editorial board of Technical Services Quarterly and is the former editor of Library Administration & Management. Marta received her Ph.D. from Columbia University and her M.L.S. from Rutgers SCILS; curtdeyrup@aol.com
Private Company Research: More Sources Than You Think
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Researching US private companies is vitally important to information and business professionals in both private and nonprofit settings. While public companies are highly regulated, resulting in lots of information, US private companies are not required to file financial or other information, and are not regulated, leaving fewer sources for uncovering information about them. This course identifies an extensive collection of sources for private company research and teaches effective search techniques critical for piecing together information about US companies in time- and cost-effective ways. Using both the Internet, Web 2.0 sources, and traditional premium (fee-based) sources, you'll learn where and how to search for the company information you need.
Participants will be expected to experiment with the tools and techniques provided in this workshop to answer their own company research questions and those of others in the workshop. Regular participation, at least once weekly, in class discussion is requested for best results in creating a high-quality synergistic learning environment for all participants.
Instructor: Amelia Kassel is President and owner of MarketingBase, a firm specializing in industry, company, and competitive and market intelligence research since 1984. Amelia taught at the graduate level for 15 years at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, four years as adjunct faculty at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, and now teaches distance education for San Jose SLIS including Online Searching, Advanced Online Searching, and Competitive Intelligence Research. Amelia is author of The Super Searchers on Wall Street and a columnist for Searcher Magazine, and she operates a successful one-on-one email-based training program for new searchers in corporations and independent information professionals starting or expanding their research businesses; amelia@marketingbase.com
Secret Formula for Successful Searching: Search Engines, Social Media, Government Sources, and More
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Everybody searches Google, but few have learned all the advanced search techniques, or how to use social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for faster, effective research. Open your eyes to the greater possibilities of finding answers to complex questions in this workshop conducted by an outstanding Internet research authority. While Google is an excellent search engine, it is rarely used to best advantage. Expert researcher Amelia Kassel will bring you to the next level of finding information for business, science, health, technology and environmental issues. Beyond discovering how to get the most from Google, you will be introduced to specialty search engines, social networking, and other sites and portals. You will learn the secret formula for finding quality information.
Participants will be expected to experiment with the tools and techniques provided in this workshop, to answer their own research questions and those of others in the workshop and present them during online discussion forums. Regular participation, at least once weekly, is requested for best results in creating a high-quality synergistic distance learning environment for all participants.
Instructor: Amelia Kassel is President and owner of MarketingBase, a firm specializing in industry, company, and competitive and market intelligence research since 1984. Amelia taught at the graduate level for 15 years at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, four years as adjunct faculty at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, and now teaches distance education for San Jose SLIS including Online Searching, Advanced Online Searching, and Competitive Intelligence Research. Amelia is author of The Super Searchers on Wall Street and a columnist for Searcher Magazine, and she operates a successful one-on-one email-based training program for new searchers in corporations and independent information professionals starting or expanding their research businesses; amelia@marketingbase.com
Wikis in Libraries: Building Interactive Collections and Knowledge Repositories
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
This workshop will provide an overview of the wiki phenomenon and distinguish its position in citizens' media and the free culture movement; explore a variety of ongoing projects in the wiki and library community, exploring the possibilities and applications for public libraries; take a close look at mediawiki extensions and semantic mediawiki; examine online wiki services and hosting options; and detail the process of producing a local library wiki and its implementation. Participants will produce a library wiki, and be able to steward and contribute to ongoing wiki projects. This is a self-paced course with discussion and email support.
Instructor: Bonnie Peirce is Head of Children's Services at the Dover Town Library and was recently profiled in Library Journal's Movers and Shakers as a 'Web 2.0 guru'. Bonnie is the founder of B3OK, http://www.b3ok.org, an open global mobile knowledge network connecting the physical and digital worlds. She is also a co-founder and CTO of thebestkidsbooksite.com, a growing and unique knowledge brokering service serving child-focused professionals and families around the world, and founder of the Library Goddesses Blog Network.
Winning Library Grants
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
In these difficult economic times, grant research and proposal writing skills are more important than ever for librarians. Grants may be the only way you can address changing needs in your community while your library budget is flat or shrinking. This online course will introduce you to the grant process from beginning to end with an emphasis on planning successful grant projects, funding sources for libraries, researching grant opportunities, preparing winning proposals, and tips, techniques and proven success stories from all types of libraries. course modules are designed to follow the instructors' Grant Process Cycle model, which illustrates how grant work is ongoing and can be easily integrated into your jobs as librarians.
Instructors: Stephanie Gerding and Pam MacKellar are experienced on both sides of the grant process, having been grant reviewers, proposal writers, and grant project administrators. Stephanie and Pam co-authored the successful book, Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, and they write the Library Grants Blog, which lists grant announcements for libraries in one easy-to-access location. They have presented workshops on grants for libraries nationwide, and they are currently working on a new book, Winning Grants: A Multimedia How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians, forthcoming in 2010.
Introduction to Virtual Worlds
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
You probably have heard the term "virtual world." You might be curious about them or even regularly take part in one yourself. There are hundreds of virtual worlds that exist (and have for many years) and are being used by public, school, and academic libraries. Not all virtual worlds are alike and chances are they will not all fit your needs. There are some similarities among them that will help to get started -- creating your avatar, networking with others, and learning and sharing knowledge. Don't be afraid to jump in and find what suits you best. Customization is important for people everywhere and our library users are no different. Interact in virtual worlds to find what fit is right for you and discover library applications for avatar creation, easy machinima, community building, library programs and more!
Instructor: Beth Gallaway is a level 80 paladin in the MMO World of Warcraft and has been a second life citizen for three years. She has dabbled in Club Penguin, Wolf Quest, Habbo, Bella Sara, Pixie Hollow, and a plethora of other online worlds. Kelly Czarnecki is a Technology Education Librarian at ImaginOn, a branch for children and teens at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. She spearheaded the Alliance Eye4You Island in Teen Second Life.
Pop Culture in Libraries
March 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Students will be introduced to the important place pop culture has in libraries. Instructors will present on a variety of materials that should be a part of every library collection: books, films, music, comics, and new media. Through in person and online meetings, required reading and screenings, students will have a chance to learn about collection development, program planning, and satisfying the needs of their patrons by providing popular materials. Students will need to access streaming video online, audio, real time internet based chats, and in person participation.
Instructor: Robin Brenner is a Reference/Teen Librarian, Brookline, MA; robin@noflyingnotights.com. Sarah Sogigian is a Trainer/Consultant for Youth Services, Metrowest MA and Boston Regional Library Systems; sarah@mmrls.org
