Creating Web Site Indexes
June 1 - 30, 2010
$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
May 1-31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
"Strategic Information
Arrangement" takes an entertaining look at the building blocks of order, especially arrangement styles for
organized information. These are the skills you need to display information, whether in taxonomy,
classification, or structured lists. Understanding these strategies helps you build ordered arrangements that
persuade users. Lack of understanding can inadvertently send users in the opposite direction. Since all
information has order, even if only random, each arrangement structure you build is an opportunity to
persuade or to accidentally dissuade.
Futurist Ray Kurzweil believes "order is more profound than information" because it "fits a purpose." This course helps you develop profound order with fifteen list structures, six hierarchic methods, and five persuasive strategies. Katherine's client Snoopy is on hand to explain some of the concepts. Nevada's Burning Man art festival and the Rolling Stones also make an appearance. You learn how each technique fits a unique purpose and how to persuasively exploit these techniques.
For Memorial Day, we review the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme from World War I, each with similar information and goals, yet requiring different name arrangement strategies. In the optional assignment, you design a hierarchic structure with provided material. Assignments are critiqued by Katherine, the only expert focusing on persuasive arrangement.
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 persuasive information presentation. A pioneer in non-traditional classification, Katherine built her first taxonomy in 1978. 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 former Chair of SLA's Library Management Division and Information Futurists Caucus. Katherine's essays on information arrangement appear on IsisInBlog. Print publications include "The Future Still Awaits Us: Ray Kurzweil's Singularity on Wall Street" (Searcher, July-August, 2009),"Beyond Findability: Organizing Information in the Age of the Miscellaneous" (Searcher, February, 2009), and "Happiness is Taxonomy: Four Structures for Snoopy" (Information Outlook, March, 2004).; katherine@isisinform.com.
Photo Credit: "The Temple of Joy at Night," © Jim Hammer and Burning Man. More photos by Jim Hammer at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrscience
Information Entrepreneurship
July 1 - 31, 2010
$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.
Recommended Book List:
- Bates, M.E. (2010). Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional. Medford, NJ: Cyberage Books, Information Today. http://infotoday.stores.yahoo.net/building-and-running-a-successful-research-business-2nd-editio2.html
- Gordon, R.S. (2008). What's the Alternative? Career Options for Librarians and Info Pros. Medford, NJ: Information Today. Available through Amazon: 1573873330.
- Sabroski, S. (2002). Super Searchers Make It On Their Own. Medford, NJ: Cyberage Books, Information Today. Available through Amazon: 0910965595.
- Dority, G.K. (2006). Rethinking Information Work: A Career Guide for Librarians and Other Information
Professionals. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Available through Amazon: 159158180X.
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
Extending Mobile Library Services with QR Codes
June 1 - 30, 2010
$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
Discovering Game: Game Design for Librarians
March 1 - 31, 2010
July 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.
The Career-Savvy Information Professional
March 1 - 31, 2010
July 1 - 30, 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
March 1 - 31, 2010 SESSION FULL
May 1 - 31, 2010
August 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
Keeping Up With New Technologies, While Keeping Your Sanity
April 1 - 30, 2010
$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
ILL and Resource Sharing: Best Practices, Practical Innovations, and New Directions
January 4 - February 3, 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 Library
June 1 - 30, 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 users about your services. Marketing does not have to cost much money and you don't have to devote an entire position to it in order to raise the visibility of your library. In fact, you don't even have to know marketing lingo — such as SWOT analysis, marketing audits, 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 online and offline marketing efforts that individual participants can get up-and-running without too much effort. The class will draw on marketing lessons learned from outside the library world as well as proven marketing successes in both public and academic libraries.
In this workshop, participants will:
- recognize opportunities for partnerships with other units ("marketing opportunities");
- identify main user groups and focus on soliciting user-centered feedback;
- learn to position themselves and their libraries as active participants in their communities;
- attempt to re-envision library services in terms of their "return on investment"
- receive peer and instructor feedback on a promotional idea or plan
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.
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 4 - February 3, 2010
June 1 - 30, 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
Using Social Bookmarking Services for Subject Guides, Course Reading Lists, and Reader Alerts
January 4 - February 3, 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 ages 0-18
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
two years old, and be comfortable enough with computers to navigate Good Reads (www.goodreads.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 youth collections
- Discuss criteria for evaluating picture books, informational books, chapter books and other materials for youth
- Test new evaluation skills by writing and editing reviews of books for youth
Advance copies and galleys to examine can be provided to those who register by January 15. 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
Getting Beyond "It's Good . . .": Evaluating and Reviewing Books for Youth
August 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Preview at: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/22436
Learn to evaluate books for youth ages 0-18
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, informational and chapter books less
than three years old, and be comfortable enough with computers to navigate Good Reads (www.goodreads.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 youth collections
- Discuss criteria for evaluating picture books, informational books, chapter books and other materials for youth
- Test new evaluation skills by writing and editing reviews of books for youth
The goal is for everyone to become practiced at each format, but age ranges are not specified for any of the review categories. Participants may choose to focus reviews within each format on materials for whatever age group they serve.
Advance review copies or galleys to examine can be provided to those who register by July 15, 2010 . If you are NOT interested in book reviewing as part of your professional 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 CANCELED
$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 CANCELED
$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 CANCELED
$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
July 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 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, audio, real time internet based chats, and participate online.
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
Digital Copyright
May 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
This four-week workshop gives students a hands-on, nonacademic view of copyright. Bring your own real-life scenarios for class discussion. Who owns the works I create? When can I use text, images and music 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 or another user exception in copyright law allows your use. If the user exceptions don'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 (optional).
Threaded discussions with classmates and the instructor will be the primary means of teaching.
Instructor: Mary Minow, J.D., A.M.L.S. is a Library Law consultant at librarylaw.com; simmons@librarylaw.com
Managing and Growing Youth Services Collections in the Digital Age
August 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Are you finding the patterns of use of your collections is changing as children and teens find more information, knowledge, multimedia tools, and 'traditional' library materials online? Are you looking for new or additional ways to increase your perceived value, your use, your circulation, and build your collections in the digital age? Do you want your institution to reach and actively engage more children and teens and build a broader sense of community within its locale? If this is what you are looking to do , this is the course for you.
During this course we will look at Library Youth Collections and examine:
- Physical collections, layouts, and resources
- Digital collections and the integration of basic to more complex web resources into the library
- Mobile knowledge, information, and tools
- The Digital Natives and their approach to information-seeking and community
- Access to your Collections
- The marketing of your collections
- Community engagement and your collections
- Interactive games, game play, and your collections
- Growth of your collections and possible, affordable, knowledge extensions to consider at your library and within your community.
Participants will leave with practical, affordable, and easily implemenaible ways to manage and enhance their youth collections to engage and connect with a larger audience.
Instructor: Bonnie Peirceis 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.
They're Googling You: Online Identity for LIS Professionals
May 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
Should you separate your professional online identity from the personal, and if so, how? Self-promotion and branding is becoming increasingly important as library professionals face dwindling traditional employment opportunities, due to layoffs, downsizing, budget cuts, and library closings. On a more positive note, library staff wishing to contribute back to the profession may want to hone a professional identity that makes one marketable for teaching and training purposes, conference speaking or consulting. Developing a professional online identity for either purpose may be a challenging and rewarding endeavor.
Through setting up a blog style website for personal/professional promotion, participants will:
- Explore and evaluate online applications and social networking tools for professional development, self-promotion, and branding purposes
- Discuss identity and how you represent yourself professionally online
- Discover how to make yourself googleable
- Address online privacy and safety concerns
Instructor: Beth Gallaway, author of Game On: Gaming at the Library (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.
Jason Puckett, a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, is the Librarian for Communication and Educational Technologies at GSU in Atlanta (the liason for the Journalism and Speech Programs) and works with instructional technology. He writes about libraries, teaching, technology, fun, and the places those things intersect; jason@librarianx.net.
Genealogy Information Services
August 1 - 31, 2010
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni price $200)
This four-week online workshop will prepare students to provide library and archival services to genealogists. Students will acquire a practical knowledge of genealogical users and resources and explore related topics including reference, cataloging, collection development, outreach, and professional development.
Instructor: Irene Hansen is a Ph.D. student in Library and Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a background in genealogy. She also is a reference librarian at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Irene also worked at the Local & Family History Section of The Newberry Library, the Special Collections Dept. of the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Illinois Historical Survey in Urbana-Champaign, and the Genealogy Dept. of the Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana; ihansen@wisc.edu.
Instructional Design: Creating Effective Materials for Online Learning
July 1 - 31, 2010
$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
Bill Wisser is an Instructional Designer in the Department of Academic Technology at Simmons College. He helps faculty re-conceptualize their traditional classes for online or blended delivery. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and brings over seven years of classroom experience in both small and large universities to the position. Recently, he served as coordinator for an initiative to develop and disseminate an academic writing support tool to all North Carolina system schools. He is interested in efforts to support students in the learning process and ensuring that effective teaching practices are maintained in the online environment; bill.wisser@simmons.edu.
