UPDATE VIA TWITTER: mstephens7 @lorireed We’re postponing! I will post new date ASAP.

I am sure it will be worth the wait!

Are you doing tech training for your staff? What challenges are you facing? What successes have you had? I would love to hear your story and thoughts. Please comment or email me at reedlori “at” gmail.com. I’ll be glad to read your responses or set up a time to call you.

By the way Sarah Houghton-Jan gave another fabulous OPAL presentation today on Technology Training and Competencies for Libraries. If you missed it check the OPAL Archives to view a recording. Sarah had a lot of great ideas to share whether you are just beginning or have an established technology competencies program.

It’s the final day of Employee Learning Week 2007. Today’s topic is Learning @ PLCMC and Beyond.

Learning is a year round event, and we in the library know that better than any other industry. Whether it’s training in the areas of computers and technology or learning to manage your time, PLCMC offers a variety of opportunities for you to learn and develop.

While the training calendar covers many of our staff workshops, training, and meetings—that’s just a snippet of what’s available. Here are some additional sites you might want to check out

Mecklenburg County Power of Learning

• What: Through a partnership with Mecklenburg County, library staff can sign up for most classes that Mecklenburg County offers. Classes cover everything from basic business writing to effective management skills.

• Where: Power of Learning schedule is available on the training calendar. Look for the Spring 2008 schedule to be posted soon.

• How: Contact Julia Lanham to register for Mecklenburg County classes.

State Library of North Carolina Continuing Education Opportunities

• What: Training available to library staff at any North Carolina library. Training topics this past fall included NC Live products, Spanish outreach, and Web 2.0

• Where: Link to the State Library website can be found from the training calendar on PLCMC Central.

• How: For face-to-face classes follow the registration procedure on the state library website, and complete a Continuing Ed Request form. For online* classes follow the registration procedure on the state library website.

OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries)

• What: OPAL offers free programs online for both library staff and patrons. Programs include author interviews, book talks, Second Life, technology and more.
• Where: The schedule of OPAL programs can be found at: http://www.opal-online.org/progschrono.htm. You can listen to archived programs too! The list of archived programs can be found at: http://www.opal-online.org/archive.htm.
• How: Registration is not required. All of these programs are online* and require a plug-in for OPAL. At least one week before training follow the instructions on the OPAL website to test your computer to make sure the plug-in is current.

SirsiDynix Institute

• What: SirsiDynix offers webinars for the library community. Programs cover a variety of topics related to library service and technology. Programs are archived and available online at the site below.
• Where: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/.
• How: Follow the registration procedure on the SirsiDynix website. All programs are offered online* and may require special software downloads.

WebJunction ELearning Institute

• What: WebJunction is co-op of library staff who share information relating to libraries and technology, training, outreach. In January look for “10 Ways to Make Your Library Great in 2008.”
• Where: Current schedule and archived events: http://www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=12365
• How: Follow the registration procedure on the WebJunction website. All programs are offered online and may require special software downloads.

* Online classes and webinars may require special software or equipment for your computer. Contact Lori Reed for assistance at least a week before the program.