[OPLINLIST] Web Junction Offers Free Training for Library Staff Who Manage Public Computers

[Laura Watkins]

Managing the library's public computer programs, keeping the equipment 
operable, and satisfying the patrons using them involves a host of 
skills and knowledge.

Defining competencies for sustaining public access computing programs is 
the first step toward providing a roadmap for library staff to identify 
skills gaps through assessments and to connect to learning opportunities 
to achieve each competency.

    *  Download the pdf of the full Competencies for Sustaining Public 
Access Computing Programs 
<http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=16963>, which includes the 
Management Competencies.  
(http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=16963)
    *  Download the pdf of the Technology Competencies 
<http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=15575> only.  
(http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=15575)

WebJunction's competencies are divided into three sections---two of 
which address technical skills and knowledge and a third that addresses 
the management of public access computing programs. Technology 
Competencies for Patron Assistance defines skills that frontline library 
staff need in order to provide direct assistance to patrons on the 
public computers. The System Administration section defines skills 
necessary to set up, configure and maintain the public computers and 
networks. The Management Competencies are the umbrella over all, 
covering the master-planning, coordination and integration aspects of 
running a public access computing program.

WebJunction's general orientation is toward all public libraries across 
the spectrum with an emphasis on smaller and more rural libraries. Given 
the variety of organizational structures, it is beyond the scope of this 
project to delineate roles and classifications that apply within every 
system. Instead, we offer a menu of categories and competencies from 
which to pick and remix those that make sense to any individual library 
or library system.

The competencies are displayed in two levels of granularity. For each 
higher-level, more comprehensive competency in the left column, there is 
a list in the right column of associated skills, knowledge and/or 
attitudes by which a staff person might demonstrate that competency.

To navigate through the documents:

    *  Click the Bookmarks tab on the left of the pdf to open the linked 
Table of Contents.
    *  The longer titles indicate major section divisions.
    *  If referring back and forth to different sub-sections, keep track 
of your place by noting the page numbers at the bottom of the pdf window.
    *  To jump to a specific page, type the number into the page number 
box and press Enter.

[By Betha Gutsche, Editor, Web Junction]

-- 
Laura Watkins
Library Services Manager

Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
watkinla at oplin.org
P: 614.728.5251 | F: 614.728.5256
2323 W. 5th Avenue | Suite 130
Columbus, Ohio 43204

www.oplin.org


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