FNQ Librarians' PD Day 2007

Professional development in Far North Queensland (FNQ)

James Cook University (JCU) Library Cairns campus, hosted its third biannual Professional Development Day last November. Titled iLibrarian–iTools for the Future, the program focused on online social networking applications and the possibilities they offer for reaching library users. Over 30 local librarians gathered for an instructive and positive day. Heather Gordon, Director, Information Services & University Librarian JCU, opened the day with a presentation on the importance of online social networking applications highlighting the vast range of possibilities and opportunities that now exists for libraries. JCU Information Librarians Alan Cockerill, Bronwen Forster and Nicole Johnston followed, demonstrating social networking applications such as iGoogle, blogs, wikis, Library Thing, and Second Life to name a few. Most of the workshop attendees had limited experience with these applications, and many admitted not understanding the attraction of an online social life. However the advantages for libraries in using such tools was obvious. It will be interesting to see what online applications are picked up by respective libraries over 2008.

The PD day would not have gone ahead without the support of the local library community - presenters, organising committee members, helpers, and everyone who came along and supported the event. JCU Library undertook most of the organisation for the day and deserve a special mention. A FNQ librarians’ blog has been set up and is used by local librarians as a means of keeping in touch while practising newly-acquired skills.

Prior to organising the PD day, local librarians expressed an interest in finding out about ALIA’s Professional Development Scheme. Consequently, I took the opportunity to promote ALIA’s PD Scheme with the help of a presentation supplied by Karen Mills (ALIA PD Officer). It is important to remember that being remote librarians doesn’t mean we can’t make or find opportunities to expand our skills.

Claire Ovaska
Technical Librarian for Regional Aviation

Taken from: Ovaska, C (2008). Professional Development in Far North Queensland (FNQ). inCite, 29(3), p. 27.

Presentations from the November workshop

Introduction to iTools by Heather Gordon, JCU Director of Information Services and University Librarian
iGoogle by Alan Cockerill, JCU Information Librarian
Powerpoint presentation: big file (3mb), pdf

Successful Biennial Workshop: iLibrarians – iTools for the Future

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the day - presenters, the organising committee, helpers, and those who came along and supported the event. JCU Library shouldered most of the burden of organising and holding the day and so deserves a special mention.

To keep the momentum going, it would be fantastic if another library hosted another day where we could all create/apply some of the tools discussed during the workshop. Hosting and organising a professional development day is an excellent way to hone your management and communication skills. It’s also a great way to promote yourself and your organisation.

We will continue to use this blog to post useful information to inform and entertain us.

Claire & Bronwen

Related readings for upcoming workshop

Make the most of the upcoming workshop by getting familiar with the topic of social networking.

A great article by John McBurnie via the Online journal Freepint titled, Your Online Identity: Key to Marketing and Being Found.

Building a Social Networking Environment at the Library by Steve Campion, system trainer at Pierce County (WA) Library

The following are from the Educause website have an education bent however they provide a useful overview of the tool.
7 Things to know about RSS
7 Things to know about Facebook and Facebook 2
7 Things to know about Social Bookmarking
7 Things to know about Podcasting
7 Things to know about Collaborative Editing
7 Things to know about Wikipedia

Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries by Jack M. Maness MLS, University of Colorado at Boulder Libraries

Check out Wikipedia for informative articles including one on Second Life

Professional Development Workshop

iLibrarians - iTools for the Future

We will be looking at some of the iTools that are available for librarians to reach new generations of library users.

Program: Workshop Program

ALIA PD Point Value: 1 point for each hour of attendance
Date/Time: 7 November 2007 from 9.30am to 4pm
Venue: James Cook University Library (Cairns campus), room B1.107

Cost: $25 (includes refreshments and lunch)

Pay on the day at the Loan's Desk

RSVP: by 31 October 2007 to Claire Ovaska (RSVP form)