New York State Library

NOVEL: New York Online Virtual Electronic Library

As part of their final reports, library systems were asked to describe successful activities concerning their NOVEL training. The following is a compilation of the activities that worked best for them.

Training

General

• Use a needs assessment survey before training
• Be aggressive in scheduling training - didn't wait to be asked
• Schedule training sessions "on-site" at individual libraries
• Have hot links and support materials on the system web site available during and after training sessions
• Hold regional training sessions
• Keep training sessions to one hour and to one topic
• Use retired librarians to do training

Target Audience

• Collaborate on training sessions with the local Teacher's Center
• Target training at libraries with low usage statistics
• Integrate NOVEL training into library automation training and computer classes
• Integrate NOVEL training into district's new teacher training sessions
• Coordinate with other BOCES departments such as Center for Learning Technology and the Bilingual ESL Tech Assistance Center
• Offer curriculum integration database training to teams of teachers and librarians so teachers can integrate the use of NOVEL databases into their lesson plans and Webquests

For Trainers

• Train the Model Schools trainers so they can then train classroom teachers
• Use one-on-one training techniques
• Divide training sessions into beginner, intermediate and advanced training
• Use a "train-the trainer" approach
• Train library staff in teaching techniques
• Use video conferencing for staff training

Promotion

General

• Upgrade individual library web sites to enhance NOVEL visibility
• Print a "rack card" that gives access information about the NOVEL databases and attaching it to library computers
• Cooperate with several library systems to produce radio and TV commercials
• Put NOVEL database journal links into the online catalog
• Create collaborative brochures with neighboring library systems
• Print brochures with remote access logins for individual libraries
• Post NOVEL "Infobits" on already existing listservs
• Develop a portable display and purchasing booth space at Chamber of Commerce trade shows and other conferences
• Use a cohesive and multifaceted marketing campaign - posters, brochures, displays, bookmarks, newspaper advertising, etc.

Target Audience

• Promote to local educational institutions that serve adults, such as a local business college
• Demonstrate the NOVEL databases at faculty and other administrative meetings, in addition to Parents' Nights and district-wide technology fairs
• Target promotion & training: business people; community groups such as girl scouts, volunteer firemen, Kiwanis, historical societies and fitness clubs; job seekers; leaders of non-profit groups; special libraries; archivists
• Hold special training sessions for library trustees, volunteers & library friends groups
• Invite local officials and legislators to NOVEL events & for hands-on training sessions

Educational Tools

• Place NOVEL training tutorials on web sites
• Use a follow-up survey to query workshop participants on their use of NOVEL since training - publicize results or use to improve future training
• Post the training session schedule on the system web site
• Ensure that local public librarians are present at training for the public
• Create a variety of presentation formats: CD, video, power point, desktop sign holders
• Offer the NOVEL tool kit brochure in languages common in your community

Last reviewed/modified on October 13, 2005 -- asm
For further information, contact Mary Linda Todd
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/novel/invgrant/trng-pro.htm