30 minute training modules OR

Database training can be fun

ProblemWonderful eResources that are under utilisedCombined library/council service where focus is not

always on library training-and not all staff have library qualifications

Lack of staff awareness of eResources – not good for promoting our service to customers

Lack of staff time for in depth training in library eResources by reference staff

That ‘eyes glazed over’ look from staff at indepth database training sessions

SolutionRecognise/accept that an in depth knowledge of

databases is not required by counter staffDesign training programs to cover the main points of our

eResources that staff can complete in 30 minutes – either when they have off the counter time or in slow periods at the counter

Created on powerpoint using screen shots and commentsYes, we know each database has wonderful help – but we

needed to make it more attractive

Admin stuff At end of each training module staff are required to

answer questions using that resourceQuestions are designed to make them ‘play’ and discover

for themselvesAnswers are emailed to their manager. At the completion

of all of the sessions their training file is updated as it is considered ‘significant on the job training’

Example of questionsMy mum has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Do you have

anything that explains what it is?

I need to pick an event that happened between 200 BCE and 0 CE. Any ideas?

I only like fast paced novels. What do you suggest?

I am looking for the article that was in the Sydney Morning Herald in January 2003 written by the late Peter Roebuck about Steve Waugh’s century at the SCG.

Please email the result to yourmanager@their email address with ‘Consumer Health Training Completed’ in the subject line

Hurdles Had to choose the main points of the database- as

reference staff we think they are all main points! Overcoming the ‘I am too busy’ mentalityWhen creating the files the default save is alphabetical.

This meant that Academic search elite was first – not good for those staff who are not confident or happy trainees! To overcome this they were saved in a manner that reflects what counter staff are more likely to use on an everyday basis

What staff see first now

Includes find legal answers and drug info websites

Under databases for everyday use - in the order of what we see as most relevant to daily use by counter staff

This is the first

session – many

staff are not aware of the

full range

of produc

ts

These databases are considered slightly more advanced

ResultsStaff who have completed the training modules report

they are more confident in promoting them to customersAs a consequence of that, database usage has improved

(ok slightly, but we will take it)Staff who have completed the modules have been

overheard promoting the training to reluctant staffTraining modules have been improved/altered as a result

of staff feedback

Ongoing concernsWhilst most staff have been great in taking up the

training challenge some staff and managers still see training as a low priority – this needs to be constantly challenged

Every time a database interface changes the modules will have to be updated! (thank you NoveList Plus)

We are: Information Services Manager Susan Manahan susan.manahan@wyong.nsw.gov.au

Reference Librarian Michelle Goldsmith michelle.goldsmith@wyong.nsw.gov.au