Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Day 2 CE Forum 2009

Today started with 7 minute State Reports -- with a timer and a large clock we made it through almost 30 state reports within a couple of hours! Some basic themes including doing more with less $$$, training for all levels: support, management, and trustees, children services, and teen services.

Dr. John Moorman, Director of Williamsburg Library, spoke to the group about the importance of CE for library staff. Lisa Varga, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, spoke to the group about Wow! That's Cool! ongoing technology tools!

Going out to dinner at Christinia Campbell Tavern soon!

Monday, August 24, 2009

2009 CE FORUM

This evening was the beginning of the 2009 CE Forum for Continuing Education Consultants from state library agencies throughout the United States. Around 30 consultants are meeting this week in Williamsburg, VA to share success stories, as well as talk about library trends in continuing education and discuss challenges.

Monday evening was a great networking session with Cindy Church, CE Consultant for Virginia State Library -- who also is responsible for organizing this week's event. Virginia State Librarian Sandy Treadway, welcomed the participants. It was also an opportunity to network and renew acquaintences as well as welcome the newcomers.

A great ice breaker used fortune cookies and the creativity of the participants to connect the fortune to what they are doing in their state with CE. Click here to see photos

Here are some key points we will be working on this week:
  • Communication is more integral today than ever before
  • Focus on the positive
  • Developing relationships
  • Handling people with respect
  • CE is a lifelong journey
  • Looking forward after agreemennt
  • Choosing your attitude

To follow the rest of the week's activity -- check on the CE Wiki

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Libraries = Learning Organizations Part 2

On August 13, the Idaho Commission for Libraries held its second online conference in the Libraries = Learning Organization series. It was a great success. Go to the Libraries = Learning Organization link to view the archives and handouts.

Golden nuggets and questions from participants:

  • We are great self-directed learners, if we need or want to learn it!
  • If I stop learning, I am not as bale to help student or faculty.
  • Formal online education with required posts and assignments, keeps me focused.
  • Learning cohorts really make a difference -- getting together with others to learn / take a class.
  • Going to encourage more widespread learning opportunities for our whole team.
  • We have to adapt to the teaching styles of others.
  • Being aware of my learning style makes me more aware of other's learning styles.
  • Supervisors in learning organizations are more like coaches, mentors, leaders.
  • Can someone become a self-directed learner if it's not their natural style?
  • I wonder how many library staff have a read/write learning style?
  • How does my learning style afftect my feelings about online learning?

Growing Learning Champions

Motivation to learn seems to be a constant theme I hear from supervisors and library directors. It is a tough sell, especially if individuals have had a bad "education" experience during their life's journey. Sandra Smith from Denver Public Library has posted great strategies for growing learning champions! Here are a few:
  • Do get out of your cubicle and talk learning and training with anyone and everyone!
  • Do involve staff at all levels, inviting them to contribute and participate.
  • Do provide support for those who participate in training.
  • Do use and promote training as a development opportunity for staff.
  • Do publicize what's going on in your world.

And there is more, just check out Growing Learning Champions at Denver Public Library to see how you can grow learning champions at your library!

I would like to add ... don't forget to celebrate yours and others learning accomplishments! Balloons, chocolate, or alohas ... all work well to bring recognition to the importance of learning.