SLRC Workshops
The State Library Resource Center has developed a series of subject workshops, many of which have been featured during SLRC tours. SLRC staff can bring these workshops to your system or region on request. The length and content of the individual workshops can be tailored to your needs. Please contact Helen Blumberg, SLRC Training Coordinator, (hblumber@prattlibrary.org or 410 396-5484) to make arrangements for any of the following workshops:
African American Resources
Includes a presentation and discussion of materials, means and methods of identifying publishers and distributors of African American materials; a worksheet with representative questions; and a roundtable discussion on resources, research techniques, and reference questions.
Basic Reference
Focusing on staff beginning reference work, as well as those who would like a refresher, this workshop begins with a brief review of the Model Reference Behaviors. Participants will increase their knowledge of 10 of the most frequently used print resources through hands-on exercises giving them an opportunity to test their skills and share impressions.
Beyond Basic Reference: What's New and Using the Web
This intermediate level workshop is designed for staff already familiar with the Model Reference Behaviors and basic reference sources. The workshop compares various web sites in categories such as biographies, dictionaries, and directories. Participants will come away with increased knowledge and expertise in using these web sites to answer questions from their customers. This workshop is especially useful for branches with smaller reference collections.
Book Discussion Groups
Participants receive practical information on starting and maintaining a group, choosing books, and conducting discussions, for adult as well as young adult book discussion groups.
Book Discussions for Grades 3-6
Learn how to create a dynamic book discussion group with open, natural literary conversations and stimulating activities.
Booktalking with Pizzazz
Learn basic booktalking skills with a creative spin. Participants have a chance to present a booktalk and receive constructive feedback. 3 hour workshop
Business Database Training
This workshop provides hands-on training for using business databases to find business information such as industry trends, company and product information, and investing information. We will concentrate on the database EBSCO/host/ and the Census Web page. The needs and available electronic resources of the library system will set this training's tone. This workshop can be tailored to participants' needs.
Business Resources
Covers evaluation, analysis and use of business resources. Includes resources on starting a business; how to locate information on a particular company; business ranking and statistics; investment information and taxes; and electronic and Internet resources. Half-day or full-day sessions. An annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources available at SLRC is provided.
Census
Reviews basic census and demographic concepts. Discusses how to access current demographic data and maps in the public library and how to best use census data. Identifies and explains useful Web sites and other electronic systems.
Collection Development: From the Reference Desk
Participants will learn basic principles of collection development from the public service perspective including: collection evaluation, weeding, maintenance and ordering.
Creating Creative Book-Based Programs for Children
Ideas to enhance the books you choose to use. With an emphasis on preschool and early elementary age programs, combine storytelling, fingerplays, music, props, flannel board, crafts and science experiments to freshen up your presentations. 1 hour workshop (could be expanded to 1 1/2 hr)
Customer Service beyond the Model Reference Behaviors
Intended for staff already familiar with the Model Reference Behaviors, this workshop takes the basic principles of the Model Reference Behaviors and then explores how to expand them and create a value-added experience for customers. Through exercises and guided discussion, participants discuss their own positive and negative experiences with customer service, and develop skills in converting challenging situations into positive outcomes.
Cyber Bullying, Digital Disrespect, Privacy Invasion, and Textual Harassment: Beyond Filters in Teen Tech Library Safety
This program will give librarians the information, tips, and tools they need so they can offer day-to-day advice and lead successful programs for parents and/or teens about digital safety.
Displays: Boost Your Circulation
Using a brief comparison of bookstores and libraries participants will learn better ways to merchandise the materials available at their library. Examples of some fundamental display guidelines will be shown, as well as an opportunity to practice your new-found display skills.
Genealogy
Basics in collection development and public service techniques for genealogical research. Includes reference tools such as county histories, periodical sources, and microform sources, as well as Internet sites and outside agencies. Separate sessions on African American genealogy, Internet sources, and vital records are also offered.
Google…Mostly
Designed for staff who use Google as their main search engine, but wonder if they are using it as well as they can. This workshop focuses on whether using a search engine is the best tool; if it is, staff look at advanced features of Google and suggestions on ways to get better or faster results.
History 101: Working with History Questions in the Public Library
This workshop offers helpful guidelines and a look at general resources of use to librarians in answering history questions. Participants will gain experience in using electronic databases available through Sailor such as History Resource Center: US and History Resource Center: World to answer history-related questions. We will also explore history websites featured in the EPFL subject guides on U.S. and world history.
How Much is My Old Book Worth?
“I found this old book – can I sell it and retire?” Customers often don’t know where to start in researching the old and out-of-print books they inherit, find or purchase. This workshop shares information about terminology, history, and what to look for in a collectible book. The talk includes a “show and tell” with example books and suggestions on appraisal referrals.
I Don’t Have Anything Good to Read: Reader’s Advisory for Children
How can you make suggestions to children based on their reading levels and general interests? Putting the right book in a child’s hand at the right time is an art. We will help you find solutions for all your non-readers, picky readers, and omnivorous readers.
Intellectual Freedom
Experience a brief overview of the issues surrounding Intellectual Freedom and learn about resources for protecting and educating your customers. Includes real-world examples of library challenges with censorship and privacy.
Introduction to Nonprofit Resources
Find out about the treasure-trove of non-profit resources that are available at the State Library Resource Center, your library, and even online. During this session you will learn ways to approach common nonprofit questions, such as how to start a nonprofit, where and how to find grants, finding examples of by-laws and where to find consultants to help organizations.
Investment
Discusses investment resources available at SLRC and on the Internet. Includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and commodities, with a special emphasis on the Value Line Investment Survey. An annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources at SLRC is provided.
Job Searching 101 : Helping Your Customers with the Job Search
Over the course of the presentation, participants will learn online and print resources available for job seekers and become familiar with current resume and interviewing techniques. Participants will also learn how to put together a job seeker’s toolkit.
Legal Research for Public Librarians: Working with Federal Law
This workshop starts by looking at the types of legal questions that public librarians can answer and then focuses on law resources available on the Web with a special concentration on U.S. Government legal resources such as THOMAS and GPO Access. The objectives of this workshop are to increase the level of comfort for librarians dealing with legal questions and to develop familiarity with sources of Federal law and how they work.
Legal Research for Public Librarians: Working with Maryland Law
Introduces participants to the most useful sources in print and on the Internet for providing legal reference service in the public library. Emphasis is placed on statutes, regulations and court opinions. Instruction includes both state and local laws. Includes discussion of how legal questions should be handled by public service staff.
Listeners’ and Viewers’ Advisory for Adults
In today’s world of diverse digital media (iPods, Nooks, Kindles, mp3 players, laptops), “readers’ advisory” encompasses more than just print books. This workshop offers tips on how to conduct listeners’ and viewers’ advisory interviews; how to recommend audiobooks and movies based on user appeal factors and listening/viewing history; where to locate useful web and print review resources; and how to anticipate collection needs.
Literary Criticism Resources
An introduction to basic resources and more advanced uses of electronic and paper resources used to research literary criticism. Instruction in using the Gale Literature Resource Center, useful Web site links, bibliographies, how to find online texts, and how the State Library Resource Center can help. A specific guide to Shakespeare is also included.
Maryland Genealogy
Introductory session that introduces public service staff to common genealogical sources, databases and relevant Internet locations for finding state-based information. Second portion of the program reviews useful sources in the State Library Resource Center collection and how to access them.
Maryland History
Emphasizes reference service related to local history in Maryland. Participants work with basic facts related to the origin and growth of our state. Covers core collections, ready reference, county and municipal histories, biographical information, geography and a look at common inquiries.
Math for Librarians
If you shudder at the prospect of helping a customer with a math problem, fear no more. This workshop is designed for librarians who range from rusty to math-phobic to have a better understanding of the types of math questions we receive and what the best resources are to help our customers answer them. Fractions, percents, algebra, geometry, measurements, and word problems will be covered.
Medical Reference
Covers consumer health resources available at the State Library Resource Center and in most libraries, with an annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources in SLRC's collection. Discusses the evaluation of print and electronic resources, with emphasis on the importance of authority and timeliness of medical materials. Includes a discussion of the sensitive and personal nature of medical issues and the most professional way to handle patrons' questions.
Model Reference Behaviors: the Reference Interview Made Simple
This workshop focuses on those behaviors most useful in helping library staff discover the customer’s real information need. Participants will come away from this workshop with an appreciation of the importance of the reference interview as well as with an understanding of the background factors that can sometimes interfere with a reference transaction. Through role-playing in triads, participants will develop familiarity with the individual behaviors and techniques involved in the successful reference interview.
Readers' Advisory for Adults
How do you match the reader with the right book at the right time? Learn how to conduct a readers’ advisory interview, identify appeal factors for adult fiction and nonfiction, create your own files for readers’ advisory service, and ‘read’ a book in 5 minutes!
Roadblocks and Detours in Genealogy
Help your customers avoid getting stuck when doing genealogical research. We’ll share tips to finding that missing branch or leaf on the family tree.
Real Estate
This workshop is an in-depth look into the many online, Web-based real estate resources available. The focus of this program is making the most of searching Web sites, such as Bankrate.com and the many federal and state government sites to assist people with all aspects of home buying including finding property and financing.
Science & Technology
Covers basic print resources, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, available in most libraries for answering science and technology questions. Primary focus on the hard sciences, as well as food and automobiles. Also discusses science fair projects, biographical resources, and patents. Includes an annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources available at the State Library Resource Center.
Small Business
Highlights topics of interest to small business owners or future entrepreneurs. Includes business plans, marketing information, statistics, demographics, industry information, economic census and resources specific to Mary land businesses. Special emphasis is placed on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Includes electronic and Internet resources. Includes an annotated bibliography of print and electronic resources available at the State Library Resource Center.
Social Media and Libraries
You’ve probably heard about Social Media or Web 2.0 but maybe aren’t quite sure how you can implement it at your library, or if you should even try it out. During this session we will discuss what web 2.0 is and provide best practices for many of the tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Social Bookmarking sites, RSS feed and Pod/Videocasting.
Storytelling
Focuses on traditional storytelling techniques as well as techniques using flannel boards, cut and tell, draw and tell, and props. This workshop is for non-tellers.
Train the Trainer
Learn how to develop and provide effective training for the public or staff. This workshop covers concepts such as adult learning, tips for being an effective trainer, handling disruptive participants and preparing the program itself.
What is Reference Now?
The primary purpose of this workshop is to develop a better understanding of how technology has transformed our role as information specialists. Participants will review and compare how to evaluate print, electronic, and web resources. Through a discussion of challenging reference questions, participants will use their reference interview skills and knowledge of resources to effectively combine the use of print, electronic, and web resources.