Citting pretty

Like the play on words? Last week I started working on Staff Development at our central library in the city. It was different, but something I know I will enjoy because of that. My colleague does have quite a workload, so anything I can do to help while she works on her special project, I am willing. When we looked at how much time I have been released from my Information Services position to help her though (8 hrs p/w approx. 20 times), it is sure to go fast.

One of the first tasks I was given to do when I started a month ago, was to organise an induction morning for new library staff. It happened last Thursday and overall, was a success. It included chats from the Library Executive, a presentation from a very willing existing staff member, morning tea, a game (speed dating, which everyone seemed to enjoy) and a tour of one of our libraries for those who were interested. I asked one of the participants if they enjoyed themselves and they did, so that is all I could have asked for. Of course, there are always things you could do better, (less formal at the start, better setup of the game) but that’s for next time and I hope there will be a next time.

Next week, after I tidy up a few things from the Induction and evaluate what I thought of it, it will then be on to looking at mini-lunges ISTs and what can be done. As a follow on from 21 Lunges, which I am taking Robyn through at the moment, the champions and the Staff Development Co-ordinator felt that maybe some short, sharp training sessions led by staff experts on particular Web 2.0 tools, with hands-on time included, would spark more staff interest in Web 2.0.

Talking about the Library Technicians Conference, the brochure of the program has just come out, and it looks like we will be presenting at 2.00pm on Thursday the 17th September under the theme ‘Technique’. But I wish they had spelt my name right and acknowledged Robyn! Now I just have to decide whether I’m going to attend the whole conference or just one day. Still got time. And we must get more of a wriggle on. I don’t want time becoming our enemy. Big discussion point of our Wednesday meeting this week.

I’ve finished looking through all the lunges, and the last ones don’t seem to need any tweaking or additions, which is good. I hope Robyn doesn’t have any more technical difficulties with access though.