OLC OFFERS Online Learning Anytime, Anyplace

Ohio Libraries, Summer 2005 by Betts, Mackenzie

Ohio Reference Excellence (ORE) on the Web

Orientation: Web-Based Training for New Public Library Employees

Marketing the Library

Where can library staff learn the basic resources considered essential for reference work, study the best promotion strategies for library marketing, and direct new employees for a comprehensive overview of the purpose and organization of public librariesanytime, anyplace?

The OLC's online learning programs are accessible from the OLC Web site's home page (www.olc.org) 24 hours a day.

Thousands of people use the OLC's online learning programs each month. The OLC has received requests from library organizations in numerous other states as well as other countries, such as Australia, Tazmania, India, Great Britain, and Portugal to link to these online learning programs and in some cases adapt the programs for their own use.

According to Wayne Piper, OLC's Professional Development Director, "The programs are a direct result of an OLC member's recommendation. Marie Lorz, the former director of the London Public Library, recommended that I take a look at an orientation program developed by a regional library in Colorado. It's a great example of member input guiding the focus of OLC's initiatives."

The initial development of "Ohio Reference Excellence (ORE) on the Web" and "Orientation: Web-Based Training for New Public Library Employees" in 2000 was made possible with funding from LSTA grants through the State Library of Ohio. "Marketing the Library" was commissioned in 2003 by the Ohio Library Foundation with financial support provided by the Drew Carey Fund. Because these online learning programs were funded with grants, access to them is free to the libraries in Ohio and throughout the world.

The OLC provides the necessary financial support to maintain the online programs through the OLC Web site (www.olc.org) and to update the programs with new information and resources each year. "This is a valuable benefit to OLC members and a big part of OLC's commitment to providing continuing education opportunities in a variety of formats," said Doug Evans, OLC's Executive Director.

The programs were developed and designed by Deana Noack of Deana Noack Web Design and are updated annually to reflect changes in library processes and technology.

New content for 2005 includes information regarding virtual/remote reference services in "ORE on the Web," changes in technology and confidentiality laws in "Orientation," and new Web resources and links to Ohio library Web sites in "Marketing the Library." These and other new features have been incorporated into the current online programs for maximum ease of use for members. "ORE on the Web" has received the most comprehensive update with new or revised content about virtual reference services emphasized in all six ORE modules. Noack commented, "The emphasis for new material is the continued need to follow the steps of the reference process to achieve the goal of any type of reference service: fill the information needs of library users."

OLC's online learning programs each have six or more self-paced modules, exercises that help users apply what they've learned, quizzes that supervisors can use to test users' comprehension of the material, and certificates of completion. Additionally, completion of the online programs can be used as part of the Ohio certification program for public librarians.

Visit the OLC's online learning programs by clicking on the online learning icon on the OLC homepage (www.olc.org). The OLC encourages all libraries to recommend the online programs to other library staff as well as include a link to the online programs from their staff intranets. Please contact the OLC at (614) 416-2258 or olc@olc.org with any questions regarding the online learning programs.

BY MACKENZIE BETTS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, OHIO LIBRARY COUNCIL

Mackenzie Betts is Director of Communications for the Ohio Library Council. She can be contacted at (614) 416-2258 or mbetts@olc.org.