TexShare Education Working Group Minutes
July 12, 2007 Meeting Notes

1. Welcome & introductions – In attendance were Ping Liu, Ann Mason, Mary Perroni, Marsha Rasmussen, Farzaneh Razzaghi, Mary Sikes, Teri Stover, Dawn Vogler, Gillian Wiseman

2. Focus on public library database statistics –

Ann reported that the public library TexShare database statistics have been going down. She did not have the exact statistics but will check with Beverley Shirley to get those numbers and will mail them to the committee members. There was some discussion as to possible causes. Ann said that she would try to send out database brochures to those libraries that might be interested in having them.

3. Discuss past TexShare training ideas –

Dawn reported that the last Basic Reference Use of Database training was done in June through November of 2004. There was discussion about the statistics and evaluations from those trainings.

4. Share future TexShare training ideas –

5. Discuss other ideas on how to address public library training issues -

The group felt that to repeat the past TexShare training might be very helpful, especially to public libraries. There was discussion about the possibility of creating an online course. The possibility of the Systems delivering the training was also considered. Dawn will check to see if TSLAC retained the rights to the previous training materials that were developed through Amigos.

A handout from the University of Alabama was passed around titled “Where to Start Your Research.” Everyone seemed to feel that something similar for TexShare databases would be very helpful.

Dawn suggested that there be something like a “Database Boot Camp.” This would be a combination of online training and face-to-face meetings. Some group members seemed to like the idea, but others didn’t.

It was suggested that a list be developed of training materials and possibly links to what Texas libraries are using.

There are four basic areas of databases: Business, Health, Literature & Genealogy.

Other suggestions:

“TexShare for newbies” – August 2008 is scheduled to be offered at this time.

Using a “webinar” format instead of a videoconference.

Streaming video instead of a videoconference.

Recording screen shots for an online course. Adobe Captiva software records your online search.

6. Recommendations on how to pay for training –

TexShare Resources Wiki developed by UT iSchool Capstone students.

7. Marketing TexShare training –

Suggestions:

Better market the workshop calendar maintained by TSLAC. A suggestion was made that the calendar be a part of the “Open House” program that will be at the 2008 Annual Conference.

Try to use something to catch their attention.

Utilize TLA email distribution lists and blogs.

Develop materials to help libraries send out information about their own training to other libraries and colleagues.

Utilize the consortiums that are already in place and large libraries that may have a training coordinator.

8. TLA CE survey discussion –

9. New survey needed?

10. Logistics -

TSLAC has bought access to LE@D courses for school libraries. This has not been completed.

A copy of the survey questions discussed at the 2006 meeting was handed out. Since TSLAC is already planning to do a survey, it was decided to only use questions 5 & 6 as follows:

5. What topics do you want training on?

6. Which TexShare databases do you want training on?

11. New business –

There is a possibility that K-12 TexShare training will be combined with Public and Academic training but Ann is still working on this and will report when there is further information.