Ball State Libraries' Staff College Builds Personnel Knowledge, Skills

During winter break, a majority of the University Libraries’ employees continued their education by attending in-house training sessions, which were offered December 17, 2007 through early January 2008. Through “Staff College,” nine topics were offered. To accommodate work schedules, most sessions were held twice.

“These sessions are an investment in our personnel. They are interesting and well-attended,” said Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries.

Are Books Dead? was moderated by Jason A. Fields, Information Services Librarian. He engaged participants in lively discussions of the recent Newsweek cover story entitled, The Future of Reading by Steven Levy. Conversation covered topics from proprietary e-book formats and usability issues to collection development to one’s attachment to books as physical objects. The personnel in attendance agreed that, while the format of books may change, books as a medium are certainly not dead.

"My goal as moderator was to get people talking about a pertinent, timely issue that is related to our profession,” said Jason.

Citation Style Basics was moderated by Lisa J. Jarrell, Instructional Services Librarian. She spoke about the large number of resources that are available to help students with citations.

Databases: Strategies for Success with Erin S. Gabrielson, Information Services Librarian. Erin addressed some issues and opportunities for assisting students with the University Libraries’ most popular databases, such as Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, and CQ Researcher. The session was designed for paraprofessionals and personnel who do not use databases everyday.

“A Day in the Life of …” This popular session was the third in a series. Its purpose is to provide attendees with an overview of the services and activities of various units within the University Libraries.

Geospatial Resources and Map Collection (GRMC) was presented by Melissa S. Gentry, Map Collection Assistant. Melissa’s approach was interesting in that she used a slideshow featuring images and statistical information about the GRMC called “8,” which refers to an eight-hour day and was based loosely on the television series “24.”

Educational Resources Collections (ERC) was presented by Diane E. Hill, Media Librarian. Diane gave an overview of the resources available in the collection and distinguished between them and the educational materials in the general collections. She also reviewed the multi-faceted content related to the unit’s Web pages.

The Acquisitions unit was presented by Cheryl O. Shull, Periodicals Assistant. Cheryl reviewed section activities and responsibilities for monographs, serials, fiscal control, and binding. During Cheryl’s PowerPoint presentation, she shared some of the humorous situations they have encountered, such as a few years ago when they ordered a DVD of the Academy Award-winning movie, The Pianist, only to receive a “… rather racy-looking version of a different Pianist.”

Intro to LibGuides was moderated by Stacy B. Chaney-Blankenship, Information Services Librarian. She covered the new Libraries’ new subject guides that are being developed for use during spring semester 2008.

Macintosh OS X Presenter was taught by Barb R. Wills, Technology Training Support Specialist. As part of her presentation, Barb provided a detailed handout as a reference tool for those who work with students and faculty and others who are experiencing Mac issues while studying in University Libraries.

Photocopiers Demystified was presented by Roberta J. (“Bobbie”) Pearson, Business Support Services Supervisor. Bobbie provided on-site demonstrations, showing how to copy back-to-back, perform trouble-shooting techniques, such as handling paper jams, and how to report problems and handle refunds. “I was pleased with how well it went and received positive feedback from attendees,” said Bobbie.

Understanding International Students as Clients and Employees with Debra Goens, Rinker Center for International Programs Foreign Student Advisor/Immigration Specialist. Debra’s session focused on how to effectively communicate with international students as clients or employees. Debra commented on the challenges facing international students, including lack of familiarity with both local language practices and cultural expectations.

VendPrint Demystified with Mark “Andy” West, Microcomputer/Systems/Network Analyst. Andy spoke about the Libraries’ public printer solution. He discussed VendPrint, its wireless counterpart PrinterOn, where public printers are located and how they work, as well as how to deal with the most common problems