WSL Updates for December 17, 2015

Volume 11, December 17, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list There will be no WSL Updates for December 24, 2015. Topics include: 1) REFERENCE TRIAGE WEBINAR 2) STORYTIME SHARING EXTRAVAGANZA 3) MICROSOFT IMAGINE ACADEMY 4) TRUSTEE TRAINING INFO REQUEST 5) STAR LIBRARY EDUCATION NETWORK 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) REFERENCE TRIAGE WEBINAR In times of staff shortages, how do libraries continue to meet and exceed the information expectations of their community? Pierce County Library System (PCLS) decided to implement a one-desk solution, where more questions are answered by paraprofessionals, freeing librarians for other activities. To preserve a high level of customer service, PCLS developed “Reference Triage,” a program in which paraprofessional staff are trained to answer 80% of patrons’ questions. This webinar will describe how Reference Triage was developed, taught, evaluated, and implemented.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) STORYTIME SHARING EXTRAVAGANZA Are you interested in free storytime training and networking opportunities? Would you like to gain some experience presenting storytimes? If so, don’t miss the Storytime Sharing Extravaganza. All storytime presenters (and those who dream of becoming storytime presenters) are invited. Share and learn from colleagues in the Puget Sound area. Pick up some tips on ways to effectively integrate early literacy skills into storytime programs. Bring something for an activity showcase (optional) and be prepared to learn while having fun during Guerrilla Storytime. Light refreshments will be provided. Spread the word – a good time will be had by all! Optional: Include up to three of your favorite artists, albums, rhymes, or songs that you like to use in storytimes in your e-mail. Kendra will compile everyone’s favorites into a take-home list for attendees. Questions? Contact Kendra Jones at [email protected]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) MICROSOFT IMAGINE ACADEMY Microsoft IT Academy program will be renamed Microsoft Imagine Academy effective January 11, 2016.
  • With this change, Microsoft Imagine will be the single identity used for all Microsoft programs, tools, and initiatives aimed at increasing students’ technology, computer science, coding, and employability skills.
  • As a part of the change, in January Microsoft will begin providing customer access to a digital Microsoft Imagine Academy Welcome Kit for program members to enable easier and 'on demand' access to all program marketing materials and resources.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) TRUSTEE TRAINING INFO REQUEST WSL hopes to do a series of training sessions for public library trustees during 2016. Is your board wondering about technology issues, budgeting, or pro-rationing? We’re looking for ideas on which topics would be of most interest and which times would work best (Saturdays, afternoons, evenings or ?). Please send your comments, thoughts, and ideas to Shirley Lewis at [email protected] by January 15, 2016. Thank you to those who have already responded. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) STAR LIBRARY EDUCATION NETWORK The STAR Library Education Network (Star_Net) is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation and other funders. STAR stands for Science-Technology Activities and Resources. This groundbreaking initiative includes:
  • traveling STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) exhibits
  • development of STEM activities for public libraries
  • comprehensive training program that includes in-person workshops and webinars
  • development of the STAR_Net Online Community
  • research and evaluation
STAR_Net is led by the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning. Partners include the American Library Association, Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the Afterschool Alliance along with many other organizations. Join the STAR NET weekly list – it’s THE resource for STEM in public libraries. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK & WEEK OF DECEMBER 28 December 21
  • This Month in School Libraries (TL Virtual Cafe); 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. PST
December 23
  • Best New Teen Books of 2015 (Nebraska Library Commission); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PST
December 30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information and to register (unless otherwise linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at sos.wa.gov/q/training. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at: Facebook: on.fb.me/FBWSL; Twitter: twitter.com/WAStateLib.
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