The Accidental Technology Trainer

Here is a useful and reassuring guide for library staff who find themselves newly responsible for technology training - whether in computer labs, classrooms, or one-to-one with library users. Author Stephanie Gerding addresses the most common concerns of new trainers, recommends proven tools and techniques, and shares helpful advice from many of her fellow library tech trainers. The book is designed to help staff get up to speed quickly, showing them how to integrate expert tips and tricks and leverage their natural skills to ensure excellent results in any library technology training situation.

"[This book] shows you how to create a support system that will help your organization use technology more effectively and make your day-to-day life less hectic. This hands-on guide walks you through five projects that, when completed, will give you a comprehensive and usable support system: Conducting a technology inventory; Assessing and supporting staff; Assessing and buying technology; Protecting your organization from diasters and data loss; Managing your role."--Book cover.

Practical advice on using research, organizational, and bibliographic skills to solve system problems. Staff request.

The perfect bridge to assist the accidental trainer in movingfrom the panic of being asked to teach 'because you know the systemso well' to the satisfaction of successful knowledge transfer. Amust read. --Suzy Johnson, Course Manager, AT&T The Accidental Trainer is a practical guide for themultitude of computer experts who have fallen into the roleof computer trainer accidentally. As the resident experts on thelatest word processing programs or the newly installed salestracking software, most people who train others to use computershave little or no training experience. With checklists,questionnaires, and other hands-on tools, this book provides anyonewith tools to bridge the gap between people and technology tocreate computer training that is clear, concise, and effective. You'll learn how to: Build bridges between people and computers Create a blueprint for computer training Assess the learners Check your training results

An American librarian who has worked in a wide range of situations over the past quarter century, MacKellar offers a guide for people who find themselves working as a librarian but have had no training in the field. Among her topics are what libraries and librarians are, developing a collection, retrieving and disseminating information, management essentials, removing barriers, public access computers, and librarian certification.

"Included are insights from working library managers at different levels and in various types of libraries, addressing a wide range of management issues and situations. Not to be missed: comments from library staff about the qualities they appreciate - and the styles and attitudes they find counterproductive - in their own bosses."--Jacket.