ACRL Update - January 24, 2008

ACRL Update
Tuesday, January 24, 2008

1. Register by Jan. 24 for virtual reference, website usability e-learning
2. Give your feedback on ACRL annual assumptions
3. ACRL Insider launches

1. Register by Jan. 24 for virtual reference, website usability e-learning
Register by Thursday, January 24, for one of ACRL's new e-learning courses:

"Virtual Reference Competencies II: Practice and Expand Communications Skills and Knowledge" - January 28-February 16, 2008Virtual reference service requires all of the same professional communications skills and knowledge as face-to-face reference service. The challenge is to apply, practice, imagine, and understand how to communicate professionally within the technology context and using good reference skills and knowledge. In this course, participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

"Introduction to Website Usability" - January 28-February 16, 2008For very little investment in staff hours and training you can reap tremendous benefits by connecting with the users of your library website and web based applications through usability testing. This three-week course is designed for the librarian or library IT staff person who is interested in setting up a usability program but doesn’t know where to begin.

ACRL e-learning courses are primarily asynchronous seminars, allowing participants to work through course material at times convenient to them throughout the three week scheduled course time. Participants may also choose to schedule online chat time with the teacher, as they feel necessary. Specific material and learning activities will be covered during each week of the course. Threaded discussion forums are available for use in learning activities and other course-related conversations.

Complete details about these e-learning courses, including learning outcomes and registration materials, are online at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/elearning.cfm. Questions? Contact Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org.


2. Give your feedback on ACRL annual assumptions
The ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee is encouraging broad feedback from members on the future of academic and research libraries through the use of a Web-based survey instrument available at https://marvin.foresightint.com/surveys/Tier1Survey/ACRL/231. The survey encourages members to give consider the ACRL assumptions on the future of academic libraries and emergent issues identified in the 2007 ACRL Environmental Scan. The Environmental Scan is available online at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/whitepapers/Environmental_Scan_2.pdf.

All ACRL members are encouraged to complete the survey, which will remain online and available to respondents until March 30, 2008.

3. ACRL Insider launches
ACRL is pleased to announce the debut of a new Weblog, ACRL Insider. The mission of ACRL Insider is to keep ACRL members, and other interested parties, current and informed on the activities, services, and programs of the association. ACRL Insider features information on publications, events, conferences, and e-learning opportunities, along with podcasts and other media. With the launch of this new communication tool, ACRL hopes to foster openness and transparency by providing an outlet for connection between members and staff. In order to encourage a collaborative environment, all ACRL Insider posts allow for reader comments and suggestions. ACRL Insider works in tandem with ACRLog (http://www.acrlblog.org/) to provide a big picture view of the association and academic librarianship.

Visit ACLR Insider online at http://www.acrl.ala.org/acrlinsider to read posts and subscribe by email, or subscribe by RSS at http://feeds.feedburner.com/acrlinsider.