Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Week 9, Thing 23 - Just the Beginning...

I started working with 23 Things early this year with the Washington County pilot group and have since worked with Allegany, Garrett, and Washington county library staff on their Web 2.0 journeys. What an experience it has been!

This experience has been much more than just doing 23 Things in 9 weeks. In my role, I've had the opportunity to become better acquainted with the library staff in my region and to develop closer relationships with the wonderful librarians that work in Western Maryland! I have been continually amazed at the willingness of these hard-working staffers to learn despite very little time to do so. Many who have completed the program have put in overtime and worked on the program in their personal time. Supervisors have been gracious and accommodating to let their staff have time to work on this program.

On a personal level, I've gotten a better idea of how library staff learn in their working environments here in Western Maryland and I how I might be able to better put together a similar type of program in the future. Online learning is great, but it needs to be well-organized with clear and concise instructions. Face-to-face time with the trainer or coordinator is also a significant factor in the success of the learning program. And finally, the support of administration and supervisors is key - if their backing is lacking, the chances of participants' success is greatly lessened.

Thanks to all in the region for participating in the program and for supporting their employees! I'm so proud of everyone!

2 comments:

Maryland said...

You made this experience so very easy for all of us in Allegany County by always being available to explain the directions and help us over the tough spots. Thanks, Jennifer! We appreciate all your hard work and enccouragement.

n-sane/librarylady said...

Thank You Jennifer!! You have made this experience easy and fun ! I have learned sooooooooo much !!!!!