Training Resources: "One-on-One" Training
Scheduled Workshops & Meetings
"One-on-One" Training Opportunities
STLS staff will travel to member libraries to train staff, trustees and/or volunteers on the following topics. Please contact the designated contact person to arrange a mutually convenient appointment time. If there is a topic you are interested in that is not listed here, please let us know.
| Training Topics | |
| Adult Services | STARCat |
| Automation Topics | Trustee Training |
| Director Training | Youth Services |
| Outreach Services | |
Adult Services Training Topics
Collection Development
Discussion covering the whole spectrum of collection development, from selection to de-selection (weeding).
Time: 2 hours
Contact: Mary Passage
Rotating Collections
Training on how to utilize the various rotating collections services available through STLS: large print books, audio books, videos, adult popular reading books and youth books.
Time: 3 hours
Contact: Mary Passage
Automated Request System
Detailed overview of the request system and its relationship to the System-wide interlibrary loan program. The sequences in placing and filling of different types of requests are explained step-by-step.
Time: 1.5 hours
Contact: Jule Cleary
Barcode Labels/Scanner
In order to identify your library materials and patrons in the STLS database, you will need item and patron identification labels and a barcode scanner. The type of library card that you will use is the library's decision and responsibility. Some libraries continue to use their current heavy-grade cardboard cards and place the patron label on the back of the card. Other libraries choose to use plastic cards. Obtaining plastic cards is the responsibility of the library.
Time: Can be conducted over phone and via e-mail
Contact: Jule Cleary
Barcoding Your Collection
All of the materials in your library's collection will need to be barcoded before you can begin circulating online to patrons. Library materials also need to be barcoded to be identified in STARCat.
Time: 4 hours
Contact: Shelley MacFeiggan
Circulation
When approximately 90% of your library materials have been barcoded you will be ready to learn how to use the circulation software. Training needs to be done one month ahead of the date that you plan to begin circulating online. Functions covered will include charging, discharging, renewal, placing requests, assigning special statuses to items, interpreting the item record, maintaining and updating patron fine, request, and has now records.
Time: 4.5 hours
Contact: Jule Cleary
Network Connections
All automated libraries will need a high-speed connection to the STLS databases. This connection can be either a dedicated circuit or a cable connection over a virtual private network (VPN). In addition to the circuit you will need a router or switch for your dedicated circuit. If you intend to to connect via cable then you will need a cable modem. Whichever method you will be using to connect to the STLS database, you will need to have required category 5 cabling done to connect your library PCs to the network.
Time: .5 day
Contact: Ken Behn
Patron Registration
Before your library patrons can start using STARCat, they will need a barcoded library card. Patrons will also need a barcoded card to check out materials from the library. This mean that all of your patrons will have to be registered and entered into the STLS patron database.Time: 1.5 hours
Contact: Jule Cleary
Policy Files
Before you can begin circulating library materials to patrons, a circulation policy file will need to be created for your library. Policy files include information about the barcoded materials in the library, including loan periods, fine rates, renewal limits, replacement costs, notices, etc.
Time: 2 hours
Contact: Jule Cleary
Annual Reports
One-on-one instruction in compiling annual library statistics and financial information, with individual/group training of inputting collected data into web-based Bibliostat Collect for submission to Library Development (NYS).
Time: varies
Contact: Darleen English
Introduction of STLS and its Services
Overview of services and programs offered to member libraries by STLS including the value of these consortia services to the local library
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Long-Range Planning
Overview of the planning process for public libraries with follow-up assistance as the library board and staff proceed with their long-range plan.
Time: 2 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
NYS Minimum Standards for Public Libraries
What are the minimum standards for public libraries and what does a public library need to do in order to comply with them?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Taking Your Budget to the Voters
The facts prove that communities that vote on library budgets support public libraries at a higher per capita rate than libraries who rely on traditional funding sources. Learn how the process works. Follow-up help is available.
Time: 2 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Trustee and Director Responsibilities
How do the trustees and director work together? What is the role of the board of trustees and what are the responsibilities of trustees and the library director/manager?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Written Policies
Does your library have policies for collection development, use of the meeting room, acceptable use policies for patrons accessing the Internet? Do all staff members know what the policy is if a police officer wants to know who has checked out a particular item?
Time: varies
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Outreach Services Training Topics
Outreach Services Overview
Information and training addressing accessibility and outreach/disability issues in your library and community. Also a walk-through the wealth of resources and information provided via the "Caregivers" website.
Time: Flexible, depending on library's needs and interests
Contact: Mary Passage
STARCAT & Patron-Initiated Functions
A walk-through of how to do basic and advanced searches in STARCat, how to place a hold and how to check your account.
Time: 2 hours
Contact: Al Oliveras
Automating Your Library
What are the benefits of being able to check out materials electronically? Is it helpful to be part of a shared patron database? What are the steps, and how much does it cost?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Bylaws
NYS Minimum Standards require that a public library board be governed by written bylaws that clarify how the board conducts business.
Time: .5 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Hiring a Director
A library board is responsible for hiring the library director/manager. Learn the process involved in hiring the right director for your library. Follow-up help is provided.
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Introduction of STLS and its Services
Overview of services and programs offered to member libraries by STLS including the value of these consortia services to the local library.
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Library Charters
Want to change your library's charter, expand the service area, increase the number of trustees or become a special district library?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Long-Range Planning
Overview of the planning process for public libraries with follow-up assistance as the board and staff proceed with their long range plan.
Time: 2 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
NYS Minimum Standards for Public Libraries
What are the minimum standards for public libraries and what does a public library need to do in order to comply with them?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Taking Your Budget to the Voters
The facts prove that communities that vote on library budgets support public libraries at a higher per capita rate than libraries who rely on traditional funding sources. Learn how the process works. Follow-up help is available.
Time: 2 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Trustee and Director Responsibilities
How do the trustees and director work together? What is the role of the board of trustees and what are the responsibilities of trustees and the library director/manager?
Time: 1 hour
Contact: Ristiina Wigg
Written Policies
Does your library have policies for collection development, use of the meeting room, acceptable use policies for patrons accessing the Internet? Do all staff members know what the policy is if a police officer wants to know who has checked out a particular item?
Time: varies
Contact: Mary Passage
Youth Services Training Topics
Collection Development in YS
Discussion covering the whole spectrum of collection development, from selection to de-selection (weeding).
Time: 1-2 hours
Contact: Lorie Brown
Tips & Techniques for Presenting Storytimes
Lean about the various storytime materials available for loan from STLS, including puppets, big books, flannelboards, etc. as well as few tips for presenting engaging, dynamic story times. Appropriate for both library staff and volunteers.
Time: Flexible, depending on group size
Contact: Lorie Brown
updated 03/12/2008