[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Fwd: [OpenILS-feedback] Consideration of Computer Based Training for Evergreen suite

[Jason Etheridge]

Sharing this (below sig) with their permission.

-- 
Jason Etheridge
| Community and Migration Manager
| Equinox Software, Inc. / The Open Source Experts
| phone: 1-877-OPEN-ILS (673-6457)
| email: jason at esilibrary.com
| web: http://www.esilibrary.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: anonymous
Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Subject: [OpenILS-feedback] Consideration of Computer Based Training
for Evergreen suite
To: feedback at open-ils.org


I have worked in academic libraries for most of my life and I recently
began working at a public library where Evergreen software 2.7 is
being used. I must admit, as fast paced as a public libraries/ media
center is, Evergreen is quite overwhelming to learn. I am just curious
if there is or has there been any discussion on creating Computer
Based Training (CBT) programs for libraries currently utilizing
Evergreen software. Academic libraries use CBTs and it makes a world
of difference. "

I have gone through the liberty of responding to the questions on a
forum I found connected to Evergreen software suite:

Provide as many answers as possible to the following questions:


* What is the feature?

The feature is a Computer Based Training (CBT) program for circulation
clerks or any new user of the Evergreen suite.


* What does it do, what problem does it address, how do you see it functioning?

Creating a training program would streamline the knowledge base of
library staff. As it is now, the Evergreen suite is slightly
overwhelming not to mention the frequent upgrades / bug fixes
/updates. This CBT program would enable staff to learn programs with
limited distractions and make the program more user friendly, which in
turn would increase appeal of this software suite.


* Where does it “fit” in the Evergreen software suite – staff client,
cataloging, circulation, reporting, public catalog, or somewhere else?

It fits into all aspects of Evergreen software suite.


* Is it similar to a feature you have seen in other software?

Yes, many academic libraries utilize CBTs for ultimate user knowledge.
Any changes are easily integrated into a CBT program which enables
libraries to continue operating efficiently.


* Who does the feature benefit — library users, library staff, or a
specific community (teens, catalogers, homebound users)?

As a whole, every single person who utilizes a library will benefit
from the program because it adds to proficiency. In addition, it will
create knowledgeable and confident staff. Learning a program’s
minutiae directly from those who have created it will lead to less
errors, dissatisfaction, and productivity all around.


* Does the feature benefit your library specifically or could it apply
to other libraries? Some? Many? Most or all of them?

Yes. I see an opportunity for the CBT program to benefit all libraries
utilizing the Evergreen software suite.


* Can you provide a use case for the requested feature? In other
words, can you describe the feature’s workflow, who would use it, how
you see it functioning? Tell us a story.

As stated previously, I have previously worked in academic libraries
where CBTs are the chosen training methods for new hires.  These CBTs
allow users o encounter normal transactions and the modules escalates
to more difficult transactions which circulation assistants deal with
on a daily basis. The CBTs are even programmed to throw in some rare
issues faced in a library such as loan forgiveness. Essentially, CBTs
teach an assistant how to react to most situations confidently because
he / she has learned the software properly.


As to my knowledge there currently are no CBT programs for Evergreen.
I have recently begun working at a public library. The pace of public
libraries / media center does not allow staff to sit down and train
employees. They are much too busy. This creates numerous issues when
using the software as it becomes a cramming session and
learn-as-you-go training. This method is not ideal. Learning in this
manner is not beneficial as assistants miss out on essentials that the
software allows.  In the end, the software suite gets a poor
reputation for not being user friendly. Again, this is not ideal, as
the new hire loses out on a great deal and may not gain the intended
effectiveness from the program. However, completing modules capable of
recreating the most common situations, e.g., log on, Cassie (the cat)
usages, holds, issues that pertain to holds, patron search, patron
registration etc. could be highly effective.


In précis, providing additional resources for your customers
(libraries) to become more productive and efficient is never a bad
call for a company. In addition, it simply becomes another tool in
increasing the product reputation of Evergreen. I am simply sharing my
thoughts on this matter as I see a need for it. Thank you greatly for
your time.

Kind Regards,

Anonymous