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

[Grace Dunbar]

Terran,
My thinking exactly.  It would be a lot of work to create and maintain but
is also a good opportunity for folks who want to pitch in.  I also think
that many consortia use Evergreen so differently that they would prefer
their training to be more specifically geared toward their own
implementations.  Not that a general set of videos wouldn't be helpful, but
I think staff need things that won't lead them astray when it comes to
local policies.

Grace

On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 10:28 AM, McCanna, Terran <
tmccanna at georgialibraries.org> wrote:

> I think it would be a good community project, but it would definitely be
> an extraordinary amount of work to do and to maintain. Since more people
> have been joining the community recently, perhaps that would be a great way
> to get involved? (I do not have the capacity to volunteer to coordinate
> something like this at this time, though.  Yamil, can you clone yourself?
> :D)
>
> For libraries that are seeking video training resources immediately, Sitka
> / BC Libraries Cooperative has created a series of videos for their users
> that are very helpful at: https://bc.libraries.coop/support/videos/
>
>
>
> Terran McCanna
> PINES Program Manager
> Georgia Public Library Service
> 1800 Century Place, Suite 150
> Atlanta, GA 30345
> 404-235-7138
> tmccanna at georgialibraries.org
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jason Etheridge" <jason at esilibrary.com>
> To: "Evergreen Discussion Group" <
> open-ils-general at list.georgialibraries.org>
> Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 9:07:03 AM
> Subject: [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Fwd: [OpenILS-feedback] Consideration of
> Computer Based Training for Evergreen suite
>
> 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
>



-- 
Grace Dunbar, Vice President
Equinox Software, Inc.  -  The Open Source Experts
gdunbar at esilibrary.com
1-877-OPEN-ILS    www.esilibrary.com
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