Welcome!
This blog has been set-up as part of the ACL Learning 2.0 project to encourage all of us to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.
ACL Web Services modified the Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram’s article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook – Feb 2006) and the website 43Things.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: WordPress, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages ACL employees to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills though exploration and play.
Employees are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and “how to’s” both in person and through their blogs.
2. Is this program open to all ACL employees or just some?
This program is open to ALL regular (part and full time) library employees.
Participants who complete the entire course will receive an incentive award and will be entered in a drawing for other prizes.
Non-regular staff members (SAN), please note that you will need to do the lessons outside working hours and but you are still eligible for the incentives.
If you are not an ACL employee, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any prizes for completion.
3. How long do I have to complete the program?
The program kicks off November 30, 2007 and ends March 1, 2008. You have up to 30 minutes per week to work on an exercise with the complete support of your manager. Co-workers (and managers!) may choose to work together on an exercise. And yes, you may even do your exercises from home if you want since this course is web-based and not tied to your computer at work.
4. How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each employee that chooses to participate in this program will be required to
a. Sign up using the “Checklist” link in the right-side navigation panel. Log-in is your regular name/password
b. Track your work on the Checklist and
c. Keep a blog to track his or her progress. (more info in Exercise #3)
5. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. You are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. And be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too! To find a list of staff participating see The Participants.
Please do not send Help Tickets to IT with questions about this program. If these FAQs do not answer your question, you may either comment below or send Web Services an message through our normal email.
6. I would like to participate but don’t feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself or to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to receive a prize and qualify for the drawing for other prizes, you will need to identify yourself by signing up.
Sign-up (using your regular staff log-in) by using the Checklist link located in the right navigation panel. Web Services will not share your identity with anyone.
7. Who is the Web Services Team?
Susan Fisher, Augie Gieseke
