Training Intiative
EPIC and LIANZA have been working on a joint e-literacy training initiative. This unique initiative is in response to identified demand from EPIC member libraries and aims to provide the base e-literacy skills required for using and managing e-resources in libraries across New Zealand.
We have employed a Training Co-ordinator to develop and deliver a "train the trainer" training package to identified "champions" via small group sessions, in a number of locations across New Zealand. Bruce White was Training Co-ordinator up until mid January 2007 and Craig Cherrie has subsequently taken over the role. Craig will be taking the initiative through pilot and rollout stage. He was previously the Information Services Manager at Hutt City Libraries and had been involved in the peer review of the content development for this initiative. In 2006 Craig conducted some EPIC training in the South Island which received outstanding feedback.
This training aims to set up a network of skilled “champion” Trainers who will train colleagues in their own, and surrounding, organisation(s). The Trainers will be provided with full training materials and support to deliver training, and the materials will be flexible enough to suit a range of libraries.
Libraries who support staff to become Trainers will benefit from acquiring:
- valuable skills and knowledge in training techniques;
- resources and support to deliver training;
- training materials that can be used in libraries across New Zealand; and
- the opportunity to make a difference in the library and information sector.
Libraries who receive training from Trainers will benefit from:
- acquiring e-literacy skills required for using and managing e-resources in libraries;
- increased staff confidence and knowledge to effectively deliver e-resources to match the information needs of their user communities;
- a needs analysis of staff e-literacy skills prior to training;
- having trainers in their local area who can support their e-literacy learning needs; and
- a high-quality training package delivered to staff by a confident and skilled Trainer.
58 librarians have taken part in 12 training sessions across New Zealand. These trainers are currently testing their new knowledge and skills in their own organisations and also getting to know each other via their very own online social community. We are currently be working on the process for rolling out the training support to libraries in their wider geographic regions.
Once trained the Trainers will undertake responsibility to deliver within one year:
- at least two training sessions to colleagues within their own organisation and
- at least one training session to colleagues within their wider geographical location.
Additional training sessions will be delivered at the discretion of the trainer's manager or employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this training different from other training providers?
The EPIC/LIANZA training is unique. It has been developed in response to identified demand from EPIC member libraries and provides the base e-literacy skills required for using and managing e-resources in libraries across New Zealand.Trainers will come from within libraries, and will train colleagues in their own organisation and others.
Trainers will be provided with full training materials and support to deliver training, and the materials will be flexible enough to suit a range of libraries.
The trainers' training is provided free of charge.
What does my library get out of this?
Libraries who support staff to become trainers will benefit from acquiring:- valuable skills and knowledge in training techniques;
- resources and support to deliver training;
- training materials that can be used in libraries across New Zealand; and
- the opportunity to make a difference in the library and information sector.
Libraries who receive training from trainers will benefit from:
- acquiring base e-literacy skills required for using and managing e-resources in libraries;
- increased staff confidence and knowledge to effectively deliver online resources to match the information needs of their user communities;
- a needs analysis of staff e-literacy skills prior to training;
- having trainers in their local area who can enhance and support their e-literacy learning needs; and
- a high-quality training package delivered to staff by a confident and skilled trainer.
Do the trainers get paid?
No. Trainers continue to be employed under the terms and conditions of their current organisation.How much does it cost to attend the training?
The trainers' training was provided free of charge. Managers and employers were required to pay for travel and accommodation costs, if required.How much time will it take?
The train the trainer training will take a maximum of one day.Trainers should allow a maximum of four hours to deliver each 30-45 minute training session. The time required will vary, depending on the amount of preparation, setup and follow-up time that may be required.
What does wider geographical location mean?
The aim of the EPIC/LIANZA training initiative is to train as many people as possible. We've used wider geographical area to mean "outside your organisation". It may mean another library within your more immediate vicinity or it may mean a library further away. Which libraries you deliver training to will be with agreement with EPIC/LIANZA and your manager or employer.