Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are we doing this?
  Think of the program as an Internet self-defense class. The Internet has always been a fluid medium, but today changes seem to happen at the speed of sound. Social networking sites are all the rage and new resources appear online daily for a variety of purposes. Some of our patrons already use many of these tools and expect the library, as the “Valley’s Technology Leader,” to be knowledgeable about such things as digital images, downloadable files, tagging, image generators, blogs, wikis, and other mysterious things. PLYMC Learning 2.0 guides you through a series of tasks, the 23 Things, and is your opportunity to find out what is happening and to think about how technology relates to libraries and vice versa.
• Where did this idea come from?
  This program was originally created by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. We will be doing most of the 23 Things that she developed in our program.
• How does this online learning program work?
  This is a self-discovery program that encourages staff members to take control of their own learning and to use their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and tips - both in person and through their blogs.
• Is this required?
  No. This program is a challenge and opportunity for PLYMC staff to learn about new ways to use the Internet and technology.
• Is this program open to all PLYMC staff or just some?
  This program is open to ALL PLYMC staff regardless of position and status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the PLYMC staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion.
• How long do I have to complete the program?
  The program kicks off July 2nd, 2007 and officially wraps up on November 2, 2007. Staff members who complete all 23 Things by ­­­the end of the program will receive an MP3 player and will qualify for a special prize drawing to be conducted on Staff Day (Nov. 12th).
• How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
  Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.
• Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
  No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff members' blogs can help, too. To find out who is participating see the links to participant blogs in the sidebar.
• I've seen the list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
  Each post contains details about the discovery exercises for that week.
• Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
  Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own!! However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to receive full credit for its completion.
• What if I need help - who can I call?
  Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey.
• Will I be able to do this on library time?
  Yes and no. The time it takes to complete the learning experience for the individual "things" in this program varies - some things may take less than 15 minutes, others may take half an hour or longer. Staff members will be allowed to work on the Library 2.0 program within their scheduled work time and with the approval of their supervisors for no more than 45 minutes per week. It is likely that you will have to use some “personal time," such as lunch hours, breaks, before and after work on library computers, or even at home. Not to worry, this stuff is fun!
• I would like to earn the MP3 player and qualify for the drawing on Staff Day but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
  Yes & No. You control the information that you share on your blog, so you can use your real name or a screen name to identify yourself. You can remain anonymous in this way, but you must register your blog by e-mailing your name and blog name to plymcblogcentral@gmail.com in order to receive the MP3 player and qualify for the Staff Day drawing.
• Once I complete all 23 Things, how do I get my prize?
  If you complete the 23 things by the November 2, 2007 your MP3 Player will be given to you at Staff Day. If you complete the 23 Things list after November 2nd, there is NO guarantee that you will receive the incentive.