Minutes
Gold Coast Library Network
Training and Technical Assistance Committee

October 4, 2001
Arroyo Grande High School

In attendance: Carolyn Platt, Sharon Andresen, Janice Webb, Marcia Frasier, Mark Lager. Absent: Keith Lilley, Dale Kreiter.

Results of Survey.
Copies of the survey results were distributed, including a graph on major topics of interest regarding training. The primary training topic was beginning html. Intermediate Internet Research and intermediate marketing of library services received high tallies, also.

The committee agreed to at least one beginning html course in each county, beginning in January. Based on the survey results, the session will be held in the morning, 2-3 hours in length.

The first task will be to locate available labs and dates. Mark noted the lab at Foster would be available; Marcia will check on sites in Santa Barbara. Sharon noted CalPoly would be available during quarter break; she will check on dates.

Training sessions, videoconferences, Webconferences, Oz, author talks.
One of the concerns voiced regarding videoconferencing was the "talking head" syndrome- presenter sitting behind a desk and reading. It was suggested that the videoconferences be more in line with the medium, i.e., interactive, visual, dynamic. It was suggested having a storytelling videoconference- a "how to" with audience participation. Mark will relay the findings to Dan Theobald at I2I Communications.

Janice suggested the committee review an interactive webconferencing software called PlaceWare. Janice and Mark will review it and report back to the committee.

Mark noted that the Wizard of Oz videoconference was well received by those who attended.Marcia thought the author talks were not well attended, and were scheduled with not much lead time.

URSA
URSA, or Cat-a-Link Gold, is the Z39.50 joint catalog for searching library catalogs in the region. Janice reported that additional library catalogs are now accessible via Cat-a-Link Gold. A training was held at Cuesta College last month. Carolyn noted a concern that students could order "inappropriate" materials; Janice responded that the software allows for mediated requests, that is, the librarian can review anything requested.

Grant Funding for Tech Assistance.
Three grants were discussed: USDA distance Learning, LSTA, and H.W. Wilson.

Committee Web Page.
Mark distributed a copy of the current committee home page, which is at daedalus.lib.calpoly.edu/goldcoast/administration/training.html. Suggestions for enhancing the page included 1) using the committee goals from page 8 of the GCLN binder, 2) add a listing of videoconferences held, 3) a link to the survey results, 4) links for a technical "clearinghouse", and 5) info on the upcoming training course.

Next meeting.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 20th, 2001 at the Goleta Branch Library.