New learning programme focuses on applying ICT 

For public library workers wondering how to sustain the impact of the New Opportunity
Funding (NOF) ICT training, CILIP Training & Development has introduced a new 
flexible learning programme.

CILIP Training & Development has launched a new learning programme titled 'Beyond
ECDL:* applying ICT in the library context'. It has been specifically developed for 
public library authorities so they can sustain, refresh and update the skills and knowledge
acquired by their staff during the 2000-04 NOF ICT programme. 

The new programme will also help to train both new staff who have just joined the 
service and who therefore were not able to benefit from the NOF ICT training, as well as 
existing staff who did not receive the original training.
 
Three separate 'off-the-peg' training sessions are available. Each one contains sections 
which together amount to at least four hours: 

'Finding Things Out on behalf of Users' covers good enquiry techniques. They include
how to determine what customers really want and how to choose the right source to use.
It looks at search engines, the Internet, gateways and portals, different types of Internet 
resources and how to evaluate the information. 

'Supporting Reader Development' will focus on the nature of reader development and the 
role libraries and library staff need to play in supporting it. National and local initiatives
will be covered, as well as supporting reader development via the Internet.  

'Supporting Users' Learning and Special Needs' will help participants learn about the 
education system and lifelong learning, as well as introducing them to resources to support users' needs. 

Each session in the new 'Beyond ECDL' programme can be:

- delivered to a group in a single session by those designated as the trainers, educators,
    facilitators and coaches in their organisations
- broken down into sections over several shorter sessions
- used on a one-to-one basis
- adapted by individual authorities to meet their specific needs

They will also contain activities which can be followed up by the individual after any 
formal training sessions.

CILIP Training & Development will offer a Taster Day as part of the overall package,
run by experienced CILIP trainer Caroline Moore. The first Taster Day will take place at 
CILIP's training centre in London on 20 June.

However, authorities can also buy a Taster Day to be run in house by a CILIP trainer. 
This option requires a minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 participants. The Taster Day 
will enable participants to:

- explore the content of the three sessions and take away sample materials
- consider delivery issues and options within their authority
- learn about training approaches, support and evaluation

To purchase the 'Beyond ECDL' programme authorities can either:

- attend the Taster Day and then buy materials for one or more sessions to meet their specific requirements 

OR

- buy materials for one or more sessions based on the sample materials without attending the Taster Day

All sessions will be supplied on CD-Rom under licence for one year with a unique 
licence number for each organisation. The materials can be loaded on to an organisation's 
own intranet or network. For organisations with 100-200 FTE staff the cost of this 
programme works out at approximately £7 per head when purchasing the whole package. 

*European Computer Driving Licence

Full information about this exciting new programme can be found on the CILIP website at http://www.cilip.org.uk/beyondecdl

For personal attention please call CILIP T&D's business manager Penny Simmonds on 020 7255 0562 or email [log in to unmask]