On Thu, 1 Dec 1994, Callahan Library wrote:

> I am looking to create an excerise worksheet to help train library staff
> on the Internet.  I would like to direct the training towards the
> individuals' specialties, i.e., reference, ILL, serials, etc.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for the best use of the Internet for
> their speciality (utilizing any of the search functions, i.e., telnet,
> ftp, gopher, veronica, etc.).
>
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I want to thank everyone who responded to my inquiry on Internet
training.  However, I received more messages from people who were
interested in the responses rather then from those with suggestions for
the training.

Some good suggestions I received included:
1. Using the Stumpers-List for practicing the use of e-mail
(Jenny Dick, Croydon Library)

2. Accessing library-related gophers such as gemini.vsla.edu or gopher.uic.edu
(Leroy Smith, lsmith@cc.colorado.edu)

3. Joining the 'Internet Hunt' (David Stewart, Regent College)

4. Allowing individuals to search for information on their own personal
interests such as quilting, ceramics, etc.

Other information I received included helpful suggestions for training in
general.  Margaret Riley of Worcester Polytechnic Institute
<mfriley@WPI.EDU> provided a compilation of suggestions from participants of
Netrain and Pacs-L listservs.

>>From my own experience:

Since the staff in my library were fairly
computer literate but just unfamiliar with the Internet, I decided to
walk them through all the basic functions searching for information of
their own personal interest. (I also did my training one-on-one so
everyone could get a hands-on experience since we only have one account
at this time.)  I was happy to find that most of the staff members were
able to find their own uses for the Internet as it related to their job (or
personal needs).  They could even devise their own worksheets on things
that they would like to do as they realize the capablities of the
Internet, and they will inquire as to how to accomplish certain tasks when
necessary. Obviously, this type of individualized training could not be done
in a large university.  However, I do believe that the best way of learning
to use the Internet is to JUST GET ON AND PRACTICE.

> *************************
> Jill A. Sabia
> Librarian
> Callahan Library
> St. Joseph's College
> callib@transit.nyser.net
> *************************