Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this all about?
Learning 2.0 aims to show you and your colleagues new (or newish) web tools and trends that are increasingly popular in libraries and increasingly popular with our clients. We have included examples from a wide variety of types organisations.

Blogging, wikis, del.icio.us (for tagging), YouTube (for video sharing) and Flickr (for photo sharing) are just some of the things the program focuses on. We’ll post a unit online each week for you to complete at your own pace.

The goals of Learning 2.0 are simple – you should explore, play, and have fun. That’s all. There are no tests, but there is a survey so you can track your progress. We’ll give you help when you need it (in person, on the phone or via email).

The Learning 2.0 program was created by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County (PLCMC). We also want to thank Orange County Library Service and King County Library System for generously sharing their programs with us.

How does this online learning program work?
This self-discovery program encourages staff to take control of our own learning and to utilise lifelong learning skills through exploration. There are no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, you are encouraged to work with your colleagues and share discoveries, techniques and "how to" in person and through your blogs.

Is this program open to all State Library of NSW staff or just some?
Yes, all State Library of NSW staff are eligible to participate in the program but you will be the test pilots trying out the program before it is available for the others. It will be offered to all State Library staff who wish to participate from 7 April 2008.

How long do I have to complete the pilot program?
The pilot program begins Monday 7 January 2008 and winds up 31 March 2008. The program will remain online for staff who wish to complete the program after the March deadline. The roll out for other staff begins 7 April 2008 so you should aim to be finished before they start.

How do I track my progress for each of the things I learn about?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress. You will be anonymous when you are blogging – only the project leaders will know which blog belongs to which test pilot.

How does it work?
Each week a new element will be added to the Learning 2.0 blog. It will have three parts: discover (discover a new tool and blog about what you’ve discovered), explore (explore further and blog about your exploration) and adventure (a slightly more challenging exercise to use your new skills). The adventures are optional, however, you will need to complete all discovery and exploration exercises.

Can I work ahead through the list of items in any order?
Yes, of course - once a lesson is posted, you may complete it at your own pace. We won’t be posting all the lessons at once – just one week at a time.

What if I need help - who can I call?
You can contact the project team leaders – we are really happy to help (Ellen x525 or Mylee x521), or the test pilots can help one another.
Commenting on other participants blogsInteracting on each others blogs is a great way to practise your skills. Keep in mind that blogs are an open forum and our normal standards of professional behaviour as described in our code of conduct apply

Will I get an mp3 player?
When you reach the lesson on podcasting all staff participants will receive an mp3 player to use as a work tool.

Will I get acknowledgement for completing the program?
All participants who complete the program will receive certificates.

What is a learning advocate?
Test pilots may wish to become learning advocates when this program is rolled out to all staff. This includes providing encouragement and occasional support.