FAQs
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to control their own learning, to explore and PLAY. Staff are encouraged to work together during their library hours and share with one other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" -- both in person and through their blogs. The 2.0 TEAM will point you forward with new helpful hints each week. (See Sandy's Helpful Hints blog on our Learning 2.0 home page. It's located unders Staff Blogs.)
The Hartford Public Library Learning 2.0 Team includes Mary Albro, Sandy Gamzon, Irene Iwan and John Weedon.
Which staff are eligible to participate in this program?
This program is open to all HPL staff. No matter which department you work in this is a FUN option for you. If you are a friend of the library, you are welcome to follow along on your own time.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program kicks off February 13th and officially wraps up on May 7th.
How do I track my progress for each of the activities?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress. In addition, you will be using our 23 Things Participation Log. Hartford Public Library Learning 2.0 team members will track participants’ progress throughout the program.
Why 23 things?
Given the time frame of the program, the number of "things" was selected in such a way that staff wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete in a week. We anticipate that each activity can be completed, during work hours, in approximately 30 minutes. Please discuss with your supervisor how this might impact your work routine.
Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this? This is intended to be 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 is participating to help. Reading other staff member's blogs can help, too. Weekly help sessions will be held between 9-10am on Wednesdays in the Learning Lab.
I've seen the list of 23 Things on the Website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each thing is linked to a page with details about the discovery exercises for that week. After reading the explanation, scroll down and find the actual exercise. Often you will be tempted to learn more. That's fine to do. Frequently, however, all you need to do is familiarize yourself with the specific product and blog about it. (Yes, blog can be a verb as well as a noun.)
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, you may be ahead of your friends and colleagues and will be more or less on your own.
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. You will see the list of HPL Staff Blogs on our Learning 2.0 home page. Staff may choose to identify themselves in their blog.
I would like to participate but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog; can I participate anonymously?
Yes & No. Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself or to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to receive recognition by the library, you will need to identify yourself when you register on the 23 Things Participation Log. Only John, Mary, Irene and Sandy will know your true identity. Your name and blog will not be associated with each other publicly.
How do I get credit for my efforts?
As you complete each activity of the program, you must write a brief note about your experience on your own Blog, describing the activity in the entry title. You also must complete the 23 Things Participation Log. At the completion of the program, you will receive a “reward.” To receive full recognition, you must complete the entire program by May 7th.
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Hartford Public Library Learning 2.0 Links
Blog Archive
Credits
The Hartford Public Library 2.0 Program is based on the PLCMC Learning 2.0 program developed by Helene Blowers of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. Many thanks to Helene Blowers for allowing us to use her program. Learning 2.0 is licensed under Creative Commons .
About The Library
- The Hartford Public Library
- The Library was founded in 1774 as The Librarian Company by a few subscribers to purchase a "collection of useful and religious books". In 1838, in harmony with the movement towards lyceums and literary culture that was spreading across the country, a new organization, The Hartford Library Association, with taxpayer support, opened to the public. The name was officially changed to the Hartford Public Library by a special act of the Connecticut General Assembly on May 9, 1893. The Library was located at the Wadsworth Atheneum from 1844 to early 1957. On January 2, 1957, a new building opened at the present site. By 1996 it was very clear that a renovated and expanded Library was necessary, and that same year a $19 million city bond issue was approved by the voters of Hartford. Another $18 million was also approved by the Hartford citizens in 2000, and the Library is raising $5 million in a capital campaign to complete the project. The renovation and expansion of the Central Library will take the Library into the 21st century fully equipped to serve the citizens of Hartford, and indeed, the entire greater Hartford region.