| Support Libraries | Georgia Public Library Service offers professional development for library staff to enable them to use the latest technology, learn new skills, and strengthen their ability to meet local community needs.
It’s one way that GPLS empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
So far in 2024, GPLS has hosted two conferences, each uniquely designed to help staff who work in different areas of libraries.
STORYCAMP INSPIRES HANDS-ON PROGRAM IDEAS FOR CHILDREN’S LIBRARIANS
In April, GPLS hosted Storycamp, a one-day conference modeled after summer camp and designed to help library staff who work with children strengthen their knowledge of hands-on programming and early-literacy techniques to provide engaging and educational programming for families in their community.
62 participants representing 25 library systems engaged in indoor and outdoor interactive learning sessions at Camp Will-A-Way at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder and had the opportunity to connect with their peers while enjoying nature. Sessions covered a range of topics including drumming, storytelling, shadow puppetry, folk dancing, and more to help attendees incorporate new programs at their respective libraries.
These activities were chosen to re-introduce traditional children’s programming skills that participants may not have been exposed to in past trainings or education and focused on hands-on experiential learning. They were led by a mix of librarians and other guests, including award-winning author Laurel Snyder and Dr. Arvin Scott, former professor of music at the University of Georgia.
“Part of our goal at Georgia Public Library Service is to make sure children’s librarians from around the state have an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services at GPLS. “We want to energize people, give them new creative ideas, and have them leave with hands-on training that they can use in their libraries for summer reading and programming throughout the year.”
Since in-person trainings were not held during the pandemic, one of the goals of Storycamp was to help attendees meet and reconnect with other children’s librarians.
“I took something away from every single session, every single share of books and crafts, and every single conversation during our meals,” said Beth Ratliff, youth services coordinator at Winder Public Library. “Being with other children’s programmers was uplifting, and one of the best trainings I’ve ever been to since becoming a librarian.”
Storycamp attendees received a hands-on drum lesson and behind-the-scenes look at creating a shadow puppetry show. Participants use what they learned to provide engaging childrens programs in their communities.
BOOT CAMP EMPOWERS STAFF TO USE THE LATEST TECH
GPLS also hosts Tech Boot Camp annually for library staff whose roles intersect with technology in some capacity. Over 160 attendees, 99 in person and the rest virtual, across all 60 public library systems, attended this year’s Tech Boot Camp for an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas, as well as learn about topics such as cybersecurity, emerging technologies, applying for technology grants, and more.
Tech Boot Camp sessions were planned around the technological needs of libraries and led by GPLS team members, library staff, and other organizations including Google and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Several sessions featured library staff sharing projects they have worked on including how to budget for technology needs or implement cybersecurity training for staff, which attendees could then ask questions about and share their own experiences.
Since many IT staff at libraries are not initially hired in IT and take on additional responsibilities due to their library’s need, Tech Boot Camp provides essential training and learning opportunities libraries would typically not have funding to provide.
“I’ve been coming to Tech Boot Camp for 12 years, and it really helps to have this group of people that I can go to to ask questions like ‘How do I get funding to do what I want to do?’ or ‘How do I work with my staff to implement certain ideas?’ I can come here and learn how to do those things because other people are asking the same questions, and we share our answers,” said Scott Martin, technology manager at Flint River Regional Library.
Attendees also had an opportunity to explore and get hands-on experience with Technology Loaner Kits that libraries can borrow through GPLS. These include a variety of technology from virtual reality headsets to 3D printers to live streaming equipment. With these kits, library staff can become familiar with new tech without having to spend limited local funds, as well as borrow them to use for programming at their library such as stargazing using the telescope kit or a field trip with the virtual reality kit.
Staff got hands-on experience using the latest technology at Tech Boot Camp.
“What we provide to libraries is shaped by what we learn from them at this conference,” said Daniel Zeiger, director of IT at GPLS. “They tell us what they’re looking to do, and it shapes the programs that we create for them. So next year, the things that you will see us roll out will all be influenced by this event.”
“Getting to see some of the technology in person and being able to handle it and see it in action has been great. One of my favorite things was learning all the different things we can do with Google Workspace that I wasn’t aware of,” said Nyisha Key, director at De Soto Trail Regional Library System. “As a new director, all these tools that I’m now realizing we have access to is going to help me familiarize my team with the technology.”
