1. Promoting “2.0 Training” with “Fantastic Freebies” Promoting “2.0 Training” with “Fantastic Freebies” ( and other Innovative Programs ) Presented by: Janie Hermann Bob Keith Princeton Public Library Princeton, NJ Session D305: Tech Freebies and Program Ideas Computers in Libraries 2007 Crystal City, VA

2. Single-branch municipal library in heart of downtown (very close to Princeton University) New(ish) state-of-the-art 58,000 square foot building ( opened in April 2004 ) Staff: 54 FTE; Population: 31,000 100+ computers for public use Fully equipped technology center with lots of software and a “Gadget Garage” Princeton Public Library

3. Traditional Tech Training Computer Basics Email Internet Basics Search Engines Online Catalog Word Processing/Spreadsheets etc. You can do more!

4. Disclaimr Many libraries lack staff time and money to expand computer classes Better to rephrase “Computer Classes” as “Technology Training” Several easy to implement paths to grow a Tech Training program –Low cost in money and staff time –Agile, can teach new tech quickly

5. Get the word out Position yourself and your staff as “Tech Gurus” Get involved with local users’ groups Present for local groups (PTOs, Job Seekers, Service Clubs, Chambers of Commerce) Develop and/or join Technology Mailing Lists Create a Technology Training Blog Sell up at each and every class Tease with new content

6. Never Underestimate the Power of Attractive, Professional Full-Color Posters

10. Bringing them in Fantastic Freebies –Everyone likes to get something for free –Simple to implement –Can be presented to large groups as lectures –Jumpstart the 2.0 buzz Listen to suggestions – Give ‘em what they want –Photo editing –Blogs –Tips, advice, etc on how to use computers and Internet better

11. 2.0 Toolbox

12. How we locate “Freebies” PC Magazine –Top 101 Sites –Best Free Software SEOmoz’s Web 2.0 Awards Time Magazine’s 50 Coolest Websites Filehippo (freeware with some shareware) Constantly Scan Tech Blogs, Library Blogs, Tech News Sites and the Popular Media!

13. Text Editing Freebies Google Docs YourDraft Ajaxwrite

14. Organization Freebies Tadalists Cozi Central Google Calendar

15. Productivity Freebies LogMeIn CCleaner

16. Photo and Video Freebies The GIMP Everystockphoto Flickr OneTrueMedia

17. Our plans for Future Classes Move from Photoshop to GIMP and Pixer/Picnik Move from Blogger to Wordpress Move from Bloglines to Google Reader Social Bookmarking How to create and host Podcasts YouTube/OneTrueMedia/SplashCast (video editing and hosting online) Digital Scrapbooking Our classes are always in Constant Beta Keep things fresh and keep innovating!

18. A few Final Tips Train staff and patrons together –Creates transparency –Boosts statistics –Saves time and money Develop rotating classes Offer classes in series (i.e. mini-courses) –Keeps students engaged –Have students work on a project Real world application Sense of accomplishment

19. Contact Us Janie Hermann jhermann@princetonlibrary.org Robert Keith rkeith@princetonlibrary.org Slides will be posted at Library Garden http://librarygarden.blogspot.com