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utureU's Library Web Tool is a detailed guide for school administrators and librarians who want to introduce or expand online library access to their constituency. Co-authored by Chris Mays, MLIS, and Gail Terry Grimes, FutureU's CEO, this web-based, decision-maker's planning tool consists of a series of more than 50 Web pages and includes hundreds of action steps, an ongoing peer discussion forum, and a Resource Tool Kit with a complete staffing plan and other planning forms, an extensive book list related to online library services, links to numerous school library sites, and other valuable resources. FutureU's Library Web Tool is designed to assist in the planning and management of every step associated with online library access. Even if yours is already the most extensive online library service in all of academia, this tool will help you confirm that you've included every important step and resource. |
- 34 Self-Paced Modules That Include:
- A narrative explanation of each aspect of the process.
- Action steps for completing most aspects of the process.
- Online "field trips" to other informative Web sites related to online library access.
- Prompts for helping you keep a planning journal.
- Review of Action Steps: Abbreviated for easy reference, this 45-step list briefly summarizes all the action steps found throughout the Web Tool.
- Resources: Dozens of books (titles linked to Amazon.com for easy shopping), plus all the links and sample forms in the Web Tool gathered together for easy reference.
- Peer Discussion: Asynchronous online forum for you to share ideas, questions and answers with others involved in online library access. Also, access to a written transcript of the discussion for future reference.
- A Flexible format that allows you to go straight to the module you most need
- Free technical support discussion forum
- Controlled access, password protected
- Email links to your management/administration offices
- File uploading and downloading to and from the course.
Topics 
- Separating fantasy from the reality of what's really possible for online library access
- Assessing the readiness of your institution and your constituency (Includes a checklist and questionnaire.)
- Determining how online library services fit into your school's mission and plans
- Developing a mission statement, goals, and objectives for the project (Includes a downloadable form.)
- Building support for the project (Includes a downloadable welcome letter to new Online Library Committee members, plus a content submission form and a memo for enlisting faculty participation.)
- Building strategic partnerships with other schools and libraries
- Raising the funds
- Choosing the technology
- Building the staff (Includes the outline for a staffing plan.)
- Creating policies and procedures
- Launching online library Web pages
- Building original online holdings, including:
- Academic course materials
- Faculty Web pages and publications
- Dissertations
- Your school history
- Special collections
- Building online holdings from other sources, including:
- Material from other institutions
- Books and monographs (Includes an explanation of the legal issues associated with online delivery.)
- Periodicals
- Government documents
- Electronic databases
- Creating online search and delivery services for:
- Reference and research
- Literature searching
- Bibliographic instruction
- Interlibrary loans
- Document delivery
- Information and referral
- Cataloging
- Patron Relations
- Library Automation
- Digital Preservation
- Contract/Regulation Compliance
For a complete list of the contents, click here.
Benefits
The confidence that comes from taking a well-organized approach to a big, important project.
Greater clarity about both the big picture and the smallest details
Your new online library project off to an impressive start
Your existing online library services more fully rounded out, and functioning better than you ever thought possible
Broader support from faculty and administration
Greater clarity about future needs for funding and training
Multiple chances to prevent or eliminate omissions (Have you really thought of everything?)
Enhanced results at every stage
The security of knowing that you always have easy access to advice and support from peers involved in similar ventures
A much easier experience overall
Continued reassurance that you're on the right track
Support
The Library Web Tool is self-paced and self-explanatory, with excellent navigation throughout. Like every FutureU Web Book and planning Web Tool, this one exists as a series of simple Web pages accessed by password on the Internet. You must have an Internet email address and access to the World Wide Web. Users who meet the recommended Technical Requirements for hardware and browser software, and who have basic computer skills, should require no outside technical support for the Library Web Tool. Users who experience technical problems with their own computers or software, or who require assistance in downloading or installing software, are referred to the appropriate software vendor.
Two online discussion forums allow users to support one another easily and often. The first is just for technical questions. The other revolves around the process of planning and managing online library access. These forums are monitored by FutureU'sown support staff. For an additional fee (per incident or monthly), telephone support is available.
Price
Retail Price: $350
On Sale - $29.00
Always a full, money-back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied within the first 30 days.
The FutureU Library Web Tool is equivalent in value to a full two-day workshop!
Copyright © 1997-2004 by Gail Terry Grimes and Claude Whitmyer. All rights reserved. Published by The University of the Future, LLC.