Mary Ellen Bates, Principal, Bates Information Services

This half-day workshop tackles how to find reliable, high-quality information on business and financial topics on the Net. Bates, the author of five online research books, including Super Searchers Cover the World and Mining for Gold on the Internet, looks at issues related to conducting business research online efficiently and cost-effectively, validating sources, using Web-only information resources, and staying current on new business and finance information. The workshop provides practical, innovative ways to mine the Net, as well as tips on when to use the free or nearly-free Web sources and when to open up your wallet and use the big-ticket information sources. The focus of this workshop is on the resources found exclusively on the Net, but it also covers unusual or unique resources from the traditional online services. Learn improved business research skills, ideas on new ways to drill for information, and take home a collection of links to the best business resources on the Web.
 

Workshop 12 – Working with Adult Learners
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

D. Scott Brandt, Technology Training Librarian and Professor of Library Science, Purdue University Libraries

This half-day workshop addresses "classroom management" in any setting—academic, corporate, or community. It offers insights and techniques for working with adult learners in training and instruction sessions and covers:

• Applying the basic principles of behavior modeling to create an environment that fosters productive and efficient learning
• Setting a comfortable learning environment by establishing ground rules and considering the learning preferences and behaviors of adult learners
• Keeping discussions on track while maintaining an appropriate learning pace
• Encouraging and developing participation as well as diverse points of view
• Keeping groups focused and moving by giving clear & concise instructions, especially for hands-on activities
• Managing overparticipation and applying techniques for handling disruptive or aggressive behavior and other distractions
• Guidelines for giving and receiving feedback
• Assigning action items and making follow-up plans to continue participation after the classroom learning

Workshop 13 – Writing for the Wired World
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Darlene Fichter, Data Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan
Frank Cervone, Assistant University Librarian for Information Technology, Northwestern University

Writing for a different medium, like the Web, can be challenging. Find out what usability studies reveal about how people actually read online and what the implications are for developing microcontent, menus, layout, and writing style. Train your eye to spot trouble areas on your site. Practice critiquing and revising sample library Web pages. Learn strategies for sharing best practices for microcontent development with your Web site authors. Filled with examples, tips, and tricks, this interactive half-day workshop is a must for content developers and library Webmasters who want to improve their sites.
 

Workshop 14 – Evaluating Search Engines
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Greg Notess, Reference Librarian, Montana State University, & Creator, Search Engine Showdown

Explore techniques, tips, and strategies for evaluating, comparing, and analyzing search engines. This workshop covers evaluation techniques for general Web search engines, site search engines, and specialized search tools, plus details about the evaluation Greg Notess has done for his SearchEngineShowdown.com site. Learn how to think critically about search results and how to explain what the search engine really found. This is an under-the-hood workshop that provides solid strategies for evaluating search engines.
 

Workshop 15 – Current Awareness Strategies, Techniques, & Tools
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Gwen Harris, Information Consultant and Internet Specialist

Learn about the key tools on the Net for staying current with a topic. Examine the merits of table of contents services for journals and magazines, e-newsletters and Weblogs, news filtering services, online news—the newspaper kind—and Web monitoring and clipping services. Hear about software agents that can help with running alerts and receiving notification of changes. Some services are intended for use by individuals or small businesses. Others are designed as enterprise solutions for delivery to and through corporate portals. Whether you are looking for tools for yourself or for your organization, this workshop will help you review the types of services available and learn about the leading products.
 

Workshop 16 – Security for Life in a Dangerous World
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Marshall Breeding, Library Technology Officer, Vanderbilt University

Developing effective strategies against Internet viruses, worms, and other threats is extremely important. Organizations are increasingly plagued with wave after wave of viruses and worms. Many libraries have experienced interruptions in their Web sites, Web OPACs and other critical services after successful attacks. Now more than ever it is critical to implement strong security for your library's servers. This session describes how the development of a multilayer antivirus approach is essential in today's environment. Breeding discusses ways to combat viruses at various levels, including e-mail delivery, network transport, server, and workstation. Stay informed and prevent costly computer downtime in your library!
 

Workshop 17 – Web Research Buffet
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Gary Price, The Virtual Acquisition Shelf & New Desk
Chris Sherman, Associate Editor, Search Engine Watch

The co-authors of The Invisible Web, Chris Sherman and Gary Price, discuss and share insights on many online research topics and issues. Get the scoop on dozens of great resources to take back to the office. Get up to date in this rapidly changing environment by hearing these two experienced and entertaining speakers discuss the latest happenings in Web-based research. Topics they will cover include:

• The latest Web search happenings
• The invisible Web in 2002
• Searching for breaking news on the open Web
• Finding quality resources for your site
• The importance of noncommercial Web directories
• How you'll be searching in the future
• Cool Web tools
• Special sites for special needs

Workshop 18 – Teaching Technology, Inside and Out
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

D. Scott Brandt, Technology Training Librarian and Professor of Library Science, Purdue University Libraries

Teaching the Internet is no longer a novelty. Now we need to make sure that we are effective in what we teach and how we do it. A systematic approach to staying on target is essential. This workshop shows you how to apply instructional systems design (ISD) to almost any information instruction setting. It focuses on building a learner-centered module of instruction, identifying important outcomes to achieve different types of learning objectives, matching appropriate instructional strategies to learning objectives, incorporating conceptual understanding, and determining how and when to include experiential learning exercises.
 

Workshop 19 – Web Redesigns: Factors for Success
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Frank Cervone, Assistant University Librarian for Information Technology, Northwestern University
Darlene Fichter, Data Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan

Does your library Web site need a redesign? What are the signs? Where do you start? Begin by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your current site. Learn how to test proposed revisions early so that the new design doesn't just "look" better, but also "works better" for the users. Gain experience with task-based testing by participating in the practice test. Pack your toolbox and take home tips, checklists, and tests that you can immediately put to use. Learn about common pitfalls and success factors for library redesigns.
 

Workshop 20 – Information Shifting: Strategies for Future Information Services
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Jenny Levine, Internet Development Specialist, Suburban Library System

"Information shifting" refers to information being shifted now that it is digital. It is similar to "time shifting" entertainment onto VCRs and "space shifting" MP3 files for listening in a different place. There are court cases supporting these activities. Information is now coming to us from everywhere—most of it may be noise, but focused information can come in new and more efficient ways than ever before. This session focuses on how this trend will affect libraries in the future, mainly through its impact on the Net Generation. Kids today think and act differently about information and technology. They expect information to come to them, whether it's via the Web, e-mail, cell phone, online chat, whatever. And this expectation will have a big impact on how they expect to receive library services. According to Jenny Levine, the library has to become more portable or "shifted." Join the discussion, play with the toys, and take home some strategies for supporting library and information services in new ways.
 

Workshop 21 – Communicating the Value of Information Services
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chris A. Olson, Principal Consultant, Chris Olson & Associates
Joanne Lustig, Cardinal Information Consulting

The value of information services is obvious to librarians, but frequently eludes others. Number crunching and budget presentations address the bean-counter aspect of the value equation. Communicating the worth of library services addresses another part. This interactive workshop first reviews value from the librarian and customer perspectives, and then challenges participants to examine their own services for value attributes.  The workshop leaders encourage everyone to discuss and identify value in their own settings and explore the definition of value from their customer's viewpoint, leading to marketing strategies that can communicate the value of information services on a daily basis. The workshop promises to spark lively conversation and creative thinking. Together we will grapple with the intangible aspects of value from the customer perspective and discuss how information services can be transformed to meet them. The workshop concludes with identifying opportunities for expressing the value of library services and maximizing value visibility.
 

Workshop 22 – Portal Taxonomies: How to Share the Enterprise's Mind-Set
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Claude Vogel, Chief Scientist, Convera

Meaningful organization of content in taxonomies and directories is critical for efficient access to information on any enterprise intranet. The need for organization is heightened as the volume and variety of information increase along with the difficulty for users to find what they need. Today, all intranet managers must address the challenges of information organization. This half-day workshop details the steps of building a successful intranet taxonomy, provides quality assurance insights, and addresses project management issues. A practical example of taxonomy design illustrates the critical phases of the process, plus how to manage its implementation and measure its success.