Treat yourself to exciting, informative SirsiDynix Institute Web seminars – for free. You can look forward to the following seminars this month. To register, click here.

And now you can listen to SirsiDynix Institute seminars via podcasts. They're available for free download at www.sirsidynixinstitute.com and for free subscription at the iTunes Music Store (www.apple.com/itunes). For instructions, see www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/podcast.php.

July 13, 2006 | 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Pacific

Wiki: The Ultimate Tool for Online Collaboration

Meredith Farkas, Distance Learning Librarian, Norwich University

Wiki is a social software tool that allows for unprecedented online collaboration. It enables a group of people to collaboratively develop a Web site with no knowledge of HTML or other markup languages. Any member of the Wiki community can add to or edit anyone else's content, which is what makes Wikis so revolutionary and so controversial.

Wiki can be an excellent tool for certain projects and purposes, but it may not be the best choice for every population. Libraries are already using Wikis as subject guides, knowledge repositories, Intranets, and content management systems. They can also be used by librarians to share information and success stories online. A Wiki is a good candidate for any project that requires quick and easy online collaboration.

This presentation will help you learn:

• What a Wiki is
• How Wikis have been (and can be) implemented in libraries
• Whether or not a Wiki is the right tool for your library
• How to implement a Wiki in your library

 
July 26, 2006 | 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Pacific

Library Conflict Management for Consenting Adults - Turning Enemies into Allies

Pat Wagner, President, Pattern Research

Conflict issues among staff and library users eat up time and budget, besides hurting staff morale and the effectiveness of the library in its larger community or institution. However, many library managers and personnel are conflict-avoidant for good reason. You don't want to play library therapist, mom, or cop. You don't want to fall into a bottomless pit of "She said, he said, they said," because you know you will never know the whole truth behind the conflagration. And, you suspect that at least some of the participants are vying for attention, rather than trying to resolve some problem.

Fortunately, there are some simple, tested methods for managing library conflicts (both internal and external), which can reduce the time needed to keep people and projects moving forward, even as you take complaints seriously. Learn about some of these important tools in resolving conflict at your library.

• What three questions can resolve most conflicts quickly and effectively?
• What four words can you use to keep people thinking productively?
• What can reduce chronic unhealthy conflicts among staff?
• If chronic conflict is the symptom, what is the disease?

SirsiDynix Institute Archive

If you've missed any of the fantastic speakers we've had in the past, be sure to visit the archive to listen and learn at your convenience. The archive is a treasure chest of valuable information that you could use to spice up a staff meeting. Or you can even share a seminar with your Friends of Libraries group, when applicable.