Innovation in Libraries 2012 - "Webinars Made Great: Preparing Trainers and Users to Learn"

Lightning talk 4 "Webinars Made Great: Preparing Trainers and Users to Learn," Abbey Gerken, US Environmental Protection Agency

In early 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Library Network launched a webinar-based training program to expand access to training opportunities for EPA staff. Sessions are hosted by the EPA National Library Network's coordination team, taught by EPA librarians, and offered to EPA employees and contract staff. Topics are based on librarian expertise and popular user requests.

In fiscal year 2011 the National Training Program presented six classes to a total of 600 attendees. However, some librarians were hesitant to volunteer because of a lack of experience with webinar technology. EPA staff expressed similar reservations in registering for classes. To take an extraordinary program to even greater success, the EPA National Library Network coordination team developed "Train the Trainer" sessions to dispel the myths and mystery surrounding webinar technology, and "Train the User" sessions to pre-brief users on the intricacies of online learning and prepare them for the best possible outcomes.

Abbey Gerken is the Assistant Library Network Coordinator with ASRC Primus for the US EPA's National Library Network. She holds a BA in English from The Ohio State University and received her MLS from the Catholic University of America in May of 2010.

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