1. 30 minute training modules
OR
Database training can be fun

2. Problem
 Wonderful eResources that are under utilised
 Combined library/council service where focus is not
always on library training-and not all staff have library
qualifications
 Lack of staff awareness of eResources – not good for
promoting our service to customers
 Lack of staff time for in depth training in library
eResources by reference staff
 That ‘eyes glazed over’ look from staff at indepth
database training sessions

3. Solution
 Recognise/accept that an in depth knowledge of
databases is not required by counter staff
 Design training programs to cover the main points of our
eResources that staff can complete in 30 minutes – either
when they have off the counter time or in slow periods at
the counter
 Created on powerpoint using screen shots and comments
 Yes, we know each database has wonderful help – but we
needed to make it more attractive

4. Admin stuff
 At end of each training module staff are required to
answer questions using that resource
 Questions are designed to make them ‘play’ and discover
for themselves
 Answers are emailed to their manager. At the completion
of all of the sessions their training file is updated as it is
considered ‘significant on the job training’

5. Example of questions
 My mum has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Do you have
anything that explains what it is?
 I need to pick an event that happened between 200 BCE and 0 CE.
Any ideas?
 I only like fast paced novels. What do you suggest?
 I am looking for the article that was in the Sydney Morning Herald in
January 2003 written by the late Peter Roebuck about Steve
Waugh’s century at the SCG.
 Please email the result to yourmanager@their email address with
‘Consumer Health Training Completed’ in the subject line

6. Hurdles
 Had to choose the main points of the database- as
reference staff we think they are all main points!
 Overcoming the ‘I am too busy’ mentality
 When creating the files the default save is alphabetical.
This meant that Academic search elite was first – not
good for those staff who are not confident or happy
trainees! To overcome this they were saved in a manner
that reflects what counter staff are more likely to use on
an everyday basis

7. What staff see first now
Includes find legal answers and
drug info websites

8. Under databases for everyday use - in the order of what
we see as most relevant to daily use by counter staff
This is
the first
session –
many
staff are
not
aware of
the full
range of
products

9. These databases are considered slightly more advanced

10. Results
 Staff who have completed the training modules report
they are more confident in promoting them to customers
 As a consequence of that, database usage has improved
(ok slightly, but we will take it)
 Staff who have completed the modules have been
overheard promoting the training to reluctant staff
 Training modules have been improved/altered as a result
of staff feedback

11. Ongoing concerns
 Whilst most staff have been great in taking up the training
challenge some staff and managers still see training as a
low priority – this needs to be constantly challenged
 Every time a database interface changes the modules will
have to be updated! (thank you NoveList Plus)

12. We are:
Information Services Manager
Susan Manahan
susan.manahan@wyong.nsw.gov.au
Reference Librarian
Michelle Goldsmith michelle.goldsmith@wyong.nsw.gov.au