Learn to integrate iPads and tablets into your library in new eCourse

CHICAGO —ALA Editions announces a first-of-its-kind new facilitated eCourse that will show students how they can integrate iPads and other high-tech devices into their libraries for both staff and patron use. The course, iPads, Tablets, and Gadgets in the Library: Planning, Budgeting, and Implementation, will begin on July 2 and be taught by Virginia Tech Librarians Carolyn Meier, Rebecca Miller and Heather Moorefield-Lang.

Now that personal electronic devices like tablets, smart phones and digital cameras are ubiquitous, it’s important for librarians to be able to incorporate these devices into both library services and internal staff activity. In this first-of-its-kind eCourse, Virginia Tech librarians and gadget experts Rebecca Miller, Carolyn Meier and Heather Moorefield-Lang will show you what you need to know about these gadgets, from surveying the landscape of available products to purchasing and implementing these devices in your library. Over the six weeks of the eCourse  you will also gain new tech skills, such as communicating via video blog or podcast and using Twitter and social bookmarking tools to share ideas.

Learning outcomes for this course:

• Understand your  library’s/community’s needs related to tablets and other technologies
• Become familiar with the types of tablets and other electronic tools that can enhance library services and staff productivity
• Set up a multifaceted tech tool program
• Use tablets and other tech tools efficiently and effectively
• Communicate effectively with a network of individuals with the same interests regarding tech tools
• Stay up to date with tablets and other tech tools

Rebecca K. Miller is the college librarian for science, life sciences, and engineering at Virginia Tech.  Previously, she served as the digital technologies librarian at Louisiana State University and has published several articles on the topic of technology and instruction. Currently, she serves on the editorial boards of three journals and holds leadership positions in both national and state level professional organizations.  

Carolyn Meier is an instructional services librarian and coordinates First Year instruction in Newman Library at Virginia Tech. She presently serves as co-chair of the LIRT Transition to College committee. Her research interests focus on information literacy, assessment and outreach.  Her work interests include new methods for improving instruction and finding new technologies to reach students.

Heather Moorefield-Lang is education and applied social sciences librarian for Virginia Tech. She has published several articles on technology in libraries and education, as well as on the topic of arts in education and libraries. She chairs the AASL Best Websites for Teaching and Learning Committee.

Registration for this ALA Editions facilitated eCourse, which begins on July 2, 2012, can be purchased at the ALA Store. Participants in this course will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message board participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (MP3 files), and downloading and viewing PDF and PowerPoint files.

ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionscoursehelp@ala.org.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.