The Not-So-Secret World of Government Information American Association of Law Libraries July 15, 2008 Janet Fisher, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Meg Martin, Wyoming State Law Library

2 The Project Goal : Train librarians, library staff and library school students to locate and use online government information sources. Background: Collaboration by documents staffs in 5 Western states (AZ, NM, CO, UT, WY), received IMLS funding to enable the training of our colleagues in the use of e-government tools. Grant period from Federal fiscal year 2007 through fiscal year (Future?)

3 Issues this project addresses : Electronic resources are increasingly more available. Reference desks cover all subject areas. Government information is one of the largest, if not the largest, groups of free information on the Internet.

4 Who will lead? Current phase - University of Colorado - Boulder Library grants officer was a vital key in moving forward. Strong regional. (Other 4 state's coordinators assist Project Coordinator.) Work beginning on plans for next phase (starting 2009?) - Minnesota lead project.

5 Decision to use OCLC’s WebJunction Able to load training information onto site and share it widely Promoted by many states for the use of public and other libraries Other resources available: wikis, discussion forums, classes on other topics, blogs, and informational articles Willingness to work with us in project development

6 Our specific page within WebJunction for Government Information in the 21 st Century:

7 A variety of topics, with sites and guides provided for each: ELECTIONS & POLITICAL PROCESS maps & transportationDemographics Agriculture Legal Information Recreation & Culture KIDS STUFF Immigration and Citizenship Small Business and Entrepreneurshipeconomy International Relations & Foreign Information History and Genealogy Energy & Natural Resources Consumer Information Crime and Justice EducationMilitary, War & Homeland Security Weather & Climate Education Environment Maps and Transportation Health & Medicine

8 A variety of trainer materials: tools for finding useful websites and for working through questions

9 Coordination at the state level State Coordinators: issue survey on topic interest, with follow- up as needed provide guidance and local coordination provide training packets for presentations prepare statistics on sessions ensure trainers meet module presentation goals

10 PEW study User Satisfaction with Access to Government Information & Services at Public Libraries & Public Access Computing Centers Principal Investigator: Leigh Estabrook

11 Evolving approaches to training in government information What do people want to learn? Survey colleagues from the whole state How can this learning be useful for many? Develop a tool with consistency in format How do adults learn? Integrate teaching principals from adult education experts

12 How we train Train-the-trainer (who trains the trainer)  Get to know other trainers (support)  Introduction to the grant; requirements of the grant  Best practices with adult learners – selected reading list  Familiarization with modules - demonstration  Plan for state programs and share ideas

13 Best practices The most effective training method = hands-on searching  Interactive learning – tactile memory  Resulted in immediate use/integration  And – attendees became confident about sharing with patrons and co-workers

14 Training methods Discussion/lecture - using “local” scenarios Post prepared materials on library website for ready reference Pamphlets with URL’s Handouts Business cards

15 WebJunction Module Development  Driven by reference &/or teaching experiences  Consistent format – “recipe” Wiki  Accessible  Familiar  Collaborative learning/teaching tool  Time saving device

16 Support and follow-up by Grant Grant provided parameters for training, reporting, reimbursement. Grant provided ideas about where/when to provide training. Easily adaptable to a variety of training situations.

17 Future of this program Develop sustainability plans to continue the work already done. Work with GPO, state and national professional associations and local groups to support and market program. Test ability to coordinate a national program through marketing, training, and evaluation.

18 How we have done: Target: Train 550 librarians, library staff, and library school students. Status on June 1, attendees trained Target: Each trainer provide a minimum of 2 training sessions. Status on June 1, Half of the trainers completed this requirement. All trainers had presented at least one session.

19 Training Sessions by State (as of June 1, 2008) Colorado 26 Utah 10 Arizona 18 Wyoming 6 New Mexico 11 TOTAL 71

20 After the training, attendee comments: Good beginning training; now for some practice and use … More in-depth training … The presentation was great! Wished it was longer … More handouts … More hands-on practice …

21 Not from these 5 states? How can you participate? Project expansion possibilities (FY ). Contact the Project Coordinator and express your interest. Look at the guides on WebJunction. Try them. Offer your assistance with future modules or updating current modules.

22 Remember the website and visit it periodically for updated guides and information:

23 Government Information in the 21 st Century The Government Information in the 21st Century Program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additional support is provided by the University of Colorado at Boulder as well as Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records; New Mexico State Library; Wyoming State Library; and University of Utah.