Conference of Possible Interest - NetSpeed 2008

NetSpeed 2008 - Oct 22-24, Edmonton Alberta

To assist library staff and trustees in keeping pace with evolving technologies, The Alberta Library hosts an annual library technology conference called Netspeed. Netspeed is a conference for librarians, technical staff and trustees to explore new technologies in a highly connected world.

Program information and registration can be found here

BCLA Course – Introduction to Web Scripting with PHP Oct 18&19

The BCLA Continuing Education Committee presents

Introduction to Web Scripting with PHP

www.bcla.bc.ca/php

Date:
Sat. Oct. 18 & Sun Oct. 19

Time:
9:00 – 4:30
Lunch is NOT included, but there will be a one hour break.

Location:
Central Branch
Vancouver Public Library,
350 West Georgia St.,
Vancouver, BC

Course Description:
This course will introduce the creation of dynamic web pages using the popular PHP scripting language. Participants will learn how to create web pages that vary their output based on user input. The basic building blocks of PHP and web programming will be covered in a series of hands-on exercises, including: variables, arrays, control structures, sessions and security. No prior knowledge of programming is required.

The workshop will be hands-on.

Benefits for the participants:

• Ability to use basic PHP variables, data types, control structures, and functions
• Ability to check PHP scripts for the most common security vulnerabilities
• At the end of the course, participants will write a basic "feedback form" in PHP

(Due to time constraints, this course will not cover using PHP to interact with databases, XML, or library-specific data structures.)

Who should participate:
Anyone who maintains a web site that needs to accept and process basic user input. Web managers, library systems staff, and people investigating the use of PHP-based Content Management Systems will benefit from this course.

Prerequisites: basic knowledge of HTML and web page creation, and the ability to use a plain text editor. No prior knowledge of programming is required.

About the presenters:

John Durno is Coordinator, Information Technology Services, University
of Victoria Libraries

Mark Jordan is Head of Library Systems, Simon Fraser University

Costs:
$250 members
$325 non-members

Class Size:
16 Students

Registration:
http://www.bcla.bc.ca/php

Please note – if you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are unable to register please contact the BCLA Office at office@bcla.bc.ca

Deadline for registration: Tuesday, Oct 14, 9:00 AM (but please register as soon as possible, as this event is likely to sell out quickly).

New Graduate Certificate in Library Sector Leadership at UVic

New Graduate Certificate in Library Sector Leadership at University of Victoria

The University of Victoria has just announced it will be offering a Graduate Professional Certificate in Library Sector Leadership which has been designed for mid-career librarians. This five course, part-time graduate program is a partnership with the School of Public Administration, the Division of Continuing Studies and the UVic Libraries.

For more information, please visit the following website at:

http://publicadmin.uvic.ca/gradcerts

or contact the School of Public Administration Academic Administrative Officer

Tel: 250.721.8054 | Email: mpaadmin@uvic.ca

BCLA Course – Building a Better Website: Website Redesign Oct 3

Upcoming BCLA Course
Building a Better Website: Website Redesign

A North Vancouver District Public Library – BCLA Co-Presentation

http://www.bcla.bc.ca/redesign

Presenters:
Kay Cahill
Cecily Walker

Date:
October 03, 2008

Time:
9:30am – 4:30pm

Location:
Lynn Valley Main Library
North Vancouver District Public Library
1277 Lynn Valley Road
North Vancouver

Description:
Building a Better Website

During this session we’ll cover all the basic elements you need to know to create a user-friendly, practical website. We’ll look at gathering requirements to ensure a user-centred design, the advantages and disadvantages of content management systems, how to design a great user interface, and how to use existing web tools, technologies, and social media services to enhance your site and create a rich and compelling user experience that isn’t gimmicky. Attendees will also have the opportunity to build and customize a small site in www.wordpress.com.

Who Should Participate:
This workshop will be of interest to anyone working in a library who would like to learn how to design a user-friendly website, and make the most of the myriad opportunities that exist on the modern web for enhancing and promoting your library’s website.

Outcomes:
Participants will:

• Understand the importance of requirements gathering and user-centred design
• Become familiar with the key advantages and disadvantages of content management systems
• Have an overview the range of tools available to enhance websites and improve user experience

About the Presenters:
Kay Cahill is Vancouver Public Library’s Librarian II for Website and Community Development, and was part of the project management team for the redesign and relaunch of www.vpl.ca. With fourteen years’ experience in public libraries in the UK and Canada and a passionate interest in developing and delivering library services in the online space, she is committed to creating websites that are all about the user.

Cecily Walker is a Librarian with Vancouver Public Library who has a keen interest in user experience, information architecture, social media, and building online communities. Prior to joining VPL, she worked as a User Expeirence Architect with HSBC, and as a Usability Analyst for Sage Software. With fifteen years of self-taught web creation experience, she is committed to helping libraries and library staff create “websites that stick”.

Fees & Registration:
Members $100
Non-Members $115

Online registration is available at www.bcla.bc.ca/redesign - Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted. If you have any questions about registration, please contact the BCLA Office at office@bcla.bc.ca

Class Size:
13 Students

Please note – if you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are unable to register please contact the BCLA Office at office@bcla.bc.ca