First Library Automation Boot Camp Trains Librarians On New Technologies

It was our first three-in-one event, with five days of continuous training so that users of Follett Library automation software can take their libraries to new heights with new knowledge and skills.  The 1st Library Automation Boot Camp was held at the Cebu Normal University (CNU) Library last Sept 3 to 7, 2012, graciously hosted by CNU librarian Aida de la Cerna and staff.  The three parts of the event were:

• Follett Cir/Cat Refresher Course, a free workshop for users of Follett Circulation Plus and Catalog Plus library automation software. Thirty-seven (37) participants from as far north as Benguet and south as Surigao, attended this training geared to enhance the capabilities of participants in this Windows-based software.
• Library Automation Next, a free seminar open to all interested librarians, IT and education professionals, that introduced new technologies and services that will be the next trend in Philippine library automation.  It was attended by 84 library professionals who witnessed the   application of mobile, social media, web, e-books, RDA, and other emerging standards in state-of-the-art library systems.
• Follett Destiny Comprehensive Course.  This is the first ever comprehensive course for our growing number for Follett Destiny Library Manager users. Fifteen (15) librarians benefitted from three days of intensive exercises to maximize the use of their Destiny software, which is a totally  web-based  and can be used in single or multiple libraries/consortia.

Throughout the boot camp, campers were drilled on the basics of library automation as well as advanced features that will be found in new and upgraded systems.  These include web-enabled systems that can be accessed anywhere from any device,  federated search or the ability to search multiple resources at the same time, mobile applications for libraries that make use of smart phones and tablets, social OPACs that mimic Facebook, cataloging support for new standards like RDA and ISBN-13,  consortium or sharing of resourches including union catalogs, integration of e-book and other digital content, and many more.   There was also  a demonstration booth for those who would like to try out what were being discussed.

Dr. Angel Pesirla, Presidential Assistant for Training, Cebu Normal University, welcomed the participants of the Follett Cir/Cat Refresher Course

Follett Cir/Cat Refresher Course participants lighten up to break from the rigorous boot camp training.

Successful Cir/Cat Refresher Course participant is all smiles after receiving her certificate.

Eighty-four (84) Library Automation Next participants came, eager to learn new technologies they can use to serve their patrons better and improve productivity.

Mr. Axel Cabarles, EISI Product Manager for Follett, discusses the latest Follett Destiny features including mobile apps, at the Library Automation Next event at CNU.

An attentive audience at the Library Automation Next event.

EISI Technical Support Officer Pedro Tabinas discusses the technical aspects of Follett Destiny. He was also the trainor for the Cir/Cat refresher course.

EISI Sales Director Chin Castro points out that “Next is NOW” as the technologies shown at the Library Automation Next event are all available for Follett customers. Behind her are Product Manager Axel Cabarles and Tech Support Officer Pedro Tabinas.

Some lucky LAN attendees received rewards for their participation. This lucky librarian from Colegio de la Inmaculada Conception (Cebu) went home with a 7-inch tablet with the latest Android 4 operating system and apps from Follett.

In true Boot Camp fashion, we came with military outfit and a tent!

Dr. Bebiana Isok, VP for Academic Affairs, Cebu Normal University, welcomed the participants of the first ever Follett Destiny Comprehensive Course last Sept 5, 2012

Ms. Sharon Samaniego of De La Salle University – Dasmarinas was the main trainor of the Destiny Comprehensive Course.

Participants hard at work during the Follett Comprehensive Training Course

EISI Celebrated its 19th Anniversary on Sept 7, the last day of the Boot Camp, with Follett Destiny course participants.

This is the coziest boot camp a librarian can attend. Here, our participants and staff enjoy a karaoke-filled night out.

Thank you Ms. Aida de la Cerna [3rd from right] and your staff for being such gracious hosts!

To learn more about our boot camp from the viewpoint of a participant, check out this blog post from a librarian-blogger: http://definitelylibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-library-automation-boot-camp.html .  Be sure to check out all five posts for each day she attended the camp.

Watch out for our next boot camp as we bring out the best in our librarians  and libraries through our tested and well-supported technologies.  We promise to make it a unique learning experience mixed with a lot of FUN!

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