[Asis-l] Virtual Reference Workshop Online!

[Eileen Abels]

University of Maryland College of Information Studies announces
Virtual Reference Workshop 1.0
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ON YOUR TIME
April 28  -  May 23, 2003

Are you ready for the new reference environment:  live, online and in
real-time?

Do you need to sharpen your reference skills for the online environment?

How do you conduct a good virtual reference interview?

How do you answer questions using special software features?

Virtual Reference Workshop 1.0 is geared to newcomers to the virtual
environment  from any kind of library – public, academic and special.
This interactive web-based workshop featuring a high degree of
individual attention will include readings, message board discussions
with peers, valuable feedback from knowledgeable instructors, and
hands-on practice using the LSSI Virtual Reference Toolkit software –
all at a time and from a location most convenient for you!

You will learn how to:  -Overcome the unique challenges of providing
virtual reference –Handle the virtual session including glitches –Take
advantage of the software features –Multi-task – Evaluate transactions
and improve your performance.

Time Commitment: A participant should plan to dedicate approximately 10
hours to this course over the four-week period, enough time to review
the course content and readings, participate in online asynchronous
discussion, attend optional weekly chat office hours, and complete
course activities and assignments.  Upon successful completion of the
course, 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) will be awarded.
Instruction Team: Eileen Abels and Margaret Turqman, College of
Information Studies, UMD.Steve Coffman, Linda Arret and Kay Henshall,
LSSI. Coordinator:  Malissa Ruffner.

Technical Requirements:  You will need a PC with the following
minimums:  Pentium II 266 MHz, 128 MB RAM, sound card and speakers,
Windows 98, NT or ME, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Internet Explorer 5.5.
Recommended: High-speed internet access and separate phone line for
support during software exercises.

Registration Information:  The registration fee is $275.  Enrollment is
limited and the deadline for registering is April 14, 2003.  THREE WAYS
TO REGISTER!

REGISTER ONLINE  (URL:
https://www.contedu.umd.edu/magsys/Templates/vfo_register.cfm?courseid=CIS17&sessionid=CIS17%2E01
OR call 1-800-711-8627 OR  to pay by check, fill out the online
registration form, print it out and mail with a check made out to
“University of Maryland” to:

Office of Continuing and Extended Education
4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 208
College Park, MD 20742-5321

For more information, contact Malissa Ruffner at 301-405-2057 or email
mruffner at wam.umd.edu