MMM Minutes 05/15/03

Minutes of Smathers
Middle Manager's Meeting
May 15, 2003

Present: Rich Bennett, Tom Caswell, Trudi DiTrolio, Lori Driscoll, Carol Drum, Leilani Freund, Martha Hruska, John Ingram, Iona Malanchuk, Cathy Mook, Patrick Reakes, Sean Saxon, Jan Swanbeck, Vicki Kitts-Turner
Computer Challenge – IT Track
  1. The UF IT Training Coordinator, Vicki Kitts-Turner, attended this Middle Manager’s Meeting to ascertain what we want to do – what goals do we have for IT training within the Libraries?
  2. Our liaisons have a part-time assignment: .1-.3 FTE is used as a liaison. It predominately incorporates basic computer skills and requires these 30-40 people within the Libraries to work with Systems.
  3. The general Library staff works in a Windows Excel environment. We require a basic computer literacy on the Library system for all staff. The liaison level is more technical.
  4. There are lots of options within the NetG courses – from basic computer usage to networking administration and certification. Many of these courses are incorporated in UF IT Training.
  5. The training consists of the basic courses plus electives. There are two –re-defined tracks: desktop user (basic) and IT Provider (IT management & Web design).
  6. The IT Provider track can be customized. The Journalism college has done just that. Their core courses are different (with two exceptions). Their courses are focused specifically on the Web.
  7. The mandated IT Provider courses are: Acceptable Use Policy and Web Standards.
  8. Desktop Users learn basic skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Other Library options and specialization could be incorporated.
  9. IT Provider includes database management. The Library track could include multiple specialization courses: Hardware installation, software installation and network management.
  10. The timeframe for course completion is about 18 months. Is there an evaluation component or is completion simply based upon attendance? Attendance.
  11. Net G courses are a bit different – there is no attendance. There is a method if completed – it is divided into components – if you get at least 50% of the answers correct you get the credit.
  12. CIRCA had a Tech Assistant Program with an evaluation component (it cost to attend), but they are phasing it out.
  13. If we can customize the Library track, can we customize the evaluation? We could set a standard – create something ad hoc – training classes by vendors – built into the program.
  14. Desktop with specialized courses – without the development track. LibSys temporary track – core courses – 2 mandatory – 2 electives (broken down to categories). Would be geared primarily to faculty and staff.
  15. Required courses are offered through CITT, HR, etc. If the interested party is a student, the Net G courses are probably their best bet. Times vary for the classes – some are full day, some are half day.
  16. Handouts about the UF Computer Challenge Certificate Information were distributed.
  17. Certifications are signed by the IT Provost. The goal is to get UF to recognize the completion of these courses in job promotions.
  18. If the Library designs its own class, would Library staff teach the course? Can do it both ways. Instruction does not have to come from Human Resources.
  19. With the UF Computer Challenge, they want to provide something fun, encouraging and structured to people.
  20. If the Libraries are interested in pursuing an IT training track in conjunction with the UF Computer Challenge, we should contact Vicki Kitts-Turner at NERDC.
MMM Scheduling
  1. MMM – does not usually run the whole time slot – normally last about a half an hour. Can we possibly move the second MMM of the month to a 9:00-9:30 AM timeslot to make way for another group meeting immediately afterwards?
  2. The next group is a meeting of staff who are getting together to discuss supervisory issues. Any supervisors are invited to stay and participate.
  3. They are starting a Web site and discussion list. The URL will be sent out to MMM.

Back to the Systems Homepage
Last updated June 3, 2003
by Debra Fetzer
debharr@mail.uflib.ufl.edu