Access Workshops

Workshop1

In Workshop 1, you will be introduced to the CARL.X and CARL.Connect software. You will learn tips and tricks for navigating around these programs and what to do when error messages appear. Attendees will also learn all about library accounts, including issuing new accounts, updating accounts, and handling blocks on accounts. Attendees will discuss common scenarios that frontline staff face regarding customer accounts and apply their knowledge by issuing practice accounts in both systems.

Workshop 2 (Workshop I required)

Workshop 2 covers the most common circulation actions in CARL.X and CARL.Connect, including checkouts, returns, renewals, holds, and item maintenance. Attendees will discuss common scenarios that frontline staff face regarding circulation and handling problem materials. They will also apply their knowledge by practicing circulation procedures and item maintenance in both programs.

Workshop 3 (Workshop I & II required)

Library Management teams will discover how to use reports and statistics that can help them make good decisions when managing their collections.  This session will go into detail about Carl-X reports and collectionHQ evaluation tools.  It will also offer an opportunity for the management teams to share ideas and tips for using Carl-X and collectionHQ.

Technology Basics

This workshop will provide the knowledge and tools necessary to better assist customers with their technology needs in the library.  The technology training in this workshop is applicable to both customers using our public computers and those who bring their own laptops.

Collection Workshops

Collection Workshop I

Dealing with comments from our customers is an inevitable part of all of our jobs and how you respond to those comments will have a long-lasting influence on how those customers feel about our library. This session will provide you with an overview of the library’s collection philosophy and how you fit in with the overall management of the collection. And you will go away with positive steps for responding to customer comments.

Collection Workshop II  (Workshop I required)

Want to know about the tools that will assist you in managing your collection? This session will provide you with an introduction for weeding by condition and utilizing basic reports from Carl-X that will help you weed your collection. You’ll also discover how to utilize tools to help you promote your collection.

Collection Workshop III ~  (Workshop I & II required - Managers Only)

Access and Engagement Managers (REQ) - Please get with your supervisor to decide which event you will attend - As Access and Engagement Managers, teamwork is vital to maintaining the library collection. You will learn best practices in leading your staff to complete collection tasks and strategies for collaborating with each other when Access and Engagement collection tasks overlap.

eResources Workshop

We have a lot of databases and electronic resources available in our library and it can be hard to know where to begin. If you’re unfamiliar with what we offer, this course will provide you with an overview of some of the library’s most popular and useful electronic resources. If you have an idea of what we offer but want more experience using our databases, this course will give you hands-on practice searching 13 of our databases. You will walk away with more confidence in accessing and using our electronic resources.

Current MLS Online Courses

We have many online courses available!  From Active Shooters to Cybersecurity, we have many courses that are designed to make the Metropolitan Library System a safe, healthy, and professional place to work.  Open the link below to open our current course catalog!

https://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/2019%20Online%20Course%20Catalog_0.pdf