Tech Days West @ Sparta registration form

9:35am - 12:00pm — Keynote Presentation

Part 1: I Hate This Website: Updating Websites to Stay Current While Still Keeping your Patrons Happy.
We've all been the victim of the dreaded website update - your favorite website gets an update and suddenly you can't find anything that you need. It's like being put in a new city without a map. However, websites cannot stay the same - they must update to stay current, hip, accessible and eye-catching. Library websites are no exception. How do we ensure that when we are giving our websites a facelift that our patrons can still successfully navigate the page? Our first session will focus on website trends and examine how websites have evolved over time to give us a better idea of where we are going. If we know where we are going, we can provide a better user experience for our patrons.
After this session, participants will be able to...
• understand the evolving nature of website design and what the current trends for library websites are today.
• build a survey that allows to test user experience on a new library website that reviews layout, content and design.
• explain the basic tenets of website design and better prioritize the digital needs of their website's users

Part 2: Mind the Gap: How to Navigate your Way Across the Digital Divide (and Why That isn't as Easy as it Sounds).
The headline version is simple - the 'born digital' generation can handle any technology changes that come their way and the older generations cannot - but is that true? How do librarians keep themselves up-to-date on new tech developments and ensure that patrons who need help with tech are able to find it?  In this session, we'll explore the concept of the digital divide, examine just where this divide exists, and how we as librarians can help bridge the gap to keep all our patrons, digitally competent or otherwise, happy.
After this session, participants will be able to...
• discuss the concept of a digital divide in terms of age, race, gender and class.
• create library space that is welcoming to people of all levels of technological competence.
• locate tools and resources to assist patrons who may want help using new technology.

About our guest presenter: Kris Turner is the Assistant Director of Public Services at the University of Wisconsin Law Library where he oversees the Reference and Circulation departments. Kris previously worked as a Technology Librarian, where he was responsible for investigating and adopting new technology tools for library use and training staff and patrons on the best tools for research, productivity and organization. He has spoken at numerous national and local conferences about technology, generational management, library workflows and more.

1:00 - 2:00pm — choose one of these breakout sessions:

• Put the "Social" in Social Media.
Social media outlets like Facebook are the word-of-mouth tool needed to keep libraries engaged in their community and on the radar of busy patrons. Learn how to reach followers, manage your page, and measure results. Presenter: Terra Fewless (Library Associate who leads the small but mighty Social Media Team for Brown County Library, Green Bay).

• Productivity and Technology.
It may be hard to remember sometimes, but technology is here to make your life easier. There are some great tools out there to help you be more productive and efficient, both on the job and at home. Join us as we do a rapid-fire review of a series of great low-cost and free tools that prove that technology is still your friend. Presenter: Kris Turner (Assistant Director of Public Services, University of Wisconsin Law Library).

2:15 - 3:15pm — choose one of these breakout sessions:
• Gamification at your Library.
This intro to games for learning in libraries will cover what works and the research behind it.  Get practical examples for incorporating and even creating games (board and video) and game-like activities for your library.  Presenter: David McHugh (DPI's Games & Interactive Media Liaison).

• Database Down-Low.
Are you overwhelmed when it comes to all of the great databases WRLS offers? Join Brooke Newberry as she gives a brief overview on Mango, Reference USA, and Gale Courses while sharing some best practices for using it with patrons. Presenter: Brooke Newberry (Collaborative Consultant, Winding Rivers Library System).