Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does this online learning program work?

This is a self-discovery program which encourages Skokie Public Library staff to take control of their own learning through exploration and play. Library staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and how-to's both in person and through their blogs. We've tried to make things easy by giving you all of the information you might need upfront, so there are no time-consuming manuals to read.

2. Is this program open to all Library staff or just some?

This program is open to all full and part-time Skokie Public Library staff. Public desk staff will be required to participate. All other staff are encouraged to participate as a continuing education activity. Your supervisor or Department Head will help you determine your level of participation.

3. How long do I have to complete the program?

The program starts October 1 and ends November 30, 2007. You have 10 weeks to complete this 8 week program. Yes, you get an extra two weeks to work at your own pace. We estimate a Thing and a half per week, but of course you may work ahead. And of course, you can catch up if you fall behind. (In other words, you can personalize this learning to suit your needs).

4. How long will each task take?

Everyone works at a different pace. We estimate one hour per Thing to complete the 10 Things program. Some people may take just a few minutes to do a Thing, while someone else may take a full hour. If you're getting close to your hour and still not done with your Thing, check in with a 10 Things Team member. We want to keep frustration levels low.

5. Will I get paid for doing the 10 Things?

Yes. If you are a full-time employee, you will have time during your regularly scheduled hours to complete the 10 Things. If you are part-time, you are eligible to receive one hour per Thing (for a total of 10 hours) outside your regularly scheduled shift. You and your supervisor are responsible for finding time to work on the 10 Things.

6. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?

No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you have questions about the program, the 10 Things Team will make themselves available in person, on IM, email, and through comments on the 10 Things blog. You are also encouraged to be resourceful and to find a colleague who can help. We will list the blogs of everyone who is participating so that we can all share and help each other. You can visit the blogs of your colleagues to see what they've done and leave a comment. Be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too! If you have a good tip to share, you can post it as a comment on any of the 10 Tasks. For more information, visit the help page.

7. How do I track my progress for each of the 10 Things?

Each participant in this program will be required to keep a blog to track his or her progress. We will track your progress by visiting your blog.

8. I would like to participate but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?

Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to qualify for any incentives, you will need to identify yourself by informing Jennifer, Ruth, Toby, or Richard of your blog's existence. We will not share your identity with anyone on this blog site.

9. Are there prizes involved?

The first 100 people to finish by November 30 will receive a $10 Best Buy gift card and be entered into the raffle drawing for fabulous prizes to be awarded on Staff Day 2007. All finishers will be entered into the raffle drawing, regardless of when they finish. Staff who do not participate at any level will not receive any of the 10 Things program prizes.

10. What if this program is too easy/too much of a challenge for me?

If you are already completely comfortable using this program's web 2.0 tools, you use them regularly, and you do not wish to go through the 10 Things program, you may offer your services as a Buddy. If you sign up to be a Buddy, you will be paired up with another staff person who has requested ongoing assistance. This will count as your participation in the program.

If you aren't yet ready to delve into the 10 Things program, you have the option of signing up for a series of One-on-One Computer Instruction sessions, enrolling in our Adult Computer Classes, or doing some other type of online learning that is better suited to your current skill level. Your supervisor can help determine which classes you should take.

Whether you think you fit in either of those categories, you may want to start the 10 Things program regardless. You may learn something new or discover skills you never knew you had!

11. What if I don't have easy access to a computer?

In addition to the staff training room computer, laptop loans are available from the LAN department. Morning drop-in hours are also scheduled in the Youth Services computer lab throughout October and November. The Adult Services computer lab is also available during regular library hours.

12. Where can I go for help?

If you have questions about the program, the 10 Things Team will make themselves available in person, on IM, email, and through comments on the 10 Things blog. You are also encouraged to be resourceful and to find a colleague who can help. We will list the blogs of everyone who is participating so that we can all share and help each other. Drop-in hours are also scheduled in the Youth Services computer lab. For more information, visit the help page.

The 10 Things Team are: Toby Greenwalt, Richard Kong, Jennifer Phillips-Bacher, and Ruth Sinker. Our 10 Things departmental liaisons are Pat Judge (Tech Services), Cathy Maassen (Youth Services), Matt MacKellar (Maintenance/Circulation), Marlene Mark (Circulation), and Bob Palas (Circulation).