GPLS combines LSTA grant support from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services with special pricing from Neal-Schuman Publishers to enhance user services statewide

Ellyssa Kroski

August 25, 2010 (New York, NY) — As one component of its 21st Century Library Initiative, the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS)  will equip 61 library systems across the state with practical and accessible tools that teach librarians how to weave a broad array of Web 2.0 tools into day-to-day library service.  GPLS’s “The Tech Set Project,” will  provide Neal-Schuman’s  THE TECH SET — 10 books, 10 wikis , and  10 podcasts — all edited by noted librarian technologist-author Ellyssa Kroski.

GPLS Director of Continuing Education Pat Carterette spearheaded the effort to put these training materials in the hands of the busy librarians who need them most. In announcing “The Tech Set Project,” Carterette said, “THE TECH SET series consists of ten practical, concise guides to implementing new technologies and innovative services in your library, all of which will enhance the library-user connection. The five-step learning approach employed by each guide makes the concepts easy to implement…”

As part of the project Carterette surveyed the library directors asking questions such as:  “What are the barriers that keep you from implementing new technologies or innovative services in your library?” and “What new technology or service would you be most interested in implementing at your library?”   In response to this latter question, directors were asked to choose among the ten topics covered in THE TECH SET:  1) mobile technology, 2) library videos and webcasts, 3) blogging, 4) gaming, 5) microblogging and lifestreaming, 6)social networking,  7) library camps and

Pat Carterette

unconferences, 8 ) technology training , 9) wikis for libraries, and 10) next generation library catalogs.

Both Library Journal and American Libraries hailed THE TECH SET, writing that it “will become well-thumbed, dog-eared references for anyone charged with determining or implementing the next generation of patron services”  (Library Journal, June, 2010), and that THE TECH SET is “Written by some of the best-known names in the field, each book has a companion wiki and author podcast.   THE TECH SET is co-published by ALA’s Library and Information Technology Association”   (American Libraries, August, 2010).

This George Public Library Service professional development program was made possible by an LSTA grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Neal-Schuman Publishers contributed funding with a donation supporting the Georgia Libraries 23 Things component of the GPLS Library Initiative and provided in-kind support by reducing the price on THE TECH SET series as part of its launch.  The Georgia Public Library Service, with a mission to empower libraries to improve the lives of Georgians, achieves this goal by providing and encouraging visionary leadership; ensuring equal access to information and technology; promoting the value and joy of life long reading and learning; and facilitating collaboration and innovation in the broader library community.

Founded in 1976 by President Patricia Glass Schuman and Executive Vice President Jack Neal, Neal-Schuman is the leading independent publisher of professional books for librarians, archivists, and knowledge managers.

For more information on Georgia Public Library Service’s 21st Century Library Initiative contact:
Pat Carterette
Director of Continuing Education
Georgia Public Library Service
A Unit of the University System of Georgia
1800 Century Place, Suite 150
Atlanta, GA  30329
Office: 404-235-7124
Fax: 404-235-7201
pcarterette@georgialibraries.org
www.georgialibraries.org

For more information on Neal-Schuman’s ten-volume multimedia series, THE TECH SET (www.neal-schuman.com/techset),  and special pricing contact:
Kathryn Suárez
Vice President, Business Development
Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY  10038
Phone: 212 925-8650
Fax: 212 219-8916
Suarez.kathryn@neal-schuman.com
www.neal-schuman.com