Frequently Asked Questions

How does this online learning program work?

This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's."


Who is eligible to participate?

All DBRL staff are eligible to participate. Those employees working 20 hours per week or more are expected to spend approximately one hour of regularly scheduled work time on each exercise. Additional exploration is encouraged as patron traffic and staff projects allow. Those employees working less than 20 hours per week are welcome to participate on their own personal time.


Will I be given off-desk time to complete these exercises?

These exercises are designed for the introductory learner and can be easily completed without extra off-desk time. Naturally, priority is given to our patrons and other outstanding library-related projects you might have. Circulation staff will be granted off-desk time as the schedule allows and at the discretion of the department manager. All other staff are asked to incorporate these activities into their existing work schedules or on-desk time.


How long do I have to complete the program?

All course content will be available starting Monday, May 10. All interested staff will have until Friday, May 21 to register. You may complete all required exercises at your own pace, so long as you are wrapped up by the WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 DEADLINE.


How do I track my progress through NetTrek?

As staff progress through this course, they will be asked to create booklists via the new catalog. A complete list of staff booklists will be made available on the NetTrek Wiki. As participants complete exercises, they will be sent regular email confirmations to their work email account.


What is readers’ advisory?

Readers’ Advisory is an important library service which involves suggesting books and other materials to patrons based on their interests, previous reading history, or reading level. Many factors go into recommending the right book for a patron; many of which we will learn about in Bibliology 101.


What is a genre?

A book genre is a particular class or type of book. Books can be divided into a broad assortment of genres, and people often use genre as a criterion when selecting a book to read. For the convenience of browsers, it is conventional for libraries to divide their collections by genre to make it easier for people to find books which will appeal to them.


What if I don't work directly with the public? Should I still participate?

All staff members have valuable contributions to make through this training. Best of all, this course allows us to pinpoint those experts with in-depth knowledge of specific collections. There is certainly something for everyone!


Do I have to read entire novels to participate?

Absolutely not. In fact, you are discouraged from reading entire novels. You may refer to bestseller lists, other user lists in the new catalog, or our readers’ advisory databases such as Novelist Plus and Books and Authors.


What if I am not comfortable sharing my username?

A great deal of this course is about social interaction via the new online catalog. If you are uncomfortable with sharing your username to participate in this course, you are welcome to follow along on your own, but you will not receive credit for completion.


Can I do the exercises in any order?

This course is structured so that each exercise is done in order.


What if I finish the exercises early?

You are welcome to complete the exercises before the June 9 deadline. All course content was made available at the launch of the class to allow staff flexibility when balancing this training in addition to other projects and summer vacation plans.


What if I enjoy time-traveling Amish romance that takes place in the Old West? Why can't we discuss this genre, too?

As exciting as this new course is, it was not designed to be the end-all, be-all of readers’ advisory. There is discussion to offer a Bibliology 201 course which may include chick-lit, non-fiction, and aspects of the non-print collections. However, these plans are still tentative. Check back in at the NetTrek Outpost in late summer for an update.


Why can't I put children's books in my lists?

Given the four-week course period, we are only able to accommodate adult and young adult readers’ advisory at this time. However, there is discussion about offering a Bibliology 201 course which may include children’s book recommendations.


Is participation in NetTrek mandatory?

No, participation is not required, but it is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.


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

No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you find that you need assistance with an exercise, you are encouraged to be resourceful and find a staff member who can help. For a complete list of participants, please visit the NetTrek Wiki.


What if I need help - who can I call?

Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. To see a listing of those registered, please visit the NetTrek Wiki. If you are about to light your hair on fire from frustration, though, please contact NetTrek Coordinator Brandy Sanchez, before any spontaneous combustion occurs.


What's in this for me?

The joy of learning new tools that provide personal and professional benefits, the feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a project, and the ability to answer questions from our patrons about our services. All staff who finish this training will also receive a Certificate of Completion.


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