Lee Library wins national grant
SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

COURTESY PHOTO Lee County Library Director Sheldon Kaye

The American Library Association presented Lee County Library System with the 2007 H.W. Wilson Library Staff Development Grant at its recent national convention.

The Library staff won for developing a program "Taking it to the Screen."

"Taking it to the Screen" is a staff continuing education series featuring modules viewable via computer.

The new series:

• Reduces the need for staff travel and utilizes time efficiently

• Allows staff to begin orientation within one month of hire

• Combines formats to engage visual, audio and tactile learners

The previous orientation consisted of a mandatory five-part series. Each part required staff to be away from their locations at least a half-day. Because of the significant time commitment, the series was held two to three times per calendar year. This hindered some staff from receiving relevant information in a timely manner.

The computer modules are:

1) Library Philosophy, Policies, and Administration

2) Library Services and Outreach

3) Staff Development Opportunities and Technology

4) Business Etiquette, Public Records, and Patriot Act issues

Participants proceed through the sections at their own pace and may repeat any part of the series at anytime. New employees still tour important library facilities and meet key staff, during a one-day bus tour, which includes visits of four regional facilities and the library processing center.

For more information on the Lee County Library System, library locations, programs and services, please visit our Web site at

www.lee-county.com/library or call Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO.