SPL Databases for Teens

Library Literacy Workshop Overview Target Audience  Patrons who are new to using The Seattle Public Library or American public libraries in general. 15 minutes. This “workshop” is designed to be an introduction to a workshop on a life skills or information literacy topic. Length  Learning Objectives At the end of this session, learners will be able to:         Identify the unique characteristics of the public library. List programs and services available at The Seattle Public Library. Apply for a library card. SPL Hours & Locations brochure Brochures for relevant programs, e.g., Talk Time, Computers For English, Computer Classes, Story Times, Homework Help Library card application Sample library card Instructor should be a Seattle Public Library employee to insure familiarity with policies and procedures and to provide a personal connection between the learning session and future visits to the library. Learner Materials/Handouts Instructor Materials/Supplies Instructor Requirements f14e2ebc-4684-484a-8fb5-0b5cc80eab18.doc printed 4/23/2009 page 1 Library Literacy Lesson Plan Est. time 5 minutes Introduction  Ask participants to share what “library” means to them and to describe previous library experience, if any. To use public library, just have to live in Seattle. Funding comes from city taxes. Funding for special programs comes from donations. Public library serves all ages, many languages. Activity Contrast public libraries to other types of libraries, e.g., school, special:     5 minutes Lecture Library system (show hours & locations brochure):                Explain that Central and branches are one system. One card works at all branches. King County is separate system. Start by asking librarian for help. Librarians can answer questions or help you find materials. Talk Time. Computers For English. Computer classes. Story times and other activities for children. Homework Help and other activities for teens. Check out books, movies, music, magazines (show samples). Three week/one week check-out periods, 15 cent/day fines. Confidentiality: Public library will never reveal what you check out. Holds: If your branch doesn’t have it, can borrow from another. ILL: If SPL doesn’t have it, can borrow from other city. continued Reference services: Programs (show relevant brochures): Borrower services: f14e2ebc-4684-484a-8fb5-0b5cc80eab18.doc printed 4/23/2009 page 2 Library Literacy continued Getting library card (show card and application)      5 minutes Explain ID required. Use computers in library for one hour/day. Check your account, see due dates, renew books online. Request books not available at your branch. Use databases. What you can do with library card in addition to checking out: (See Optional Demonstration Component.) Question & Answer Field questions from participants about library resources and services. Review and Evaluation Because this “workshop” is designed to be an introduction to a full-length workshop on another topic, no evaluations are required for this portion. f14e2ebc-4684-484a-8fb5-0b5cc80eab18.doc printed 4/23/2009 page 3 Optional Demonstration Component If time permits and computer equipment is available, instructor may demonstrate features of the SPL Web site. Length  15 minutes. Learning Objectives At the end of this session, learners will be able to:    Find the SPL Web site. Recognize the starting points for checking a library account, searching for library materials, and accessing subscription databases. Describe the differences between materials at the library, regular Web sites, and subscription databases. SPL catalog instruction materials?? SPL Database brochure Data projector Instructor workstation Back-up screen shots Getting to know SPL site:        Go to www.spl.org. Point out that page is starting point for many options. Click on Log in to your account. Show library card, pointing out barcode number. Enter number. Explain and enter PIN. Click on Items out. Point out Due Date and Renew. continued Learner Materials/Handouts      Instructor Materials/Supplies 5 minutes Checking your account: f14e2ebc-4684-484a-8fb5-0b5cc80eab18.doc printed 4/23/2009 page 4 Optional Demonstration Component continued 5 minutes Looking for books or other materials:           Return to www.spl.org. Click in Keyword search box. Explain “keyword”: word in subject, title, or author’s name. [Search for book on relevant topic.] Click on title of book. Point out: Title, author, subject. Point out: Location (which branch), collection (which shelves), call no. (where on shelf), status. Point out: Holds. Click on Place hold. Explain: enter numbers, choose branch. Reserving books or other materials: Explain: SPL will call or e-mail, item will be on pick-up shelves (show hold slip). 5 minutes Using databases & Web sites:     Return to www.spl.org. Click on Databases & Web Sites. Explain: links to online resources, not materials in library. Explain: differences between regular Web sites and subscription databases are library pays for latter, must link from library site, and library card required for access. Point out: many topics. [Go to relevant database and search for article on topic.]   Reminder: You can always ask librarian for help! f14e2ebc-4684-484a-8fb5-0b5cc80eab18.doc printed 4/23/2009 page 5