Coming to a computer screen near you: online training for all your readers' advisory needs!
Let's be honest: it's getting tougher to find money in the budget for offsite workshop and conference attendance. And sure, there are great free training and RA resources on the Internet--podcasts and websites and archived programs, oh my--but who has the time to find the most suitable ones? That's where my new service, YOUR Citizen Reader, comes in: now you can attend workshops on a variety of RA topics, all from the comfort of your own computer.
What I Offer, As YOUR Citizen Reader:
A budget-friendly option: Because you won't have to pay any of my travel costs (and I won't incur any of my own), I can offer online talks and training sessions at reasonable prices.
Customization: You can tell me exactly what type of information you need, and I'll create a workshop specifically for YOUR needs. How often do you get to tell the presenter what you want?
Flexibility: You don't have to make plans to attend a specific conference or session; we can agree on a date and time that is best for you and your staff.
Low-tech options: I prefer to offer live sessions through Skype (meaning you'll have to download the Skype program onto your computer and sign up for a Skype account) but I am just as happy to offer different types of training: podcasts produced specifically for you (and which can be listened to at your convenience, simply by clicking on a URL); discussions by conference call; specifically designed print handouts and self-training materials; webinars using your meeting software; and even email discussions and support.
Workshop Topics include:
Nonfiction (nonfiction RA; specific types and genres; title awareness)
Literary and Mainstream fiction (fiction RA; specific types; title awareness)
Readers' Advisory (RA 2.0; Introduction to RA; indirect or passive RA)
Public Speaking (specifically for librarians and information professionals)
Professional Writing for Librarians (book reviewing; writing for publication; library and personal blogs)
How Do We Start?
I'm so glad you asked. Please email me at realstory@tds.net with questions or to start planning your training session today! And if you're wondering just who I am and what other training experience I have, please feel free to read about my qualifications.
CR, you left out that you have run mini-workshops on the exhibits floor for Libraries Unlimited at major library conferences. I have seen you in action presenting content while fielding audience questions with ease. I've also been a group genre discussion with you (ARRT), and I endorse you as a brilliant instructor.
Posted by: rick | 03 October 2011 at 07:36 PM
Thanks for the very nice endorsement, Rick! Coming from the man who wrote the book on biographies (http://www.powells.com/partner/35332/biblio/9781591586647?p_ti), that is high praise.
What are you studying in the ARRT this year? Great organization, the ARRT.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 04 October 2011 at 07:48 AM
CR, Here is a very tardy response. I was away visiting my daughter without my computer. ARRT is now studying literary fiction. I haven't gone but sent other staff.
Posted by: Rick Roche | 12 October 2011 at 02:17 PM
Rick--
Ooh, lit fic. How is everyone (including your staff) liking it?
No worries on the tardiness. Life is too short to live it tethered to computers, after all. :)
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 12 October 2011 at 03:20 PM