Online Public Access in Libraries (OPAL) training
OPAL is funded by the Queensland Government and managed by the State Library of Queensland to allocate resources to various projects that contribute to building Queensland content on the web and to fostering "information rich" communities.
One of the major goals of OPAL is to empower and support the development of online skills and knowledge in the Queensland public library community. The State Library achieves this by providing training to public library staff throughout Queensland and access to online training resources.
Courses
Please note: documents over 500kb in size are available to download in parts.
Emerging technology [new window 
181 kb]
Blogs, wikis, RSS, XML, aggregators, newsfeeds, MP3s, WiFi, Podcasting and Screencasting are terms that you may have heard mentioned, but do you know what they are and what are the implications for libraries? How are libraries utilising these technologies? How can they be applied in a library environment?
Family History Resources on the Internet [new window 395 kb]
Discover how to use Internet resources to trace a family tree, find births, deaths and marriages on indexes from cemetery and newspaper notices and shipping and immigration records, convicts, the military, libraries and other sources as well as sources from other countries.
Finding information in the 21st century [new window 948 kb]
Interactive course providing new and experienced staff with enhanced searching skills and awareness of the latest resources including online databases available from the State Library
Part 1 [new window
Part 2 [new window
Part 3 [new window
Getting Started on the Internet [new window 
1 MB]
Anyone interested in finding out about the Internet is encouraged to attend this practical 'hands-on' session. We will cover the basics, explain some of those mysterious terms and get you started as a 'net' user.
Cover & topics covered [new window 140 kb]
The Internet, WWW & browsers [new window 484 kb]
Directories & search engines [new window 262 kb]
Library 2.0: Blogs, wikis & feeds [new window 465 kb]
Discover how libraries interested in enhancing user services are are creating online communities by using blogs, wikis and feeds. Create a blog, a wiki and register for an aggregator and begin to add feeds.
Library 2.0: Communicating instantly with customers [new window 673 kb]
Learn how libraries are communicating directly with their markets using Instant Messaging, SMS, and Web Conferencing.
Part 1 [new window 448 kb]
Part 2 [new window 238 kb]
Library 2.0: Podcasts, vodcasts & MP3s [new window 1.3 MB]
How are libraries using podcasts, vodcasts and mp3s? Find out how new web technologies can connect and establish relationships with clients. In this session you will learn how to subscribe to,download and even create your own podcast using free software.
Part 1 [new window 400 kb]
Part 2 [new window 506 kb]
Part 3 [new window 396 kb]
Newspaper & current event resources on the Internet [new window 1.3 MB]
The aim of this workbook is to use newspaper and current events sites on the Internet to answer the types of questions patrons could ask in your library.
Contents and introduction [new window
Netlinks & Australian newspapers [new window
International newspapers & magazines [new window
Current affairs [new window
Social bookmarks, slidecasts, Flickr and YouTube
Train the Internet trainer [new window 475 kb]
For new and experienced trainers wishing to develop and enhance their skills and knowledge in order to provide effective community training.
Using State Library of Queensland Catalogues: an online course
An opportunity to enhance your skills in the areas of information retrieval and resource delivery. Catalogues covered include State Library South Bank Collections, Queensland Digital Library, Public Library Services and Libraries Australia. Once the information is found, discover how to request it using the on-line request service.
More information
- Telephone +61 7 3842 9049
- Fax +61 7 3842 7860
- Email pls@slq.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 18th July 2008
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
