1	Library Programs On-Line: Possibilities and Practicalities A talk given on-line by Tom Peters for the Education Institute Tuesday, October 17, 2007
2	These Slides Are Online: Slides: http://www.tapinformation.com/OLA200710.htm
3	Goals of This Session Overview of Web Conferencing Systems Why libraries should consider web conferencing systems The ways groups communicate The functions of web conferencing systems Types of Online Events Tips and Techniques: promotion, production, archiving Potential Future Developments Q&A and Discussion
4	About the Presenter Librarian for 20 years Coordinator of OPAL, a web conferencing collaborative, since 2003 Uses web conferencing systems on a daily basis Writing a book (to be published by Libraries Unlimited in 2008) about online programs and libraries
5	The Main Points Web conferencing systems are an affordable and effective way for groups to communicate. Web conferencing systems are the lukewarm tool (not the coolest tool) of the Library 2.0 movement. At present, web conferencing systems are not receiving much use in librarianship. Libraries and library-related organizations should use web conferencing systems more than they currently do.
6	One Definition of a Group Three or more people who get together in some way for some purpose.
7	How Groups Communicate Asynchronous Not “live” Not “real-time” Email, snail-mail, journal articles, books, etc. Synchronous Live or in real-time Not necessarily in-person
8	Groups Meet in Various Ways Planned, formal meetings Informal, impromptu meetings Workshops Symposia Conferences Public Events Confabs Happenings
9	Live Communication Options In-person (face-to-face) Telephone conference call Web conferencing Virtual world meetings, such as in Second Life
10	Web Conferencing Functions Text Chatting (public and private) Voice-over-IP Video-over-IP Co-Browsing Application/Desktop Sharing Whiteboarding Polling and testing Recording
11	Public Program Possibilities Book and Genre Discussions Lectures Introduce a digital collection Author interviews Poetry readings and recitations Artist interviews Training and orientation sessions Musical performances
12	Tips and Techniques Make the speaker comfortable. Book discussions don’t draw well. Genre discussions draw better. Informal generally is better than formal. Encourage people to participate. Don’t lock down the functions. Allow people to see who else is participating. Allow questions to be expressed at any time.
13	Usability and Accessibility Minimum and optimal technical specs Installing software (if necessary) Initial learning and becoming acclimated Accessibility for blind and low-vision users Accessibility for deaf and the hearing impaired
14	Web Conferencing Compared to Other Meeting Modes In-Person Meetings Not as much non-verbal communication As easy (easier?) to share documents Easier to multi-task Easier to record and archive the meeting Generally less expensive Telephone Conference Calls Much richer mode of group communication Visual communication options (presentation slides, web, etc.) Less expensive Virtual Worlds Meeting Easier to record, co-browse, show slides, etc. Lower technology specifications
15	Web Conferencing Options Hosted or locally loaded Dozens (hundreds?) of companies Unilateral agreements Consortial agreements Open-source options (free as in kittens, not as in free beer)
16	A Smattering of Systems Audability Dim Dim (open source) Elluminate Horizon Wimba iVocalize Live Meeting from Microsoft tcConference from Talking Communities WebHuddle (open source)
17	A Smattering of Services Education Institute Live Space from WebJunction OPAL (Online Programs for All) SirsiDynix Institute URLearning from Library Journal
18	Benefits of Web Conferencing Inexpensive, easy to learn, and easy to use. Avoids the time and travel expenses of attending in-person meetings. Integrates communication via voice, text chatting, co-browsing, and document sharing. Easy to record online meetings and events, for time-shifting, archiving, podcasting, etc. Supports multiple types of online “meetings”: small workshops, conference calls, large public events, conferences, reference services, etc. Software is Section 508/ADA compliant
19	Administrative Modules Open and close the online room Configure the general layout of the room. Customize the color scheme, logos, etc. Manage permissions Change the default website Change the quality of the audio and video Usage statistics
20	Recording Questions Who is empowered to make a recording? Where does the recording reside? What is included in the recording? What types of files are created? Can the files be unbundled? Can the files be converted?
21	Archiving and Podcasting Editing the metadata Organizing the archive Usage trends Archived programs are used much more than the live online attendance
22	Challenges of Web Conferencing Crowded marketplace with many choices Rapidly evolving marketplace Most web conferencing services require a software plug-in Mac and Unix support can be unreliable Problems and constraints are not infrequent
23	Challenges of Web Conferencing (continued) Different operating systems Different networking environments Security and firewall issues Training Tech Support Announcing and promoting online programs (esp. to the general public)
24	Key Issues Online “vs” in-person, phone, and virtual Live versus pre-recorded Professional development programs versus public programs Worldwide audience potential Building a returning audience Participatory programs
25	Evaluation Options Software and System Program formats (presentation, interview, panel discussion, etc.) Program content categories (literature, politics, science, arts, etc.) Individual programs and presenters Demographics, needs, preferences, and reactions of attendees Use and usefulness of the Archive Announcement and promotional efforts
26	Gazing Into the Future Participating live without actually being in the online room Proliferation of combo events Web conferencing may squeeze out telephone conference calls Virtual world meetings may squeeze out web conferencing online events There’s no substitute for in-person meetings The cost of in-person meetings will continue to rise
27	"Thank you" Thank you for your time and attention
28	Contact Information Tom Peters Founder and CEO TAP Information Services 1000 SW 23rd Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 phone: 816-228-6406 email: tpeters@tapinformation.com web: www.tapinformation.com Skype: tapeters4466