techMETRO

A New Online Experience for METRO Members

METRO is pleased to announce the launch of our new web site, representing a major move forward in the online experience for librarians, archivists, and others who want to be a part of METRO community. The redesigned METRO website (www.metro.org) makes it easier than ever to access our programs and services. But that’s just the beginning. The site now includes many new opportunities for visitors to share information and be an active voice in the library community in New York City and Westchester County. Here are just a few of the great new online features:

• One-step log-in connects you with everything you need. By taking just two minutes to register as a METRO member on the site, you can streamline the registration process for workshops and events, keep track of your participation in METRO events, upload your resume, post a classified ad, purchase METRO publications, and much more.
• Instant access to our online communities. While METRO has been active on many of the social networks our members use for years, our previous website didn’t integrate those tools effectively. We have added upgrades in technology and web design so that you can follow blog feeds, read tweets, connect to our LinkedIn group, or access other resources, all from a single page.
• More targeted and dynamic content. The new website allows visitors to use their favorite RSS reader to subscribe directly to syndicated content. With this new feature you’ll never miss important news items, job listings, or feature stories.
• Learn more about your fellow METRO member institutions. Thanks to our new rotating feature stories, you’ll learn about the latest developments at METRO and get the inside scoop on important news from METRO member libraries and archives.

Of course the METRO website still includes useful information visitors have come to rely on, including our member directory and delivery roster along with links to grant opportunities, job listings, and the resume bank. You can also link to METRO Special Interest Group activities, METRO LibGuides, and much more.

This new METRO online experience was designed based on input and feedback from our most important constituents -- you and your library industry colleagues. You are sure to find the new site easy-to-use and a great resource. We look forward to continued service to our member community, and we hope you find the new site design and new features to be engaging and useful. 

Let's Get Digital!

Librarians in the metropolitan New York region have two opportunities coming up to add some tech skills to their wheelhouse. Please read on for details:

There is only one week left to register for “Mastering CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)” with instructor KB Ng on April 15th and 22nd.  Take this opportunity to update your web design skills by learning a technique that will save you time and improve the appearance of your site. Participants should be familiar with basic HTML, but no programming background is needed.

Registration fees: $250 members; $150 myMETRO; $350 non-members
To register, please visit http://bit.ly/couqYA or contact Laura Forshay at [email protected], 212.228.2320 ext. 10.
This program will take place at METRO: 57 East 11th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003

-AND/OR-

Develop your basic digitization skills at METRO on Tuesday, April 27th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as instructor Michael Bevans presents “Digital Imaging and Scanning: Principles and Practice.” 

This introductory course requires no previous scanning skills, and will focus on the basic principles of scanning and image quality control while establishing routines to ensure productivity and repeatability.  Additional topics will include image resolution and file formats as well as common image editing techniques.

Registration Fees: $75 members; $60 myMETRO; $100 non-members
To register, please visit http://bit.ly/9iUprw or contact Laura Forshay at [email protected], 212.228.2320 ext. 10.
METRO is located at 57 East 11th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003.

How Are We Doing? Realizing a Culture of Assessment in Our Libraries

Please join METRO in exploring three perspectives on assessing library services in New York City libraries. The assessment of library services has undergone a decided shift in the last ten years. Building a "culture of assessment" has gone from an ideal to an implemented reality in libraries where unified quantitative and qualitative assessment of library services has driven improvement of those services. This panel brings together three practicing librarians to discuss their work in assessing the impact of library services on their respective communities.

Jennifer Rutner, Assessment & Marketing Librarian at Columbia University Libraries, will discuss project management for assessment projects and tips for writing good questions. Jennifer coordinates assessment projects across the 22 libraries at Columbia; including LibQual+, user-needs assessments, and usability studies. She and the Assessment Working Group support the Libraries in making data-informed decisions about public services.

Michael Lascarides, User Analyst in the Office of Strategic Planning at New York Public Library, keeps tabs on the needs and habits of the 40,000 daily visitors to the NYPL's websites -- using tools ranging from analysis software to social networks to face-to-face conversations with patrons. Michael will discuss how NYPL chooses the right tool for each job, what successes and setbacks have been encountered in the process, and how those insights led to the design of the newly-launched NYPL.org website.

Kimberly Burke Sweetman, Head of Access Services at New York University Libraries, has been involved with their assessment program since it was codified approximately ten years ago. Kimberly will focus on how the NYU Libraries implement and assess changes in physical space use.

Date: Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: METRO, 57 E. 11th Street, New York, NY 10003
Registration fees: $25 members; $25 myMETRO; $50 non-members
Register online here: http://bit.ly/aByvfO

Mastering CSS with KB Ng

METRO invites you to attend our upcoming workshop, Mastering CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) on April 15th and 22nd from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Cascading Style Sheets are used by most web designers to separate a document’s structure from its presentation, saving you time and improving the appearance of your site.  Instructor KB Ng will teach you how CSS works and also how to put it into practice with examples and exercises based on real world applications.

This opportunity to update and improve your web design will be offered in two parts.  Participants should be familiar with basic HTML, but no programming background is needed.

Registration fees: $250 members; $150 myMETRO; $350 non-members
To register, please visit http://bit.ly/couqYA.
Or contact Laura Forshay at [email protected], 212.228.2320 ext. 10.