Michigan Virtual University Provides Technology Training For 4,500 Michigan Librarians and Library Staff

November 1, 2001

Michigan Virtual University’s Corporate Learning Services group is working with the Library of Michigan to revolutionize technology training in Michigan’s public libraries this fall. With funds from a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant, the Library of Michigan will make available free technology training for the state’s 4,500 public librarians and library staffers regardless of their location. This online training will complement the Library of Michigan’s roll out of traditional face-to-face and videoconference training opportunities.

“Our use of Web-based training will make learning more widely available than could have been done via only traditional means,” says State Librarian Christie Pearson Brandau.

Librarians will have access to a curriculum that includes training on Microsoft applications, networking and Web site security technologies. In addition, the Library of Michigan will work with Michigan Virtual University to train online instructors for ongoing Web-based courses that will be available to patrons and staff.

Michigan Virtual University’s vice president for market and product development, Jack Jonker, applauds the Library of Michigan’s vision, “We’re excited to be a part of this tremendous program. Not only will this program increase the skills of library personnel, the benefits will flow to everyone in Michigan who uses a library.”

Beginning November 2001, all public library staff members will have access to the NETg courses through a customized intranet learning site powered by MVU, with traditional face-to-face and videoconferencing training to begin in January 2002.

Additional information on the grant project will be mailed to public libraries in early November. Libraries may contact Carol McAllister at 517-373-4836 or cmcallis@libraryofmichigan.org for more information.

About Michigan Virtual University

Michigan Virtual University is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1998 by Governor Engler and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to provide e-learning opportunities for Michigan’s workforce. The MVU Corporate Learning Services group provides complete e-learning solutions for public and private sector clients such as Ford Motor Company, American Axle and Manufacturing, Michigan Department of Community Health and Yazaki North America. For more information, visit http://corporate.mivu.org.