Masterclass, Microsoft Certification, and a Bright Spot

You may have heard that Prairie Lakes libraries have been granted free licenses to Masterclass  for a full year. Yesterday Rob sent in an application for the same access for KCLS patrons. Stay tuned for word on whether we will be selected for this limited time offer.

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This week we put our hat in the ring to become a Microsoft Certification Hub. Here's what the project entails and how we would participate, if chosen. We'll know in January.

The project: DPI is partnering with multiple agencies that support training and certification via Microsoft Learn. Within Microsoft Learn, individuals  can achieve industry-recognized credentials of different Microsoft certification tracks (including everything from .NET, Microsoft 365, the Microsoft Office Suite, and more). These credentials can help position job seeking patrons throughout Wisconsin communities to acquire high-paying, technology-relevant careers.  Microsoft was awarded a grant through DPI to provide these certifications at no extra cost to schools and libraries; this program can provide patrons (and even interested library staff) with Microsoft Office Specialist and Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certifications offered by Certiport.

 

DPI is looking to work directly with Library Systems to identify specific libraries throughout different regions of Wisconsin that will have the capacity to serve as certification proctoring hubs, whom in turn could work with other local libraries in the region to promote the opportunity – ensuring patrons throughout the whole state can easily locate a nearby space to seek credentialing. Best of all, Certiport has confirmed that testing can occur both in-person and remotely – with librarians facilitating virtual proctoring. This means folks with a home internet connection can easily access the credentialing process without having to worry about travel.

 

Timeline: Come January 2024, Ben Miller & Chris Baker from DPI Library Team will contact the selected libraries to work with them on this project.

 

“Hub” libraries: What does this mean for the selected libraries? Here is what they can expect:

• Library capacity & commitment: Relative to patron interest, the time commitment will be similar to test proctoring if that is already offered at a library. So if a community shows interest in Microsoft certifications, a library might want to donate more time to it. Generally, it works well when a library staff member plans for certain hours each week to be set aside (just in case) for certification.
• Example: This might be promoted as “Microsoft Certification Proctoring by Request on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00 pm and Thursdays from 5:00-7:00 pm; reserve a timeslot “here” [insert link] and contact us for special requests.”  
• Library responsibilities: Similar to proctoring; making sure that users seeking certification are following all expected steps to successfully complete their credentialing along certain proctoring guidelines. This may include a few more technology-based pieces for virtual proctoring (DPI can get clarification on that when/if needed and can involve proper system IT).  
• Library staff training: Library staff involved will receive approximately 30-minute training via webinar with ongoing direct support/clarification as needed or requested.
• Will they need to be Microsoft experts?: No! However, if a staff person is interested in getting Microsoft certification themselves, they are welcome to take advantage of the opportunity themselves.

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This week's Bright Spots come from Michelle:
" Last week when I was sick and unexpectedly gone for the entire week, Katie E. kept our department running seamlessly.  She is such an asset to KPL and to me, and I am continually grateful for everything she does. I could not do this job without her!"
I'll add my thanks, as well. Katie is a perfect match for our admin team and we are thrilled to have her on board! Barb

And from Marcia:

"I received a call from a senior patron, LD, to say how wonderful and surprising the Lobby Stop was at Saxony Manor this month. She went on to rave about how Kristen S and Hillary are just the best outreach providers and she is so happy to have gotten to know them this year. LD also went on to say that she heard Kristin Kornkven is retiring and she wanted to just wish her the very best retirement and thank her for all the genuinely fantastic library service she has given her for many years.  She used to be a Simmons patron for a long time before she moved, and then she continued to call Kristin for things just because she was a great librarian."

(Great job, Kristen and Hillary! And we will certainly miss you, KK!) BB

Happy holiday weekend, everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful time. I'll be out starting tomorrow until the new year, with a sneak appearance on the 29th to sign checks. 

Barb