Training Materials
Submitted by dboozer on October 6, 2008 - 9:29am
The following consolidated links to online materials serve as introductions and self-guided training for KnowItNow24x7 agents in the use of the Spark software platform. For individualized training for your staff or questions concerning the software, email support@knowitnow.org. These materials are also available by clicking the Training Materials link in the menu to the left.
- Documentation
- KnowItNow24x7 Provider Handbook. Revised & updated November 2008. Includes policies and procedures (31 pages).
- KnowItNow24x7 SparkRef Software Training & Reference Manual
- The current draft is available via the link above. Publication history is available at the Documentation page.
- KnowItNow24x7 SparkRef Cheat Sheet
- This one-page summary covers basic operations of the SparkRef software and references to relevant section of the full Manual
- OhioLINK Databases Online Training Materials
- Instruction Clearinghouse: A large collection of tutorials and other training materials on OhioLINK in general as well as specific databases.
- Spark Online Training Resources
- Self-guided PowerPoint introduction to the Spark software
- Revised December 2009
- Revised 29 April, 2009
- A recording of a live online training session (with Greene County Public Library staff) from June 24, 2009. The session is available both as a Streaming Recording Link and as a Download Link. Topics covered include (with timestamps in presentation below):
- KIN24x7 Provider Page Highlights (00:00 - 16:16)
- Basic Spark Client Functions (16:16 - 42:58)
- Interacting with Patrons (42:59 - 1:00:00)
- Monitoring AOL/MSN/Yahoo IM Through Spark (1:01:00 - 1:10:00)
- To practice outside of the "live" KIN24x7 environment (i.e., without "real" patrons), agents may login to the Spark client using a number of practice accounts:
- Usernames and Passwords:
- kin1 through kin10. Password: kin24x7
- Server: 66.213.13.11
To "ask a question" as a patron, go to http://www.knowitnow.org/kin_training.php. At least one agent must be logged in to the practice server for this to work and you must select a queue that is monitored by a librarian. To send a question to the practice account (kin1, etc.), choose from the following queues within the practice environment:
| If working with... | Send question to... |
|---|---|
| kin1 | General Questions |
| kin2 | General Question HWN |
| kin3 | Federal Government Information |
| kin4 | Foreign Languages and Non-English Literature |
| kin5 | Foreign Languages HWN |
| kin6 | Genealogy |
| kin7 | History Geography and Travel |
| kin8 | History HWN |
| kin9 | Business, Finance and Labor Information |
| kin10 | Business HWN |