LITA is offering two Web Courses in February: Getting Started with GIS, presented by Eva Dodsworth, Geospatial Data Services Librarian at the University of Waterloo Map Library and Inclusive Gigabit Libraries, presented by Jon Gant, Director of the Center for Digital Inclusion at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Modeled on Eva Dodsworth’s LITA Guide of the same name, Getting Started with GIS will provide participants with an introduction to the both online and desktop GIS currently being used by library administrators, librarians, library support staff and library users. The three week course will run February 11 – March 4 and will consist of weekly asynchronous lectures and modules in Moodle. Participants will learn firsthand how to create online maps; how to properly use maps in library web pages; how to embed GIS technology into library projects; and how to enjoy GIS and mapping technologies in personal endeavors. Students will be exposed to many online resources that are currently being used by public, academic and special libraries across North America. No previous mapping or GIS experience is necessary.
Inclusive Gigabit Libraries will help libraries identify ways to lead in building next-generation Internet applications and services designed to operate on ultra-fast broadband networks that several communities are already building. Consisting of two, 2 hour live lectures, held February 21 and 22, noon – 2:00 pm CST, participants will learn what gigabit networks are and how they work in accessible terms, identify strategies to leverage networks for new library services and opportunities based on case studies, and develop general concepts that would help apply the strategies in other contexts.
For registration and additional information on both courses, visit the LITA web site.