Another response.
attached mail follows:
Victoria,
We just rolled out our first network this spring, including access to the
internet. FYI, we have 125+ attorneys in 11 offices and one librarian
(me). Details follow each of your questions, but generally folks in my
office (Greenville office) had & have more training opportunity, just
because I am here the majority of the time.
At 11:58 AM 9/18/97 -0700, you wrote:
>I apologize if this question has been posted before by others, but I
>need some information regarding training on the internet.
>
>We are in the process of rolling out firm-wide access to the Internet
>(long overdue, I know), and I'm curious to hear how different firms have
>handled training. If you have a minute or two and can provide me with
>some info. I'd be very grateful. The particular information I'm looking
>for includes:
>
>1. Does the entire firm have acces to the Internet, or is it limited to
>attorneys?
All firm members & employees have access to the Internet
>2. Was the Library involved in any (or all) of the training for staff?
If so, did you conduct group sessions, individual sessions, hands-on
>training versus overhead transparencies or powerpoint presentation
>etc.?
Yes, the library was involved. In each office we had an in-house classroom
set-up for general required network training, provided by a third party
vendor. In addition to word processing upgrades, windows 95 training (we
were dos) and other new software training, the vendor provided a very brief
overview of the internet and how to get started. In this office, I added 6
sessions of specialized topical sessions that I held (not-required,
sparsely attended, but at least I hit some very interested, now-heavy
users.) I also passed out handouts that were actually my bookmarks for
that topic with URLs.
In addition, I provide one-on-one training upon demand, worked into my
schedule.
I also had two required topical sessions at an associates meeting, held
shortly before access was available, where I used the same handouts.
At our other offices, I provide support & training over the telephone.
Whenever I visit, I make sure they know they can have 30-60 minutes of my
time for a one-on-one session while I am there. Usually only a couple of
folks take me up on it, and only for 15-30 minutes, so my other work there
does not suffer. I do plan on a couple of hours for training on these trips.
> Did you contract training out to an outside company? If so, did they
>specialize in LEGAL resources on the internet or was it a general
>overview?
See above.
>
>3. How much instruction did each individual receive? (Was a time limit
>specified?)
No time limit. Classes/sessions were generally 45-60 minutes. One-on-one
sessions last as long as it takes (usually < 60 minutes)
>4. Did you provide everyone with a list of legal related bookmarks?
Yes. Also, I have almost finished a set of links pages for our intranet
consisting of my bookmarks, topically arranged.
>5. How do you handle requests from attorneys for individual instruction
>(it could take all day!!!)
Upon demand. As with any request, some have to wait for higher priority
work to be completed.
>
>6. Do you provide any non-legal (read: non work related) instruction
>(i.e., how do I find a good bed & breakfast or football tickets or
>cheesecake recipes)?
Yes, but usually only once. I try to use the question to teach the user
about search engines so they can find the next one on their own, whether
work-related or not. I usually remind them that I am out of the office
somewhat frequently; it's in their best interest to be able to do it
themselves. Usually successful, just a few really hard heads.
>
>7. Who in the firm is responsible for managing your home/web page? Do
>you have any input? Do you have a specific "Library" area on the
>firm's web page? Do you allow clients to access the Library's
>reference and research resources through the web page?
The MIS department and the Technology committee share the responsibility.
I may make recommendations and have been asked to review the "page" when it
is finished.
Out Intranet (in-house access only) is not quite up yet and yes, there will
be a "library" on it. The link pages I mentioned before are actually the
only part that is ready (or near-ready) yet. At this point it will be
in-house only. I do not know where we will go on the firm Internet Web
site in terms of library materials.
>
>Any answers to any of these questions (or any other input you may have)
>will be greatly appreciated.
>
>TIA,
>Victoria Lynch
>Law Library Director
>Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP
>Philadelphia, PA
>victoria.lynch@obermayer.com or
>ormh1@ix.netcom.com
>(215) 665-3181
>
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