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Teaching Librarian One of the great challenges we have asteacher-librarians is keeping on topof such matters as the ever-evolving world of information, ideas for collection development and new directions in curriculum and instructional practice. We exist in a dimension of change. As information and literacy leaders in our schools, we seek professional development opportunities that will keep us abreast of innovations and address the realities of our role. The Education Institute has responded with a program that gives you what you need, where and when you need it. Taking advantage of current technologies, courses are offered in many forms, from audio conferences to Web conferences and on-line courses. This year's course calendar has more offerings for teacher-librarians than ever before. The fall line-up included no fewer than 12 courses or workshops aimed specifically at teacher- librarians, dealing with topics ranging from reading programs to instructional design to the new literacies of a Web 2.0 world. But don't restrict yourself to school-specific offerings! One of the great strengths of the Education Institute is the opportunity for us to participate in programs from other library sectors. Learning from our library colleagues will help us to make connections for our students to the world of information and reading beyond the doors of our schools. How does the Education Institute Work? The Education Institute was originally created by the Ontario Library Association but is now being run for members of all of the provincial and territorial library associations of The Partnership. Programs are developed from coast to coast. All programs are delivered virtually, giving you a far more varied choice than might be available locally, and at the same time saving you time and money. On-line courses from your desktop: Typically these courses run for a period of a few weeks. Each week you receive an e-mail with the lessons and resources, followed up with an audio conference between the instructor and other participants. You are also part of a Web-based bulletin board system, to foster discussion amongst participants. Audio Conferences: An Education Institute audio conference brings a group together for an hour of instruction and discussion. Charges are by site, not by person, and any number of people can participate at a site without extra charge. This structure not only gives you a cost advantage, but also an opportunity to bring you together with your local colleagues, providing a departure point for further discussion and planning. Web Conferences: A Web conference is really an enhanced version of the audio conference. The presenter's computer desktop is broadcast to your computer over the Internet, giving you the opportunity to see live demonstrations. You don't need any special hardware or software, just an Internet connection and a phone. As with audio conferences, there is no limit on the number of people who can PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt DDeelliivveerreedd to Your Desktop: TThhee PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp"ss EEdduuccaattiioonn IInnssttiittuuttee For more information about what the Education Institute has to offer you, visit the Web site at http://www.thepartnership.ca/education. 10 Ontario School Library Association