My Favorite Real-World Research Tips - Webinar (11/08/22)

...for Library Clients who need more than
what’s in a Book or Database.

Not everything your library users need can be found in a book or online.

Before e-mail, the Internet, and social media, Pat Wagner and her husband ran an information service called the Office for Open Network. Their clients, which included professional researchers, journalists, and librarians, helped people who couldn't find the information they needed by more traditional means.

1. Where can I locate a German-speaking senior citizen in my neighborhood to keep my visiting father company while I am at work? We have no German-American societies in my town.

2. How can I get grape juice stains out of my bridesmaid's dress; the wedding is tomorrow? Don't have time to experiment and am afraid I will ruin the delicate handmade fabric if I use a recipe from a book. Local dry cleaners are clueless.

3. Can someone tell me why my business proposal was turned down by every bank in town, even though they all said my financial information was excellent?

4. I want an advisory board to help me launch my chutney business.

5. I need to interview every day people on all sides of the abortion issue by my deadline today. Who can I call who will talk to me?

6. Can I find an engineer to evaluate my perpetual motion machine?

 (Find out the answers in the webinar!)

The secret of their success was establishing a network of hundreds of people with experience and expertise who were willing to help. But knowing who to call was not enough. They had to build lasting relationships, coach clients in how to talk to people, and be willing to "play the wild card" when finding the right person. Just looking for people with credentials was not enough. Even after the Internet and online discussion boards became common, the principles established for finding the right people and making mutual useful connections still apply. 

Virtual Trainer: Pat Wagner

Pat Wagner has been a library trainer and consultant since 1978. She has been producing and facilitating online programs for over 20 years. Pat has been a frequent visitor to Florida libraries and was a facilitator for the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute.

This is an online class. Access information will be emailed one week ahead.

Cost: NEFLIN classes are free of charge for Florida library staff. Registration is required for all classes and NEFLIN members get priority.

Register Now!