Teaching new users how to use, adapt and master technologies being developed and used in libraries.

Technology Training in Libraries sparkles with author Sarah Houghton-Jan's well deserved reputation for jargon-free, plain-talking, and humorously honest help for readers: "...having staff members who are not adequately trained in technology trying to support library users is like having a cardboard egg carton holding up an SUV," she suggests (p. 5) in a statement that could easily be applied to workers in many other organizations.

The book, in fact, offers plenty for those outside of libraries. Early on, for example, Houghton-Jan provides a list of "essential technology training topics in libraries" and other potential training topics--nearly all of which could just as easily be adapted within a nonprofit or commercial organization looking to develop a cutting-edge workforce (pp. 6-7). Employees in libraries are clearly not the only ones who need to master technology terminology; understand how to effectively use email, web browsers, and online search skills to the benefit of the customers they serve; and be able to avoid ergonomic problems caused by improper set-up of employees' (and customers') work stations. And the writer's list of areas of future growth--cloud computing, surface computing, open source software development among them--are equally applicable and important to workplace learning and performance programs in nearly any professional setting today.

The extensive recommended resources listings and bibliography at the end of the book, furthermore, are icing on a well baked cake, leaving readers with plenty of useful resources. Those in search of dessert as well as a substantial main course will find both in Technology Training in Libraries, and we all owe Houghton-Jan and her publisher a round of applause for making the information available in such a concise fashion (103 pages of text, followed by the additional resources already mentioned). ( )