by Erin Tindell
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
6/23/2011 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- DOD library professionals will communicate, collaborate and connect during a library tri-service training workshop June 21 through 24 in New Orleans.
The Air Force, Navy and U.S. Marines Corps Librarians' Training Workshop will feature speakers from the non-profit military organization Blue Star Families and the private sector.
According to Margie Buchanan, the Air Force Services Agency libraries division chief, the Air Force-hosted workshop provides library professionals with skills to better serve their customers, implement new technologies and support the military mission.
"A joint workshop affords librarians from each service the opportunity to expand their knowledge of current library trends and technologies, network with other service library professionals and improve operations and services in their libraries," she said.
"Meeting, working together and exchanging ideas allows for improved information sharing, social networking and expanded professional development," added Melinda Mosley, an AFSVA administrative librarian. "There are also cost savings for all services' librarians always look for efficiencies where we can."
Highlights of the workshop include the Blue Star Families Operation Appreciation, a "petting zoo" to explore eReaders, marketing library services and reaching out to the Air Force community using emerging technology, Ms. Mosley said.
A key topic is how DOD libraries can better serve and relate to teens and young adults, including many young service members. Air Force Library officials say they continue to add programs and expand technology at installation libraries to entice customers and help provide better quality of life and educational resources for Airmen and families.
"Air Force libraries are an essential part of the education experience because they provide resources to students and give everyone the opportunity to read and learn at no cost," Ms. Mosley said.
For more information about Air Force Library programs and services, contact or visit a local installation force support squadron library.
