Andrews Consulting

Advanced Microsoft Excel

This workshop is a follow up to More Than Basic Excel. Topics to be covered include custom number formats and rounding numbers, relative and absolute cell referencing, sharing a workbook for multi user editing, revision tracking, worksheet and workbook level protection, importing a Word table, copying Excel data to Word and PowerPoint, and Pivot Tables. This is a half day workshop which can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Basic Computer Skills All Library Staff Should Master

What should library front line staff know and what skills should be mastered to be able to assist patrons on public access computer workstations? This workshop will look at all aspects of computer technology including hardware, operating systems and file management, computer security, software applications, and basic troubleshooting. It will provide you with the basic knowledge to maintain your equipment and answer patron questions related to using software, browsing the Internet, and using email. We will also look at how to keep up to date on these issues.

Basic Image Editing For Free

Picasa, IrfanView, and JPegger are free programs that can be used for basic image editing. Picasa is a free download from Google and is great for organizing pictures and has great search capabilities. Picasa makes editing easy by previewing changes in real time and by providing for multiple levels of undo to revert to the original image. IrfanView is a simple image viewer and editor that supports all major graphic formats and allows you to modify color depth, crop, and sharpen images. JPegger provides standard image management functions as well as the ability to create autorun CD's for an easy way to distribute pictures. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Basic Photographic Editing Using Paint Shop Pro

Learn the basics of photo editing using Paint Shop Pro. Learn to crop and resize, rotate images, adjust brightness and contrast, remove red eye, add text and graphics, and apply effects. Other topics include print options, saving pictures for emailing and the web, and sharing photos. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Basic Photographic Editing Using Photoshop CS

Learn the basics of photo editing using Photoshop CS. Learn to crop and resize, rotate images, adjust brightness and contrast, remove red eye, add text and graphics, and add filters and effects. Other topics include creating contact sheets and picture packages, and saving pictures for emailing and the web.

Basic Photographic Editing Using Photoshop Elements

Learn the basics of photo editing using Photoshop Elements. Learn to crop and resize, rotate images, adjust brightness and contrast, add filters and effects, and create contact sheets and picture packages. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Beyond Point and Shoot - Know Your Digitial Camera

Most digital cameras provide automatic options which make picture taking as simple as point and shoot. If you want to know more about your camera, this workshop will look at topics such as zoom, resolution, flash, manual exposure control, scene modes, white balance, and more. Don't miss out on all of the features available in your digital camera. Bring your camera and manual to this half day workshop.

Collaboration Made Easy: Free Online Productivity Applications

The Web is changing fast and new technology with an emphasis on community is growing. In this program we will look at a number of web based applications which can be used to enhance the collaboration between library teachers and students. Project management applications such as Basecamp, Social Bookmarking sites such as del.icio.us, and Zoho Writer for collaborating on group projects are some of the sites which will be reviewed.

Creating Brochures Using Microsoft Publisher

Designing and producing professional looking brochures for your library is very easy using Microsoft Publisher. Learn to make informational brochures that will catch your users attention with clearly written text, colors and artwork, and overall layout. This hands on workshop will look at creating and editing publications using many of the formatting and tools available in Publisher.

Creating a Database Using Microsoft Access

A database is a useful tool for organizing large amounts of data such as for book orders, inventories, mailing lists, and even a simple catalog of books or music. In this hands on workshop you will learn the basics of Access, the database component of Microsoft Office. Topics to be covered include planning a database, creating a database, editing and deleting records, and creating tables, queries, forms, and reports.

Creating Newsletters Using Microsoft Publisher

Designing newsletters which you can print, publish on the web, or send out for professional printing is easy with MS Publisher. This hands on workshop will look at the many features available in Publisher which will allow you to produce newsletters which your library users will want to read. Bring a logo or picture file to include in the newsletter.

Creating Presentations Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Using Microsoft PowerPoint you can create impressive presentations for meetings and training programs. PowerPoint can also be used to prepare handouts in several different formats. Topics to be covered include creating and editing slides, inserting clip art and sound, adding WordArt, adding transitions and animation, and exporting and printing a slide show. Techniques for running a presentation easily at your library or on the road will also be presented. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Creating Spreadsheets Using Microsoft Excel

Spreadsheets are a great way to create budgets and track expenses. This hands on workshop will explore all of the pull down menus, toolbars and features that will help you create worksheets and charts. Learn to create and edit a spreadsheet, use formulas, preview and print a worksheet, and create and edit charts.

Creating a Web Site with NVU

NVU is an easy to use free web editor which allows you to create web sites without knowledge of HTML and CSS. Learn how to structure your web, work with text, graphics, hyperlinks, tables, forms, and publish your site. We will look at the features of the WYSIWIG editing mode, the HTML source mode, and the preview mode which allows you to see the page as the browser will display it.

Create Your Own Blog

Weblogs are a great way to communicate with your library users. Keep them up to date on library events, new books, progress on building projects, and even an online book discussion group. A blog is also a great way to communicate with part time staff to let them know about what's happening with new procedures or the latest reference questions. Blog-City a free service will be used to create and publish your own blog. No knowledge of HTML is required. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Current Topics in Technology

Did you know that an iPod can not only be used to listen to music but is also a clock with alarm and sleep timer, has a calendar, and can store up to 1,000 contacts. The new iPod Touch also has WiFi capability and can be used with Skype.  Do you want to learn about chat, blogs, smartphones, VoIP, and RFID and how they can be used in your library. What's new with eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, handheld computers, and flash storage drives. All of these topics and more will be explored in this half day workshop.

Designing Your Web Site Using Microsoft Front Page

This hands on workshop will provide step-by-step instructions for creating a web site. Learn how to structure your web, work with text, graphics, and hyperlinks and style your content. Additional topics will include planning web content, designing page layouts, and a look at basic HTML.

Digital Media Players and Downloadable Audiobooks

Windows Media Player and iTunes are two digital media players which can be used to play and organize the digital media files on your computer. You can also play and copy CD’s, copy music to portable players like the iPod and MP3 players, and listen to streaming radio stations. Many downloadable audiobooks both free (English and Foreign Language) and per fee (Best Sellers) are now available for download and transfer to portable devices. You can also purchase music for download from sites like Napster and iTunes. This workshop will provide an overview of the features of media players and give participants the opportunity for hands on practice working with audiobook sites on the Internet.

Digital Photography Basics

This workshop will provide an overview of digital photography to include selecting a camera (compact, SLR) and printer, image file formats, and basic techniques for adjusting the quality of digital photographs for printing, emailing, and displaying on the web. The program will also look at storage options both for the camera and computer, transferring images from the camera to the computer, and accessories to make the process easier. Other topics include free services where you can share photos with family and friends, data recovery, and a demonstration of basic photo editing.

Edit and Organize Your Photographs with Picasa

Picasa is great for organizing pictures and has great search capabilities. Picasa makes editing easy with basic edits such as cropping, adjusting brightness and color, and straightening. Special effects can also be added. Other topics will include printing, slideshows, creating gift CD's, and sharing photos.

As library use continues to rise and budgets are being reduced, it is important to use library statistics to justify the need for increased funding.  Many internal and external sources of data are available and it is critical to be able to identify which data is relevant for a specific situation.  Statistics such as computer use, circulation, Ill’s, web site usage, patron visits, database usage, and program attendance are available to allow you to compare your library with peers and identify trends.  We will also look at importing text files and data from other sources, creating effective graphical displays of data, and linking excel data and charts to PowerPoint presentations.

In this program we will look at a number of Web based applications which can be used to enhance communication and productivity among staff and library users. Zoho has an easy to use interface with many tools such as Wiki, Chat, Meeting, Writer and Projects. Other meeting sites such as Yugma, GoToMeeting and WebEx have free components as well as other low cost options. Skype is another free tool which can be used to make live video calls.  Other management applications such as Basecamp, Social Bookmarking sites such as del.icio.us, online calendars and planning tools will be reviewed and demonstrated.

Google Docs and Spreadsheets is a free web based word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation program which makes sharing and collaboration easy. Google pack is essential software that includes Google Earth, Google Desktop, Norton Security Scan, Spyware Doctore Starter Edition and more. Google also has a calculator, currency converter, and many specialized search features.

Helping Patrons with Vista and Office 2007

Are your patrons asking for help working on new computers with the Vista operating system? Have patrons had problems trying to open attachments created with Office 2007? This program will look at the new features included in Vista such as improved search capabilities, user account controls, parental controls, the sidebar, and photo gallery. Also covered will be working with some new features of Office 2007 such as the replacement of pull down menus with tabs and ribbons, saving files, and downloading additional tools such as the PDF creator and the document compatibility file for older versions of Office.

Internet Search Engines

Today there are billions of web pages available on the Internet. This workshop will look at search engines such as Google, Alta Vista, and Yahoo and explore the many features available with each. Learn how to use advanced search options and find images, MP3 files, and video files.

Manage Your Time, Your Computer, and Free Online Tools to get Organized

Is it impossible to find archival and even recently created files on your computer?  Are you constantly being intrrrupted and finding it difficult to manage your time?  Do you have notes scribbled on the back of receipts and multiple calendars so it is inefficient in terms of getting tasks accomplished and managing your time?  The course will look at techniques and free online tools in increase productivity by managing time, your computer, tasks, projects and notes.  We will also look at using these tools to enhance collaboration with co-workers.

Managing Files and Folders on Your Computer

This workshop is intended for anyone who would like to learn how to organize their files for quick and easy access. Learn to explore your computer using My Computer and Windows Explorer. Other topics include file names and extensions, creating and working with files and folders, file properties, copying and deleting files and folders, moving and renaming files and folders, folder options, shortcuts, and searching for files on the computer. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Marketing Your Library

It is important for all libraries to identify their “product” and to be able to make the connection with their customers and stakeholders. Developing partnerships with others in the community such as businesses, other libraries, and organizations is one way to increase awareness of the libraries services. Using tools such as the ALA @ your library campaign and the Advocacy toolkit provide ideas for PR that works which can be customized to the needs of your library. This workshop will look at the marketing process and also using technology such as blogs and chat to build support for your library.

More Than Basic Excel: Macros, Templates, and Linking Spreadsheets

If you perform a task repeatedly in Microsoft Excel, you can automate the task with a macro. A macro is a series of commands and functions that can be run whenever you need to perform the task. Another way to enhance your use of Excel is to create links between cells in the same worksheet or between cells in different workbooks. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

More Than Basic PowerPoint

In this workshop we will look at some of the advanced features in PowerPoint which will add interest to your presentations. Topics to be covered include working with Master Slides, using WordArt and Shapes, adding hyperlinks, working with music and movie files, creating custom animations for all slide elements, and setting up the show to take on the road or run at a kiosk.

More Than Basic Word: Templates, Macros, Mail Merge, and More

Many features to enhance your productivity such as templates, macros, and mail merge are available in Microsoft Word. Templates determine the basic structure for a document and can contain settings such as autotext entries, fonts, page layout, and special formatting. Macros are useful for speeding up routine editing and formatting and can automate tasks which are often repeated. Mail merge can be used to create letters, mailing labels, and envelopes for a large group. This workshop can be presented as a demonstration or hands on.

Overview of Microsoft Office Products

Microsoft Office is a very powerful software package that includes many components from simple word processing to creating professional looking brochures, newsletters, and presentations. If you are not familiar with all of the capabilities this product offers, this workshop is for you. This is not a hands on workshop to master any of these products but will give you a basic understanding so you can decide which of the components will be benefiical for your needs. An overview of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage, and Outlook will be provided. This workshop can be presented as a full day or half day program.

Some new Vista features include intensive graphics, more search capabilities, and improved file management. The sidebar holds small applications such as a calculator, stock ticker, and clock. Parental Controls can be used to monitor computer activity and limit access to programs, web sites, and games.

PC Troubleshooting

Learn how to identify and fix common PC problems such as failure to start up, corrupted files, and error messages. Discover features and utilities available in Windows to analyze hardware and peripheral device problems and settings. Also covered will be free utilities that can be used to secure your computer, optimize performance, and decipher the task manager. This overview is presented as a half day program.

Protect Your PC From Security Threats

Hackers and scammers are always coming up with new ways to get access to your PC to steal valuable information which may be used for marketing purposes or to capture logins, passwords, and account details. This workshop will look at the latest security threats such as spyware, bots, phishing, keyloggers, rootkits, ransomware and more, and the steps you can take to minimize risk. Free tools and utilities for monitoring your PC and removing threats will also be demonstrated.

Teaching Patrons About the Internet

Do your library users think that Google is the answer to all of their research needs? This workshop will provide you with sample lessons that you can use to instruct users on the many aspects of the Internet. Finding information, using free email services, specialized search engines, and subscription databases provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Regional Library Systems. We will also look at Internet Service Providers and how to get online at home. This workshop can be presented as a full day or half day program.

Time Saving Features of Microsoft Office - Move Files Between Applications

Take advantage of the ability to move files created in one Microsoft Office application to another application in Office. Text or graphic files can be converted to PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets can be converted to relational databases, and Access reports can be converted to text files and HTML files. Why duplicate your work, when you can easily move the files or create linked objects. This workshop is a half day program.