Southwest Research Institute Purchases Amigos Learning Passport

Has your institution purchased an Amigos Learning Passport? If not, you need do so now to take full advantage of the prepaid training plan that runs through June 30, 2011.

The passport offers two different options: a $500 or $1000 plan. Each includes a number of regional training units, Know and Go Updates, free conference registration, and discounts on additional training.

One such passport was recently purchased by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas. Sally Krash of SwRI explained that her institution has a shoestring budget for staff training and the Amigos courses give them a good bang for their buck.

“Initially, we were going to purchase the $500 plan, but within 24 hours, we realized that we needed the $1000 plan. We will definitely use the 12 units of Regional Training. Also, we like the Know and Go Updates. This was a major selling point for us. This will give us the opportunity to have ongoing monthly staff development activities. We will schedule 30 minutes after each session for discussion on how that session topic affects our operations.”

Sally added, “The first Know & Go webinar was excellent, even though the National Broadband Plan really won’t impact our library. We are still citizens who need to be aware of what our government is doing and how that will impact our lives. As the person responsible for staff development in our library, I can’t stress enough how I look forward to offering our staff monthly opportunities for growth and development.”

Know and Go Updates are hour long sessions on various topics. Amigos will offer at least 18 different Know and Go Updates during the passport period. Sally explains, “Combining the Know and Go Updates with the 12 hours of regional training, and I think purchasing the passport is a no-brainer.”

In addition to the Know and Go Updates, Sally said the staff members may take advantage of the free online conference option, especially if the conferences are on topics relevant to their processes. For more information on the Amigos Learning Passport, visit www.amigos.org/passport.