google calendar for online library scheduling
DESCRIPTION
A presentation for MASL spring conference 2012. Shows how we use google calendar to schedule classes in our high school library.TRANSCRIPT
Google Calendar for Online Library Scheduling
Jane Drabik, LibrarianMindy Siefert, Librarian
Lindbergh High SchoolSt. Louis, MO
2
Why online?
Teachers can view anytimeScheduling can be done from homeWanted to save timeTried a couple different methods, but
Google calendar worked bestGoogle calendar was FREE!
3
OverviewThe basics of how online library scheduling works
4
Our Google Calendar
Easily embedded into our website
5
Google Form
Teachers fill out a Google form, found on our website below the calendar, to request library time
6
Teacher requests are organized into a Google Spreadsheet that only library staff can see
7
What you will need
In order to create your own Google calendar, in which teachers can request library use, you will need:◦A Google account◦A Google calendar◦A Google form
The Google spreadsheet will be generated automatically from the form
8
Getting StartedSetting up the calendar
9
Setting up a Google Calendar
Go to google.com and click “sign up” in the upper right corner
Create a free account by clicking the blue link “create an account for free”
Fill in the information to create a free account
10
Log in to your account
Once your account is established, log in to view your email
The links at the top will take you to additional products, like calendar.
11
Adding events
Add an event by clicking on a timeslot on the calendar
12
Events can be added in 2 ways
Events• Teachers request
time • You create the event• Teachers can see
scheduled classes
Appointment slots• You create
appointment slots• Teachers sign
themselves up
13
Fill out information
Include title, change time, select calendar, enter description, and SAVE
14
Adding calendars
Multiple calendars can be added for library classrooms or various sections
The calendars will be color coded
15
Adding calendars
• Add a calendar by clicking on the arrow next to “My Calendars” in the lower left side
• Click “Create New Calendar”• Add name and description• Click to make the calendar
public• Finish by clicking “Create
Calendar” button at the bottom
16
Adding calendars
Each calendar is color coded Choose colors that stand out from one
another so that your patrons don’t confuse different areas
Calendars can be viewed or hidden depending on how they are set up
17
Adding calendars
When all the calendars are created you can add events to various calendars
Click on a timeslot and a drop down menu will appear under “Calendar:”
When you choose your calendar the events will appear in color coded timeslots
18
Helpful Hints
Events can be duplicated.
Open the event to be duplicated
Under “More Actions” select “Duplicate”
Change information for new class
19
Creating a Google formTeachers fill out the form to submit a library request
20
Creating a Google Form
Under the top tabs select “Documents”Click on “Create” on the upper left side Select “Form”
21
Creating a form
Add a titleClick “Add Item” at the top left to add fieldsSelect from text, multiple choice, text boxes, and
more to create your online library request form
22
Our Library Usage Request
Our form contains a title, description, fill in boxes, check boxes, and memo area
23
Notification of teacher request
When a teacher submits a Google form an email is sent to our library Google account
Gmail settings allow all emails to be forwarded to ONE email address
We have this set up as well. Setting can be changed in Gmail, settings icon, settings, then “forwarding and POP/IMAP”
24
Google Spreadsheet
All information submitted on the form goes to a Google spreadsheet that is automatically created when the form is saved
25
Saving the data
We print a copy of the spreadsheet at the end of each month, along with our other statistics
Then we delete the old informationAnother option would be to create a form
for each month
26
Embedding the calendarAdd the calendar and form to your website
27
Embedding the calendar
While looking at the calendar, click on “My Calendars” on the center left side, then select “Settings”
All calendars will appear
Click on any calendar name
28
Embedding the calendar
In the middle of the page there are directions to “Embed this Calendar”
Click on the link that says “Customize the color, size, and other options”
29
Customized your embedded calendar
Use this screen to customize your embedded calendar
30
Customized your embedded calendar
Select the default view
Week is easiest to read, but patrons can change the view as well
Select the calendars to display in the lower left corner
31
Embedding the calendar
The customized calendar can now be embedded by copying the embed code and pasting it into your webpage
32
Things to keep in mind…
Google calendar has some problems in certain browsers, namely IE
The calendar will not default to your school’s hourly schedule
Each class period has to be entered individually
Events can be moved by clicking on the event and dragging it to the new date