It is simply a live training session accessible on a personal computer, with no traveling involved. The virtual room in which the training is held is provided by a collaborative effort called OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries).

The sessions are generally an hour or less.

Not really. In addition to your personal computer, a headset (with a microphone and headphone combination) is recommended but not required. You must use the Internet Explorer browser and allow pop-ups (turn the pop-up blocker off). For live, real-time sessions, a headset will allow you to speak to the trainer if you wish, allowing for a more interactive training session. For archived sessions - those that have previously taken place and have been recorded - you will simply watch and listen.

Yes. For your first OPAL session you will need to install a small plug-in on your computer. Simply visit the South Carolina State Library OPAL Room and install the plug-in to your personal computer. This step is only necessary the first time you participate in an OPAL session.

Locate the OPAL online training that interests you on the DISCUS Training Schedule. On the day of the training, enter the South Carolina State Library OPAL Room a few minutes before the start of the session and log-in using your first and last name. No password is necessary - leave the password field blank. Registration for the training is not required. Space is limited, though, to 22 participants.

Through the use of one computer (with speakers) that is connected to projection equipment, an entire group of people at one physical location can attend an OPAL training. If group members have questions for the trainer, a designated person in the group can type questions into the text chat.