The New AIRS Networker FAQ - Alliance of Information and Referral Systems

The “New” AIRS Networker FAQ

(NEARLY) EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW AIRS NETWORKER
Last Updated: September 2011

This document was created to answer many of the questions you might have about the transition to the new version of the AIRS Networker.

Q: What is the “New” AIRS Networker?

The new AIRS Networker at http://airsnetworker.airs.org is a Web 2.0 application that allows AIRS members to work together in all manner of online communities and collaborations. It is a professional social networking application and you are free to harness its power in any way that helps yourself and your organization.
At its core is a web-based mailing list (called the Open Forum) that operates in basically the same way as the current AIRS I&R Networker. But although it has similar core functionality, overall the new Networker has a multiplicity of advantages over the previous system, including the ability to create and expand searchable resource libraries, public and private discussion groups, blogs, searchable directories and private online communities.

Q; Is the “New” AIRS Networker really all that “new”?

The New AIRS Networker is the latest online tool created to assist with what I&R folks have been doing for many years – supporting one another.The history of the AIRS Networker goes back to a joint project of the Texas Information and Referral Network and the Texas Assistive Technology Program who started the I&R Networker in May 1997. For most of these years, it has been a Listserv via Yahoo Groups facilitated by the volunteer support of David Smith of the United Way of Greater Houston and Tino Paz of the United Way Worldwide (both of whom have agreed to maintain their administrative role).

The AIRS Networker exists to help I&R and I&R/A providers find ideas and resources, ask questions related to their operations, and exchange information about improving their direct service and overall operations.

Q: What are some its primary advantages?

• Ability to set parameters for how to receive postings according to your preferences (e.g. from a daily digest to real time)
• Ability to find colleagues and build contacts by searching either by first name, last name, city, organization, etc.
• The ability to create private communities (e.g. everyone dealing with telephone technology or all 211 providers in Ohio, or all members of Virginia AIRS, or all ADRCs in Wisconsin, etc.)
• A Glossary containing definitions of over 500 I&R-related terms (e.g. “what is a “call”?). If you don’t agree with a definition, you can post a clarification
• Private communities with a controlled membership and a resource library that is only accessible to members
• Resources are searchable. You can conduct a general search of a concept (e.g. phantom calls) and you can find out if there are documents, blogs, discussion threads or other materials relevant to your inquiry
• Rather than send someone a document, you can place that document in a resource library (for example, the Open Forum library) and it is there for others … for now and in the future
• It’s kinda cool

Q: How much does it cost?

It is free, but you or your organization must be a member of AIRS.

Q: How many staff from my organization can participate?

There are no limits, as many as you feel will benefit. You can even use the system as a private Intranet for your agency/program.

Q: When will the “old” AIRS Networker Listserv close?

No new members will be accepted after January 1, 2012. The ability to post new messages will be removed on February 1st 2012. The archived postings will still be available – at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/airsnetworker/ – but only for searching previous postings.

Q: Can the Yahoo Groups version remain open?

That option was discussed and the conclusion reached that two Listservs is twice the work with half the advantages. The value of the exchanges also diminishes for everyone if some folks are on the old Listserv and some on the New Networker. The archived postings will still be available – at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/airsnetworker/ – but only for searching previous postings.

Q: How do I join the AIRS Networker?

You need your own individual account. If you are the billing contact for your agency, then you have an account. Or if you have ever applied for a certification exam, then you have an individual account, but are probably unaware of it. Go to http://airsnetworker.airs.org and click "Login to see members only content" located on the top right hand side. Then click "Forgot your login information?" ... and if you are on the system, you will be emailed your unique ID and password.

Q: What if that doesn’t work?

If you do not have an individual account, you will need to ask the billing contact for your organization (the person who receives emails from AIRS on membership renewals) to create one for you. Ask him or her to use this document. If you are not the billing contact, refer to this document. This Intro to the new AIRS Networker webinar recording will play on Windows Media and covers login, getting started on the new AIRS Networker and how to clean up your organizational record. (Seems to work best via Internet Explorer).

Q: I have tried all the above but I am still experiencing problems (of whatever nature), what should I do?

Email info@airs.org

Q: What do I do when I login for the first time?

Look for the box marked “Getting Started” on the right hand side of the new Networker itself and go through the steps outlined. Finally, there is a video called "Settling In" which is embedded in the "Getting Started" box that helps you through the next level of awareness.

Q: How could I organize an online training program for my group?

Email info@airs.org to schedule a webinar. We are also available to provide regional workshop webinars on the features and benefits of the new AIRS Networker.

Q: Any rules to participation?

Each online community develops its own set of cultural guidelines on how to interact with its members. Here is the social ‘netiquette’ that we have evolved from the old AIRS Networker:

• When replying to a message, delete non-relevant parts
• Completing your profile makes it easier for other people to find you and contact you directly should the need arise
• You can reply to an individual directly or to the entire online community. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself whether your message is something the whole list would be interested in, or is your message something only the individual recipient will care about. Please avoid “me to” type responses.
• If you are asking a question, such as “Does anyone have a ….”, try looking through the records of previous threads and resources first. Someone may already have posted exactly what you need
• These guidelines are meant to reduce moments of frustration, not create new ones. Don't be afraid to speak up or speak out about an issue. The AIRS Networker is and should be a fun and breezy way to learn about the I&R profession around the world


			The New AIRS Networker FAQ AIRS Membership The “New” AIRS Networker FAQ (NEARLY) EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW AIRS NETWORKER Last Updated: September 2011 This document was created to answer many of the questions you might have about the transition to the new version of the AIRS Networker. Q: What is the “New” AIRS Networker? The new AIRS Networker at http://airsnetworker.airs.org is a Web 2.0 application that allows AIRS members to work together in all manner of online communities and collaborations. It is a professional social networking application and you are free to harness its power in any way that helps yourself and your organization. At its core is a web-based mailing list (called the Open Forum) that operates in basically the same way as the current AIRS I&R Networker. But although it has similar core functionality, overall the new Networker has a multiplicity of advantages over the previous system, including the ability to create and expand searchable resource libraries, public and private discussion groups, blogs, searchable directories and private online communities. Q; Is the “New” AIRS Networker really all that “new”? The New AIRS Networker is the latest online tool created to assist with what I&R folks have been doing for many years – supporting one another.The history of the AIRS Networker goes back to a joint project of the Texas Information and Referral Network and the Texas Assistive Technology Program who started the I&R Networker in May 1997. For most of these years, it has been a Listserv via Yahoo Groups facilitated by the volunteer support of David Smith of the United Way of Greater Houston and Tino Paz of the United Way Worldwide (both of whom have agreed to maintain their administrative role). The AIRS Networker exists to help I&R and I&R/A providers find ideas and resources, ask questions related to their operations, and exchange information about improving their direct service and overall operations. Q: What are some its primary advantages? • Ability to set parameters for how to receive postings according to your preferences (e.g. from a daily digest to real time) • Ability to find colleagues and build contacts by searching either by first name, last name, city, organization, etc. • The ability to create private communities (e.g. everyone dealing with telephone technology or all 211 providers in Ohio, or all members of Virginia AIRS, or all ADRCs in Wisconsin, etc.) • A Glossary containing definitions of over 500 I&R-related terms (e.g. “what is a “call”?). If you don’t agree with a definition, you can post a clarification • Private communities with a controlled membership and a resource library that is only accessible to members • Resources are searchable. You can conduct a general search of a concept (e.g. phantom calls) and you can find out if there are documents, blogs, discussion threads or other materials relevant to your inquiry • Rather than send someone a document, you can place that document in a resource library (for example, the Open Forum library) and it is there for others … for now and in the future • It’s kinda cool Q: How much does it cost? It is free, but you or your organization must be a member of AIRS. Q: How many staff from my organization can participate? There are no limits, as many as you feel will benefit. You can even use the system as a private Intranet for your agency/program. Q: When will the “old” AIRS Networker Listserv close? No new members will be accepted after January 1, 2012. The ability to post new messages will be removed on February 1st 2012. The archived postings will still be available – at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/airsnetworker/ – but only for searching previous postings. Q: Can the Yahoo Groups version remain open? That option was discussed and the conclusion reached that two Listservs is twice the work with half the advantages. The value of the exchanges also diminishes for everyone if some folks are on the old Listserv and some on the New Networker. The archived postings will still be available – at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/airsnetworker/ – but only for searching previous postings. Q: How do I join the AIRS Networker? You need your own individual account. If you are the billing contact for your agency, then you have an account. Or if you have ever applied for a certification exam, then you have an individual account, but are probably unaware of it. Go to http://airsnetworker.airs.org and click "Login to see members only content" located on the top right hand side. Then click "Forgot your login information?" ... and if you are on the system, you will be emailed your unique ID and password. Q: What if that doesn’t work? If you do not have an individual account, you will need to ask the billing contact for your organization (the person who receives emails from AIRS on membership renewals) to create one for you. Ask him or her to use this document. If you are not the billing contact, refer to this document. This Intro to the new AIRS Networker webinar recording will play on Windows Media and covers login, getting started on the new AIRS Networker and how to clean up your organizational record. (Seems to work best via Internet Explorer). Q: I have tried all the above but I am still experiencing problems (of whatever nature), what should I do? Email info@airs.org Q: What do I do when I login for the first time? Look for the box marked “Getting Started” on the right hand side of the new Networker itself and go through the steps outlined. Finally, there is a video called "Settling In" which is embedded in the "Getting Started" box that helps you through the next level of awareness. Q: How could I organize an online training program for my group? Email info@airs.org to schedule a webinar. We are also available to provide regional workshop webinars on the features and benefits of the new AIRS Networker. Q: Any rules to participation? Each online community develops its own set of cultural guidelines on how to interact with its members. Here is the social ‘netiquette’ that we have evolved from the old AIRS Networker: • When replying to a message, delete non-relevant parts • Completing your profile makes it easier for other people to find you and contact you directly should the need arise • You can reply to an individual directly or to the entire online community. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself whether your message is something the whole list would be interested in, or is your message something only the individual recipient will care about. Please avoid “me to” type responses. • If you are asking a question, such as “Does anyone have a ….”, try looking through the records of previous threads and resources first. Someone may already have posted exactly what you need • These guidelines are meant to reduce moments of frustration, not create new ones. Don't be afraid to speak up or speak out about an issue. The AIRS Networker is and should be a fun and breezy way to learn about the I&R profession around the world Home \| Back to Top