About Webinars
What Is a Webinar?
A webinar is a live meeting that takes place over the web. The meeting can be a presentation, discussion, demonstration,
or instructional session. Participants can view documents and applications via their computers, while shared audio allows for
presentation and discussion.
Minitex webinars are typically limited to small groups and generally range between 30-90 minutes.
Our instructors have found that small, focused groups provide a great way for library staff around the region to ask questions
and participate in discussion.
Webinars are an efficient way to transmit and share information. There is no transportation
involved – so webinars save time and money!
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How Does a Webinar Work?
All you need to attend a webinar is your computer, a compatible web browser, and a way to share the audio portion of the
session. Minitex primarily uses Adobe Connect.
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Webinar Etiquette
Keep in mind that when you participate in a webinar session there are usually many other people participating as well.
That means that it is important for you to be ready to go when the session begins.
- Have the email that contains the URL to attend the session and login instructions handy.
- Five to ten minutes before the start of the session, login by going to the URL that was sent to you via email.
-
Use your telephone or microphone's mute button if you have background noise in your computer area. Voices of
patrons or staff, ringing telephones, and other noise can be distracting for webinar participants.
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Do I Need Speakers or Headphones?
In order to listen to the audio portion of the presentation, you will need either speakers or headphones, or a
telephone. See the "establishing your audio connection" section below for more information.
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Desktop or Laptop Attendees
How to Prepare
A day or two before your scheduled webinar, we suggest that you perform a browser test to check that your
computer can access the Adobe Connect webinar.
Establishing Your Audio Connection
As an attendee, you have the option to listen to the audio portion of the webinar using computer audio (VoIP
or Voice over Internet Protocol), or, alternatively, by calling in using your telephone.
VoIP (Computer Audio)
You can choose to receive the audio via your computer along with the visual portion of the presentation.
-
You need a computer with sound capability and speakers or headphones so you can hear the audio. Check
your computer volume controls to make sure audio is not muted. We recommend a microphone so you can ask
questions and fully participate in any discussion.
-
The quality of your audio connection can vary depending on your Internet connection. Therefore, there
may be some instances in which you may experience intermittent audio. If you have trouble hearing the
audio on your computer, call in to the conference call via your telephone if you have one close to your
computer.
-
A broadband Internet connection (T1, cable, DSL, or corporate LAN) is recommended for VoIP audio.
Telephone
If you have a telephone that has a headset or a speakerphone with a muting feature, you may wish to use it.
This prevents the need to hold your handset during the presentation. Using a speakerphone also allows a group
of your colleagues to participate in the session along with you. Muting your speakerphone while not speaking
decreases background noises and, thus, increases audio quality for all attendees.
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Smart Phone or Tablet Attendees
The free Adobe Connect Mobile app can be downloaded to your tablet or Smart Phone. Links to download
the Adobe Connect Mobile app are provided below.
If you need support for using the Adobe Connect Mobile app, visit the
Adobe Connect Mobile
webpage. The "How it Works" section contains links to guides for attending on your mobile or tablet device.
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Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble connecting to the webinar, please check the following possible problems before
contacting Minitex:
-
Make sure you are using a compatible browser when attempting to join the meeting. View
Adobe Connect system
requirements.
- Check the URL to make sure you have entered the complete address.
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Suggest a Webinar
Is there a topic that you think would make for a useful training session? Please suggest ideas for a Minitex webinar.
Chances are, if you want to know about something, so do other folks in the region. Submit your idea by using our
training topic suggestion form.
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If you would like additional information about webinars, please
contact us.
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