How-to register for and setup your workstation for an online webinar

Many training opportunities are delivered to our desktop by online training and information sessions, or webinars. These webinars can be an important part of your professional development when they are applicable to the work you or the Libraries are doing or even as a current awareness tool.

While it may seem as though it is a mysterious technology, it can be quite simple and straightforward for you to register for a session on your own and setup your workstation to view and hear it. This is an example of the steps you would follow to register, test your workstation for compatibility, and attend a webinar on your own.

1. Email announcement received. What's it got to say?
   1. The announcement of a webinar will contain not only a description of the webinar, but also will list any costs involved and technology needed to participate in the session. [sample]
   2. The announcement will also contain the address or URL needed to register for the session.
   3. If no costs are involved, and you have consulted with and obtained approval from your supervisor for the time needed to 'attend' or participate in the webinar, you may feel free to register.
2. Registering for the session: What do I need to know?
   1. Use the address or URL to connect to the online registration page.
   2. The registration will likely ask for the following information: Name, Institution, email address, phone. Other information such as location may also be requested. Your email address is needed as the host of the webinar will need to email connection information to you. Your phone number may be needed for technical support issues that may arise.
   3. Complete the requested information and submit the online registration form.
   4. A registration confirmation page will display. Be sure to read this as it may have information such as the date by which you should expect to receive your registration confirmation and contact information for any questions you may have.
3. Email registration confirmation received. What do I do now?
   1. A confirmation email will arrive in your email inbox. [sample]
   2. Read this message carefully, and save it. You will need it for two reasons:
      1. Testing your workstation for connection to the webinar site: This will verify that you have any files, hardware peripherals (i.e., speakers or headphones) or programs that you may need to view and hear the webinar
      2. It contains connection information that you will need to connect on the day and time of the webinar.
   3. Follow the directions in the email to test and / or connect to the webinar
4. I tried. It failed. What do I do now?
   1. Re-read the directions and take action step-by-step as you read. It's possible you missed a step in the connection and setup instructions.
   2. Contact your DCC or DCNS and let them know what you need to do, and ask for their help or advice.
   3. Remember that most webinars are recorded to be able to be played back later. If you experience technical difficulties and don't see the session live, remember that you may very well be able to access the session at a later time.