Field Guide to Technology Tools for Association Executives
(Updated August 2008)
This guide will help you learn tips for doing information technology yourself, keep up with legal issues and learn new training ideas. (D. Shumaker, Information Specialist)
Contents:
Technology in Practice | Technology Training | Technology & the Law | Tech Reviews | Security Issues | eBooks & Other Resources
e-Pro for Associations
The e-PRO technology certification course for association executives and staff specialists covers computer basics, NRDS operations, and association management skills. Successful completion earns you 20 points toward your RCE (REALTOR® Association Certified Executive) designation.
Technology in Practice 
Tech Watch: New Kid on the Block? Assess Your Tech Needs, (REALTOR® Magazine, Mar. 2007).- From choosing cell phones to GPS solutions, here’s what you need to know to make wise decisions when outfitting your new business with technology.
Tech on Parade: 13 tech tools that smart associations will adopt--or at least consider--in 2007, (Associations Now, Jan. 2007).
Social Networking, (Technology Reports, NAR Library, Dec. 2007). Information Central spotlights tech tools you should must know about: blogs, vlogs, wikis, Drupal, Flickr, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Second Life, microsites and weblets, text messaging, and widgets.
Five Steps to Extend Your Computer’s Life, (Tech Soup, Nov. 2006).
New technologies improve phone service, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Summer 2005).
Get blogging, (Association Management, May 2005).
How to prevent an information disaster, (Nonprofit World, Jan./Feb. 2005).
IT made EZ, (Association Management, Nov. 2004).
Laptops, handhelds, and smart phones, oh my!, (Association Management, Sept. 2004).
The right questions to ask online technology providers, (Nonprofit World, June 2004). Q
Technology Training
Teach first, install second, (Associations Now, March 2008). The biggest roadblock to success with a new technology in the workplace? Your own staff. As promising as your fancy new system might be, if you don’t teach your staff how to adapt, they’ll never fully realize those new advantages you’re trying to give them.
Shoestring e-learning, (Training Magazine, Sept. 2005). Q
Blending in-person and online training, (Association Management, Aug. 2004).
Association management systems: What's new, what's better, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2004).
Technology and the Law
Living With CAN SPAM - What every REALTOR® needs to know about the final e-mail rules, (National Association of REALTORS®, Government Affairs Webcast, Feb. 2005). 
Conducting association business via e-mail, (Association Management, Jan. 2005.). Q
NAR's Do-Not-E-Mail FAQ, (Dec. 2003).
Protect member privacy roster risks, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2003).
E-mail monitoring and how to write an e-mail policy, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Spring 2002).
Tech Reviews
REALTOR® Magazine Buyers Guide - Get details on the latest products and technologies that impact your business.
CNET - Previews, rates and reviews a wide range of consumer technology - from cell phones and digital cameras to PDAs and home stereos.
Gizmodo - More for the tech geek, Gizmodo covers the latest tech trends and products in a variety of categories.
PCWorld - Online version of the popular magazine. Top 10 lists for PCs, laptops, peripherals, etc. Offers some tech tips and training for simple upgrades and pc maintenance.
Center for REALTOR® Technology Blog - Keep up to date with what's catching the attention of NAR's tech gurus.
Security Issues
Best Practices for MLS Data Security (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2006). You may refer to it as “data,” but to thieves, your MLS listings are valuable content. To secure your content, consider using a number of tools and methods.
Avoiding Data Disaster: Many small businesses fail to protect their core documents from the threat of calamity, (Vital Records Protection, June 4, 2003).
The Center for REALTOR® Technology (CRT) - facilitates the adoption and use of technology by REALTOR® organizations.
The following publications relate to technology issues for associations.
REALTOR® Secure White Papers & Executive Briefs
The Association Executive's Guide to Protecting Real Estate Information, (Nov. 2004).
CRT sessions from the REALTORS® Conference held November 2004:
Spam and spyware
Technology security - A management perspective
Technology security - A technical perspective
Technology Reports
Curious about the latest technologies? Consult the NAR's Technology Reports to discover how emerging technologies will impact REALTORS®.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Nonprofit Internet Strategies (Adobe eReader)
Podcasting for Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Buying a Computer For Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Realty Blogging: build your brand and outsmart your competition, (Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill, 2006). HF 5548 N11
Digital handshake: finding revenue in new relationships, (Chicago, IL: American Society of Association Executives, 2002). HF 5415 H22
Executive's guide to Internet law, (Washington, D.C.: American Society of Association Executives, 2001). HF 294 M61
The myth of the paperless office, (Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press, 2002). HF 5521 S43
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Redesigning Association Web Sites
Field Guide to Choosing and Using a PDA
Field Guide to Marketing with Blogs
Field Guide to Using Digital Video as a Marketing Tool
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
