[Publib] computer class instruction

[Tiffany Hayes]

We are a county system with one main library and six branches, total population served around 300,000, including a large military base.  All of our branches offer computer lab access for residents and non-residents.  We also have WiFi in all branches.  Computer classes are part of our long-term goals in information literacy, and all branches offer at least one or two classes a month.  Here at our branch, I find I teach from two to four classes per month, both beginner and more advanced.  I try to set up the schedule so one class leads to the next, i.e. ABCs this week, Internet Basics next week, Google 101 the week after that.  It's good for attendance and useful for the beginning users.
 
We offer the basic computer use classes: Computer ABCs (using a mouse, basic Windows, parts of a computer), Word 101, Internet Basics, Web Email.  These are always popular and I have noticed a surge of beginners in the past few months.  Our intermediate classes are: Excel 101, PowerPoint 101, Intermediate Word, Google 101.  We also have offered a large variety of advanced and "special topics" classes like blogging, EBay, Advanced Word, Job Search Online, Medical Information Online, etc.  We try to do some instruction on databases and information literacy skills, but have had trouble filling them.  (This is endlessly frustrating to those on the desk who help people do research papers or job searches online every day but can't fill a class on the topic.)
 
Logistically, we have one or two people in each branch, from the Information department (usually MLS librarians but not always), who teach classes.  Sometimes we "guest teach" at other branches also, if there is a need.  The trainers have meetings periodically to review content of classes and get everyone on the same page, and we post our teaching materials and handouts to the network so we don't have to duplicate the effort of lesson planning.  We generally do not have extra help or "floaters" in class.  We teach in the public computer labs or using a mobile lab with 14 laptops which circulates around the branches.  Attendance varies, but usually around 6 or 8 per class, sometimes as many as 10 or 12.  That's a large group size for the beginner classes with no extra help.  Policy recently changed so if a class consistently has attendance of 4 or fewer, it will be discontinued or offered less frequently.  We require people to sign up for classes in advance, but I have never had to turn down a walk-in for lack of space in the class.  
 
We do have a list of tutorials on our web site that people can use to practice or get extra instruction; I point it out to my students but I don't know how much these resources are used.  I find most people in the early stages like a bit of hand-holding and reassurance from a teacher.  We don't have enough staff to offer one-on-one sessions at this time, but customers do request this sometimes and if I have time while on the desk, I will give the person a little mini-lesson.  
 
I think for our library system this is a very necessary service that fits well with our mission of "learning and discovery."  The structure our computer class program works for us.  I've heard some libraries have one person responsible for all classes system-wide, but what if that person leaves?  Wouldn't work for us.  My only frustration is that the information-finding classes like NC LIVE databases or Medical Information tend to be poorly attended, when they are so needed by customers.  
 
Tiffany Hayes
Cumberland County Public Library
& Information Center
North Regional Branch
855 McArthur Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28311
910-822-1998 ext.231
thayes at cumberland.lib.nc.us
 
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