[Publib] public computing classes

[Carol Bean]

I think everyone has some version of this problem. There is a commentary 
on what we do at:
http://ncrlab.wordpress.com/2006/10/26/computer-class-signups/

Bottom line: the problem will never go away entirely. Stuff just 
happens. But if you feel like investing a little staff time, you can 
reduce the number of no-shows. From the post above:
"We still get no shows. But the number went down when we began making 
the phone calls, and requiring confirmation. I haven’t checked the stats 
lately, but my guesstimate is 5 no-shows in a month (usually around 
15-17 classes). We had been experiencing 1-2 no-shows or more per class."

Carol Bean
Computer Center Manager
North County Regional Library
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
561-626-6133
http://www.pbclibrary.org/branch-ncr.htm
beanc at pbclibrary.org

> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2007 19:06:37 -0500
> From: "Smith, Phyllis" <PSmith at nhcgov.com>
> Subject: [Publib] public computing classes
> To: <publib at webjunction.org>
> Message-ID:
> 	<A348B59FA48D4740996B23346196F0D719210C at srvexch1.nhcgov.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> What experiences are other libraries having with attendance at public computing classes? Customers register for our classes, but then 50% show up - even with a reminder call on the previous day.
>  
> What kinds of classes are you holding?
>  
> We have a small staff and are discouraged with having FREE classes that have little attendance and then all they want to do is e mail. 
>  
> Maybe it's burnout on our part!
> Phyllis
>
>