[Publib] RE: Public computer classes

[Insley, Diane]

Our purpose is to provide our customers with basic instruction on a
computer - we offer a very beginning class that covers parts of
computer, how to log onto our system, how to use a mouse, get email
account and learn how to send and receive email.  Then if they want to
continue, we offer a very basic Word and then Excel.  The classes were
taught by librarians until we developed a good and easy curriculum.
They are now taught by volunteers, the basic class is talking intensive,
but the Word and Excel are self-paced using books.  The volunteers walk
around and monitor progress and answer questions.  

One justification is that the computers and the software were paid for
with tax dollars and we have a whole group of people who have a barrier
to using these items.  It also provides the staff with someplace to
"send" people when a customer has arrived at the library needing to use
a computer, but they need more help than staff can provide one-on-one at
that time.  

Diane Insley
San Marcos (TX) Public Library



Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:49:06 -0700
From: "Aragon, Sean" <Sean.Aragon at fresnolibrary.org>
Subject: [Publib] Public computer classes
To: <publib at webjunction.org>
Message-ID:
	<D73AD75D280AE44DB5891809BB7ADFB503AA8D6A at sjvem1.sjvls.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I'm looking for some collective wisdom on offering public computer
classes at public libraries:  purposes in offering classes, methods of
determining what classes are taught and determining who teaches the
classes.

 

Sean Aragon

Branch Periodical Coordinator

Fresno County Public Library 

Fresno, CA 93657

saragon at fresnolibrary.org