[Publib] RE: Publib Digest, Vol 45, Issue 5

[Carol Bean]

>From my experience, I would say it depends on 

(1) the class participants: If the people taking the computer classes are over 60, they may be uncomfortable with teens helping them (some think they appear stupid if they can't do basic things on a computer). If they are already pretty computer savvy, however, they don't seem to have a problem relating to teens' help.

(2) the teens: some teens are more "people" oriented than others, very patient, respectful, and seem to enjoy helping in classes.  Other teens (my own included!) do not have the patience.  However, those that wouldn't do so well seem to know it and don't even bother to volunteer for computer assistance, especially when they know it will be helping older adults.

The program cited below at the Brooklyn library seems like an excellent way to identify and train teen volunteers.  I haven't done anything as elaborate, but then, I haven't had more than a few prospects. :-)


Carol Bean
Computer Center Manager
North County Regional Library
11303 Campus Drive
Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33410
561-626-6133
beanc at pbclibrary.org

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Message: 16
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 14:30:12 -0600
From: "Jennie Mills" <jennie.cisna at gmail.com>
Subject: [Publib] Teen Volunteer Computer Assistants
To: Publib at webjunction.org
Message-ID:
	<88699fda0812031230r74d4a345hdf82d003f3f1d856 at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hello,

Our library is in the midst of revamping our teen volunteer program.  We are
looking at doing several different tracks (the fairly standard ones: Teen
Advisory Board, helping with setting up for children's programming, etc.).

We are also looking at having a track where teen volunteers would provide
basic assistance in computer training provided by the library, such as
assisting students with mouse usage, tracking on the screen as the
instructor talks, etc.

Are there any libraries out there doing this?  Does it work well or poorly?
What kind of orientation is done for the students, and what kind of time
commitment is expected from them?

Thanks so much for any help - I checked the archives but didn't find much.

Jennie Cisna Mills
Adult & Teen Services Department Manager
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff
Bolingbrook, IL  60440
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Message: 19
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 13:13:49 -0800 (PST)
From: BookBitch <bookbitch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Publib] Teen Volunteer Computer Assistants
To: Jennie Mills <jennie.cisna at gmail.com>,	Publib
	<publib at webjunction.org>
Message-ID: <812396.67259.qm at web32405.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Jennie,
 
My library isn't doing it (yet - I'm always hopeful!) but the Brooklyn Public Library is -
 
Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies (T4)
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/support/volunteer/t4.jsp
 
It looks like a nice program.
 
Cheers,
Stacy Alesi
Library Name *Censored*
Boca Raton, Florida
& MLIS candidate at University of South Florida

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