Technology Training for Library Customers

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Technology Training for Library Customers
Session C202 Training for Staff and Patrons in
Public Libraries

• Janie L. Hassard Hermann
• Technology Training Librarian
• Princeton Public Library, NJ
• jhermann_at_princetonlibrary.org

Computers in Libraries 2006 Washington, DC
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Reaching Teaching a Tech-savvy Public

• Library customers are becoming increasingly
  proficient with computers, the Internet and
  technology.
• Technology and training expectations are rising
  exponentially.
• Computer classes and technology training must
  evolve to meet this demand.
• Constant innovation to remain relevant is
  crucial.

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Princeton Public Library Background

• Single-branch municipal library in heart of
  downtown and near Princeton University
• New state-of-the-art 58,000 square foot building
  opened in April 2004
• Staff 50 FTE Population 31,000
• 100 computers for public use fully equipped
  technology center

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Looking Back

• Approximately 10 years since Princeton, and other
  public libraries, began offering basic computer
  and Internet classes.
• Emphasis on mouse skills and using online
  catalogs.
• Subject-specific Internet classes, email, and
  Microsoft Office classes soon added to class
  calendars and curriculums.
• Focus was on basic computing and searching skills.

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Looking Forward

• Classes that focus on digital cameras, MP3
  players, and other gadgets
• Instruction on using eAudiobooks and legal
  downloading of files
• Electronic communication classes blogging,
  wikis, RSS, VoIP, and other trends
• Lectures and demonstrations that help community
  stay current with technology and related issues
• Instruction that is more individualized

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10 Steps to Creating a Tech-Savvy Technology
Training Program

• It is a time-consuming process can take several
  years to build.
• PPLs current program has been over 5 years in
  the making.

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Step 1 Start Modest

• Implement monthly programs that will appeal to
  advanced users.
• Technology Talks DataBytes
• Use invited guests to minimize staff preparation
  time.
• Dont be afraid to ask you will be surprised at
  how many are willing to share their expertise
• Offer one or two advanced classes.
• Gather feedback.

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Step 2 Build a Mailing List

• Gather addresses at every session or class you
  offer
• Send no more than one or two targeted messages
  per month
• Inform but dont

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Step 3 Make a Training Plan

• A comprehensive plan is crucial -- include as
  much detail as possible
• Decide answers to questions such as
• Who will do the training?
• How many courses to offer per week or month?
• How many new courses can be developed per
  quarter?

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Step 4 Write Lesson Plans

• Create a template or standard lesson plan format
• Dont be afraid to borrow from others
• Why reinvent the wheel?
• Create support materials for classes
• Slideshows, handouts, web pages, etc.

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Lesson Plan Sources

• WebJunction
• http//www.webjunction.org/
• Learn the Net
• http//www.learnthenet.com/
• SeniorNet
• http//www.seniornet.org/

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Step 5 Train Staff or Volunteers

• Hire staff or recruit volunteer trainers to
  assist depending upon budget considerations.
• Training the Trainers is essential.
• Provide practice sessions before going live to
  work out the glitches.

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Step 6 Decide Registration Procedures

• Required for all courses, none or some?
• Restricted to card holders or open to entire
  community?
• How many students per class?
• Rule of thumb 12-15 is recommended maximum for
  hands-on computer classes
• Gadget classes need to be smaller (6-8)

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Step 7 Acquire Equipment Software

• Find funding sources (if not already in
  place)
• Purchase and install software such as
  Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, etc.
• Acquire scanners, digital cameras, MP3 players,
  iPods and other gadgets

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Step 8 Promote! Promote! Promote!

• Create print calendars (monthly or quarterly) and
  distribute widely
• Regular press releases
• Library Newsletter
• Network with Computer Clubs
• Generate email lists
• Negotiate for front page real estate on your
  librarys web site!

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Step 9 Feedback and Evaluation

• Listen to your students
• Evaluate your statistics
• Communicate with colleagues

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Step 10 Update Frequently

• Stay current!
• Continually scan the literature for trends both
  in terms of teaching and technology.
• Keep your program fresh and on the cutting-edge
  to keep them coming back.

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Dont Forget!

• Compile statistics
• Gather testimonials
• Demonstrate Impact

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Whats Hot and Whats Not

• Hot
• Photoshop Bootcamp and Mini-Course
• Digital Camera Test Drive
• School for Scanning
• Sharing Photos Online
• Downloading eAudiobooks

• Not
• Email Essentials
• Meet the Mouse
• Learn the Library Catalog
• Subject-specific classes
• Online Travel, Health, etc..

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Whats Hot and Whats Not

• Lukewarm
• Shortcuts and Timesaving Tricks
• Top Sites and Other Treasures
• Xtreme Searching
• Computer Basics
• Introduction to the Internet
• Introduction to Search Engines
• Xtreme Searching
• Databases Revealed
• Searching the Invisible Web
• Genealogy Online

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Questions or Comments!
Special Thanks to my Tech Aides Bob Keith, Jim
Crawford and David Heredia