simplified technology training for the public
TRANSCRIPT
Simplified Technology Training for the Public
How One Library Evolved to Fit the Technology Needs of Their Community
Laura E BrackIT ManagerPlainfield-Guilford Twp Public [email protected] x2152www.plainfieldlibrary.net
Who I Am
Plainfield-Guilford TownshipPublic Library
When did you start offering computer classes?
What kind of struggles have you had?
What are your success stories?
A Brief History of our “Computer Classes”Prior to 2007… Introduction & Intermediate series Computer Savvy Seniors Cost per class
But… At the mercy of a company Cost us time and $ to prep Cost to the students Prerequisites Too many rules/ifs/buts Classes were too long, too much of
a commitment
OK at the time, but not good enough anymore.
More History of our “Computer Classes”2007 - 2014 Introductory series & standalones
Shorter classes, help from volunteers
Seniors Helping Seniors Great opportunities + relationships
Cost per class/for supplies Thorough registration booklet Thorough attendance stats Training Needs Log…
But… Registration always full, waitlist,
no-shows Volunteers unreliable There’s always that one person… Still cost us time and $ to prep Still cost the students Still prerequisites Still too many rules/ifs/buts
OK at the time, but *still* not good enough.
Technology Training Needs Log…
Tapered formal class offerings down to twice a year Took info for people who wanted tech training Asked what they needed to learn …Some people thought that meant they were then signed up for a class Felt pressure to offer the obscure suggestions
What Do They Need? What Do They Want?
What Do They Need? What Do They Want?
Their own stuffTheir own termsTheir own time
How often have you heard “My kids got me this eReader, but I don’t know how to use it?
Do you cringe when new technologies and services are offered at the library?
How do you cope with desk staff who aren’t as tech-savvy?
Rethinking Our Customers’ Needs Variety of devices Not everyone wants a class Varying needs (not always tech-
related) Different levels of know-how
Customers and Staff!
What We’ve Learned This July will be 3 years! In 2014 we helped 89 people In 2015 we helped 196 people In 2016 we helped 198 people Attendance:
As few as 0 and as many 14
“You guys are better than the Geek Squad!”
“This was free?” “You’re here every week?”
Keep track of weird questions and fixes
Staff strengths/weaknesses Set an alarm for “closing time” Be ready for anything!
Questions, Comments, Stories?
Laura E BrackIT ManagerPlainfield-Guilford Twp Public [email protected] x2152www.plainfieldlibrary.net