IT and User Instruction for Library Patrons
Presented by
Casey Fox & Tonia Kestner
IS 585
Fall 2013
Introduction
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Why should libraries offer user IT instruction?
What do our libraries currently offer?
What do other libraries offer?
What are the specific needs of our patrons?
How does a librarian design, implement and evaluate the success of IT
workshops?
Why is it Important for Libraries to Offer User Instruction?
• Technology has become ubiquitous in daily life and people are
constantly having to adapt to it in new places.
• Providing access to technology is not enough – libraries must provide
information to patrons on how to use that technology.
• Technological literacy is vital to many day-to-day tasks, but it also serves
to empower individuals.
• Article on the modern library’s role as a place of instruction:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Roles-of-Libraries-in-Teaching-andLearning&id=1859963
What Kinds of IT Instruction Do Our Libraries Currently Offer?
• Tonia (Glade Spring Library, Glade Spring, VA)
• Casey (Knox County Public Library, Knoxville, TN)
What Other Kinds of IT Instruction Do Public Libraries
Across the Country Provide to Their Patrons?
The classes that KCPL offers are representative of the kinds of classes
most small to midsize public libraries offer, but some larger metropolitan
library systems offer a wide variety of technology classes to their patrons.
• Arlington Heights Memorial Library (Chicago, IL)
• Seattle Public Library (Seattle, WA)
• New York Public Library (New York, NY)
How Does a Library Determine What Workshops to Offer?
• Determine the library’s limitations
• Determine what kinds of patrons will likely attend classes and identify
their most important IT needs.
▫ Distribute questionnaires to users who come to the library to use the
computers
Sample Questions for a Basic Computer Skills Survey
• Have you ever used a personal computer?
• How comfortable are you using a personal
computer on a scale of 1 to 5?
• Do you have access to a computer outside of
this workshop?
• Do you have access to the Internet outside of
this workshop?
• Can you turn a computer off and on?
• Can you use a computer mouse?
• Do you have an email account?
• What days and times are best for you to
attend a computer class at your library?
• What are the primary reasons you would like
to improve your computer skills?
• What skills would you like to develop?
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Email
Internet
Job Searching
Creating Documents
Saving Photos
Other
How Does a Library Determine What Workshops to Offer?
• Determine the library’s limitations
• Determine what kinds of patrons will likely attend classes and identify
their most important IT needs.
• Use collected survey results to decide what classes to offer.
• Advertise classes and provide ways for patrons to sign up in person,
over the phone and online.
Creating and Teaching IT Workshops
• Speak with colleagues and other librarians who have developed similar
programs.
• Create a class that will be helpful to different kinds of learners.
• Be patient and measured, and make sure the students know your
primary objective is to help them.
• Tips on conducting a successful workshop: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tableof-contents/structure/training-and-technicalassistance/workshops/main
When teaching basic computer skills to library
patrons, the first objective is to show that
computers are nothing to be scared of or
overwhelmed by.
Image © scaryevilcomputer.com
Evaluations and Experience
• Obtain patron feedback after each class via discussion and surveys.
• Evaluate whether the program was successful based on feedback and
attendance numbers and explore ways of improving it in the future.
• Determine next steps with regard to providing access to IT instruction.
▫ Outreach
▫ Online access to recorded classes
A Librarian can be an instructor, and advocate and an
interpreter when it comes to user IT instruction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttny65sD5k
Help your patrons see that computers are
nothing to fear.