Information Literacy in Public Libraries.

Who can we help?

49% -Few tech assets We can't help the tech experts.

Know your demographic.
Know the local resources in your community.

Listen to patron requests -- create survey.

Class ideas:

--Appeal to parents wanting to help their children with homework online. Homework help classes for parents.
--Offer health related searching class using your databases.
--Managing files/ folders : How to organize your computers.
--Digital camera skills - flickr, pixenate, picnik, snipshot, slide
--Ebay skills
--Internet Security Issues.

Acknowledge Limitations
--lack of bandwidth?
--Lack of computer availability?
--lack of transportation for patrons?

Slideshare.net


Bringing other languages into the library:

Signage, website, storytimes, film screenings, computer classes

San Francisco public library offers classes in Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese. SO COOL.

Book a librarian: Librarian will work with a patron for half-an-hour on anything they need help with. Hmm. That might work back home.

Training the trainer: Infopeople, seniornet

Publicity: fliers, website, media, **word of mouth**

Technology training for the older generation:

Some physical effects can be addressed with adaptive technology. Trackballs good for arthritis, 400 x 800 resolution good for bad eyesight.

Mousing Tutorial --Mousing Around-- (assume nothing, progressive, includes instruction on common computer experiences.)

Beginning Computer Classes (5 classes)
-mousing around
-browser
-web forms (e-mail - mapquest)
-set up email.
-revisit e-mail.

Classes offered in morning. 1 hour tops. Three people max per class. Class no more than three days apart, Practice exercizes to do in between classes.

Classes teach only what is necessary to do what they want to do.

Repetition, numbered steps. Large, labeled graphics, in large font. Speak slowly and enunciate. Use clear, unambiguous terms.

Encourage and validate students frequently.

less than 5% drop out.
less than 3% take the class again.

pbclibrary.org/mousing

squidoo - technology training for the older generation

esnips.com/user/ncrlab

beanworks.wordpress.com