Comments on: Re: What I Love Doing

By: “I came to the library to get information, not to have a conversation with the librarian,” or “the user experience in the library” | A Searching Librarian

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:57:08 +0000

[...] In Re: What I love doing (Agnostic, Maybe, 08.08.2011), Andy Woodworth looks at the something I am also very interested in, computer/database literacy. There is a general assumption that most people can sit in front of a computer and know how to use it. The assumption is especially prevalent when it comes to the young (‘digital natives’ as Marc Prensky called them). But the evidence is a bit different. Andy Woodworth teaches people how to use computers and makes a good point that [...]

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:03:13 +0000

Oh, I like that! I am totally going to steal that!

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:14:06 +0000

When I taught basic computer classes (during the day, most of the students were seniors) I put a little piece of red duct tape on the left mouse button. People clicking the wrong button was one of the major issues I encountered! (I did have mouse wavers too.)

By: LibGirl09

LibGirl09 — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:49:36 +0000

I just commented on your post about one-on-one lessons. Another great and timely post! I teach basic computer classes at a small public library — and I really enjoy it!! A lot of patience is required, but it’s very rewarding. The most frustrating for me (but also a little humorous) is teaching how to create an email account and helping them pick their user ID and password. I am so used to making up usernames and passwords, it’s second nature because I have so many online accounts. But for someone that is new to this (especially seniors), they take a lot of time trying to think of what words, letters or numbers they want. Inside my head I’m screaming: “just pick something” while outwardly I calmly explain or give suggestions. And then they don’t understand why their choice of email address has already been taken by someone else….. *sigh* One of the highlights of the last class I taught was an older woman who almost clapped her hands in glee after successfully typing the “@” symbol in her new email address. )

By: The truth (as I see it) about libraries and Tea Party principles | bringyournoise

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:29:28 +0000

[...] If you really believe that libraries are no longer necessary because you rely on the Internet to get all your information, then aren’t libraries more necessary and relevant than ever to those people who don’t have a computer or internet service? How will those people access the abundance of information that you have readily available to you at home or from work without places like libraries that provide computers, internet access, and WiFi for free? In library speak (and other speak, too) it’s called The Digital Divide and it creates an unlevel playing field between people who have and people who have not. While it is getting smaller, it still exists. And sure, if you have your own laptop or other device, you can take it to Starbucks or Panera Bread to use the WiFi, but you still have to buy something, and if you don’t have a computer or other device to take, then you’re still out of luck. And personally, I would not want to fill out an online job application using my iPhone. The Digital Divide also includes people who are not technologically savvy and don’t know even the basics of how to use a computer, send an email, or search the Web for all that valuable information. Libraries often offer free basic computer instruction classes. And if you think everyone already knows how to use a computer, think again and take a look at this recent thread over at Agnostic, Maybe. [...]

By: Why Your Library Should Do One on One Appointments « Agnostic, Maybe

Why Your Library Should Do One on One Appointments « Agnostic, Maybe — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:46:23 +0000

[...] Comments « Re: What I Love Doing [...]

By: Dr. Steve Matthews

Dr. Steve Matthews — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:09:47 +0000

One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard regarding being an effective teacher is “Remember what it’s like not to know.”
Nice Post. Thanks.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:34:43 +0000

Yes, one on one help! I’m going to write about that tomorrow. I think it’s one of the best instruction tools out there, in my opinion, and one that is underutilized.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:33:19 +0000

You can find a fine balance between the two. Talking about what interests you does show and making it accessible to other people can bring them to your side. Perhaps they won’t love it as much, but they’ll know what you are talking about and be able to participate in the over arching conversation.

You certainly need patience for the class. Not just for your student, but for yourself. You need to present yourself people in a manner that gives them patience with themselves. And, like the Special Forces, I never leave anyone behind. I’ll stop the class to get people back together on the same page, even if it takes a few minutes. Everyone gets through it, even if it takes a little longer for someone.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:28:56 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Jessamyn. And for that lovely speech. (I write out my speeches as well so I can identify readily with that.)

One of the other benefits of these classes is that it does create a chance to showcase other services and materials of the library. I’ll sometimes jokingly run ‘a commercial’ before the class to show off our print calendar or a program that we want people to know about. It works wonders as well.

Plus, in my opinion, it’s one of the best advocacy efforts. You are investing your time in other people to make their lives better. It puts a face on the library, it creates a story between that person and the library, and it is something that can result in larger influences.