Are you a librarian struggling to stay engaged in a digital age? Facing budget concerns to keep existing programs running? Don’t have the staff or budget for specialized services? Wonder how to move beyond teaching your patrons HOW to use a computer?
This book gives you 15, step-by-step programs, using free online software, that go beyond basic digital literacy, and provides you, the librarian, with all you need for classes that engage the digital natives and computer users in your community.
It includes:
- 15 quick, easy classes focused on actual outcomes for patrons, without requiring a budget, dedicated facilities, or specialized knowledge.
- Classes that your patrons can relate to, geared towards actual needs or interests, and not just to “techy” people.
- How to’s and other elements to effectively use simple software and allow patrons to get optimal results from their effort.
- Classes or workshops designed to help the average computer user so he or she can teach patrons with ease and authority.
- Tips for teachers or librarians on how to engage their audience and not lose them with information overload.
This book is a complete computer class upgrade solution. Based on the Montessori Method, classes are problem or project based. You are given all the tools you need as a presenter to show relatable uses of technology, making sure the patron can see the possibility involved in using the software. There are step-by-step instructions that focus on your patron leaving with practical skills for everyday life using freely-available software such as YouTube, Ebay, Google, and Monster. Best practices are also included so your patron’s project has the greatest chance of being successful.
Industry Reviews
These 15 lessons go beyond the mouse-and-keyboard basics to incorporate free tools like YouTube and Audacity into library computer classes. Folmar (Game It Up!, 2015) packs each section with useful content, including not just instructional outlines, but also full-blown lesson plans in jargon-free, nearly folksy language. Tips on teaching methods and opportunities for group work ensure that technology programs will be effective and interesting.... [T]he concepts presented here could be applied to a number of different platforms. Small or rural libraries will benefit most from this collection of creative, budget-friendly projects.
