TECHNOLOGY TRAINING IN LIBRARIES

Assessing Needs
Determine the information literacy/technology needs of the community.
Consider focusing on specific interest groups; i.e. job searchers, seniors, teen moms
Questions to Consider: What classes are they asking for? What types of computer related questions do staff frequently answer? What days/times are most convenient for patrons to attend classes
     Ideas for Needs Assessments
          * Online survey
         *  Informal interviews with public computer users,
         *  Interviews with public service staff members and branch managers

Funding the Training Program
Assess your technology resources
Computers-how many are available? how many students can you accomodate?
Discover outside funding sources
Partner with other community groups or organizations/share resources

Setting Goals & Objectives
Goal-setting for Training Program
Tie the goals of the library's training program to the library's mission statement and/or strategic plan.
Training goals should reflect the shared vision of the library.

The goals for the Mobile Learning Center at ASC was to assist members of community in becoming proficient in current technology. And also, to provide greater access to technology for students, faculty, and staff of Adams State College.
Nielsen Library Mission Statement
The mission of Adams State College's Nielsen Library is to acquire, maintain, and provide access to print materials, electronic resources, instruction, and facilities that serve ASC students, faculty, and staff; and secondarily, the residents of the San Luis Valley. We value partnerships and collaborations that support and benefit the education and research efforts of both communities.

"The Mesa County Libraries promise to provide the technology and training necessary to participate in and keep pace with the online world." ~ MCPLD Strategic Plan, Goal #4

Goal-setting for Individual Classes
Set SMART goals
Identify core objectives-objectives determine the content of the class
Have clear, concrete objectives
Offer tangible evidence of learning
Articulate the goals & objectives of class to students

Establishing Curriculum
Working together we were able to design a lesson plan to teach classes in our communities ranging on topics as Basic Computer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, How to Search the Internet (Basic, Advanced), Email, Digital Cameras (Picasa, Irfanview). We were flexible with hours. If the librarian felt that holding computer classes during the day would illicit the greater response or an evening class, we were more than happy to oblige.

Marketing the Program
     Internal Marketing
By going to our respective branches and public libraries, we introduced the possibility of holding computer classes for their communities. Each of the librarians was interested in participating and facilitating these classes. We wanted to know what class would benefit their community.

     External Marketing
Posters and Fliers
Public Service Announcements
Community Events section in local paper
Bookmarks
Website
Online computer class sign-up

Training Trainers
Train and prepare library staff for instruction.
Provide Train-the-Trainer workshop to develop staff
VARK-learning styles
Characteristics of Adult learners
Presentation Techniques and Practices
Practice setting goals & objectives
Example: Mesa County Libraries' Train-the-Trainer presentation

Evaluating the Program
Formal Evaluation
Written or online evaluation form
Sample Evaluation: Mesa County Libraries
Sample Evaluations: Nielsen Library
Informal Evaluation
Verbally- Check in with students at end of class.