Nielsen Library-Adams State College
Mobile Learning Center is one component in the two-part program designed by Reference & Instruction Librarians Brooke Andrade & Paul Mascarenas. The MLC was designed to meet the needs of our surrounding communities. Working with librarians from San Luis, Center, Monte Vista, Saguache, La Jara, Fort Garland, & Alamosa, we were able to set up classes to teach patrons from their communities.
With funding provided by a Library Services & Technology Act grant, librarians were able to purchase 10 laptops in order to teach basic computer classes, Internet searching, Microsoft Excel & Word, Internet safety and photo sharing.
Lesson plans were derived from a collaborative effort between librarians Andrade, Mascarenas, & Nancy Trimm from Mesa County Public Library. Sharing ideas along with lesson plans helped us to evaluate and revise lessons, teaching styles, as well as schedule for teaching classes.
Mesa County Libraries
Mesa County Libraries offers a full suite of computer classes at the Central library. Our computer training program was fully developed in January 2007 upon the completion of the Central library remodel which included a computer lab. The lab houses 12 student computers, 1 instructor computer, a mounted projector and screen. Classes are offered during the daytime and evening. Classes are primarily taught by library staff members, but we also utilize 3 volunteers. Classes offered included the full Microsoft Office suite, Email, Internet Searching, Genealogy, Consumer Health, and sometime specialty classes such as eBay, Online Travel Resources, and Digital Cameras and Music.
The Mobile laptop lab was implemented in October 2009. Staff members travel to 4 different branch locations to offer basic computer classes. Completion of the library's "train-the-trainer" program is required before staff members are allowed to offer patron computer instruction.