After I posted my Thing 23 evaluation last week, I fielded two calls to IS asking if the Library currently sponsors computer classes. It is always with reluctance that I tell patrons that the Library does not, and these recent calls made me take time to reflect. Why? I had just taken advantage of a Library program that encouraged me to reach out and explore areas of technology, and I gained so much from it. Now I was hearing from people who wanted to do the same.
Many patrons need classes to teach them how to use the new technology, and they turn to the Library for assistance. And why not? Computers are present and available at all of our libraries, and libraries connect patrons to information. I think that it is terrific that people of all generations are willing to be beginners, willing to reach out and become empowered. I also think that it is time again for the Library to help with this process.
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I agree with your observations, Hannah. You make some good points. I've had discussions with the public service administrators, only to find that they are not opposed to resuming computer classes, but that they expect each agency to take on whatever programming they need to do for their own patrons. I think we'll find that the Library will not longer support a separate job classification to teach computer classes. My feeling is that they expect each agency to "take care of their own" so to speak. Maybe we should show them that we are willing to do computer classes as part of regular department programming. Maybe it's an issue we can discuss if we ever have another staff meeting!!!
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