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Steppin' In It @ KPL

Steppin' In It @ KPL

Library resources

For those interested in taking a look at the handouts used in the KPL training sessions, here are some links:

Intro to Computers (pdf, 644KB)

Files and Folders (pdf, 943KB)

Intro to the Internet (pdf, 918KB)

Word 2003 Basics 1 (pdf, 617KB)

Teaching Technology in Libraries - MLC talk

Training @ KPL

A talk for MLC: Teaching Technology in Libraries
- March 17, 2008

Keith Howard, Kalamazoo Public Library

Kalamazoo Public Library - a brief history

• Established in 1860
• First building in 1893
• Renovated in 1998
• Library of the Year in 2002
• Computer training began in 1997

KPL Core Values

To advance the library’s mission we value:

• Literacy and life long learning
• Dynamic, responsive and respectful service
• Intellectual freedom and the patron’s right to open access
• A professional and productive workforce
• A workplace characterized by integrity, compassion and respect
• Diversity across all aspects of organizational life
• Collaboration, civic engagement and social responsibility
• Stewardship and innovation

(notice that "Literacy and life long learning" tops the list)

Literacy and lifelong learning

"…our goal should be to ensure that ultimately every job seeker, every displaced worker, and every individual in the U.S. workforce has access to the education and training they need to succeed in the knowledge economy.
This means embracing the concept of "lifelong learning" as part of the normal career path of American workers, so everyone in the workforce can use new technologies and meet new challenges." ~ Bill Gates (U.S. House of Representatives, March 12, 2008)

Functional literacy

"Functional literacy is much more than just the ability to read and write, or even to access information. In modern society, functional literacy requires a broad range of skills, the most important of which is traditional print literacy, followed by general computer literacy (the ability to use a computer), and culminating in the ability to sort through and process the wealth of information on the Internet… " Susan B. Barnes

Computer literacy

"…no matter where you find employment, there is a good chance a computer will be a basic tool you will have to use. You just need to know some basics - how to save and open a file, how to use a word processing program, and how to send and receive email. It means having some sort of level of comfort around computers rather than a look of fear and a feeling of foreboding.
~ Dawn Rosenberg McKay

Essential services

• Classes are fun, informal and informative!
• Classes are single, one-time two-hour sessions
• All classes are free of charge
• Handouts and materials are provided

Curriculum "core"

• Intro to Computers: The very basics of Microsoft Windows, including keyboarding, using a mouse, opening and saving files, and more.
• Intro to the Internet: Learn about the Internet and the World Wide Web, Web browsers, home pages, hypertext, menus and toolbars, and more.
• Web Search Techniques : Includes a discussion of several search engines and advanced search methods.
• Email Basics: Learn the basics of sending and receiving email, including replies, forwards, attachments, signature files, address books and more.

Microsoft Office: a key to "employability"

• Microsoft Word Basics 1: Introduction, Printing, Saving & more
  A basic introduction - Learn about screen layout and tips for typing in Word, as well as some basic editing such as selecting, replacing, inserting, using bullets and spell checking, using Print Preview, saving, closing, opening, printing and some helpful quick commands.
• Microsoft Word Basics 2: Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
  Learn the basics of resume and cover letter design while exploring more of Word's basic formatting functions. Plus, discuss current resume guidelines, including formatting, content, resume "etiquette," and more.
• Microsoft Word Basics 3: Styles, Photos, Mail Merge & more
  Learn how to use styles to make document formatting quick and consistent. Learn how to insert, resize, reposition, and manipulate photos and clip. Create a dynamic Table of Contents. Then, learn how to use mail merge to quickly and easily manage your group mailings.
• Microsoft Excel Basics
  The basics of screen layout and cell entry, merge and center, font and fill colors, border choices, column width adjustment, inserting and renaming worksheets, working with formulas, creating column charts, pie charts and more.
• Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
  Covers the basics of formatting, layout, and editing. Work with titles, bulleted lists, tables, charts, photos, text, clip art, WordArt, plus tips for presentation.
• Microsoft Access Basics
  The very basics of setting up a relational database. Learn how to create a database, how to design tables and enter data, then write queries to return specific results.

Additional sessions…

• Files & Folders
• Deeper into the Internet
• Introduction to Microsoft Office 2007
• Introductory Photo Editing
• Introductory Web Design

¡Clases de Computadora en Español!

• Computer basics in Spanish, with the assistance of an expert translator!

“Value added…”

• Compelling and resourceful handouts
• Copies of relevant articles
• Create “cheat sheets”
• Online materials and resources

Partnering and outreach via local organizations

Success stories and feedback

• "I have taken virtually all of the computer classes that KPL has to offer and have found them to be extremely helpful in bringing me into the world of technology."
• "…gave the initial information so everyone could understand it"
• "…exacting vocabulary critical to student comprehension."
• "…exemplary acceptance of the students’ diversity.”