|
Article Excerpt
Are traditional libraries being forced to change due to the demand for modern technology? What if I say to you that in today's society, technology is the key to the success and growth of traditional libraries? That is true for the Orange County (Fla.) Library System (OCLS), where I have worked for more than 5 years now. As the library's technology training manager, I oversee the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the computer training program for classroom and online delivery for both the public and staff. My greatest passion is for technology and teaching others how to use it.
In this article, I would like to enlighten readers on how OCLS has given its technology program a little "class" and how other libraries can do it too!
At OCLS, Computer Classes Begin, Improve, and Expand
First, let me tell you how it all started. The Orange County Library System began to offer basic technology classes in July 2000. The computers were funded through a grant awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The first classes were offered in Computers 101 at no cost to Orange County Library District cardholders. The classes were all 1 hour and covered the basics, from how to use a computer to applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Over time, the library staff noticed that the demand for the classes increased, so the offering of classes also increased. Classes were also offered throughout the other 13 library locations.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Structure eliminates overlap: When I arrived at OCLS, my main focus was to enhance the training program and to centralize the creation of computer classes. With my experience in corporate training in classroom delivery and curriculum development, I found the library's training program was not conducted in a systematic, structured way. Staff members at...
|
|
More articles from Computers in Libraries
BCR., March 01, 2009
Library automation in a difficult economy., March 01, 2009
Embrace the chaos., March 01, 2009
Computer labs in libraries., March 01, 2009
Judith F. Krug., March 01, 2009
Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.
Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication
name or publication date.
About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company
analysis or best practices in managing your organization,
Goliath can help you meet your business needs.
Our extensive business information databases empower business
professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible,
authoritative information they need to support their business
goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting,
company research or defining management best practices -
Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.
|
|
