The Huntley Area Public Library District in Huntley, IL was awarded an LSTA FY09 In Sync with Technology grant in the amount of $45,000. Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Thanks to this funding the library was able to update its public computer network by replacing outdated computer equipment and adding new equipment. Equipment purchased included a server, color printer, twenty PCs, thirty monitors, a LCD projector, four Early Literacy Stations, and four laptops.
In addition to updating and adding new equipment, the library expanded its public computer training. A computer trainer was hired in November 2008 at fifteen hours a week. By the end of the grant, the computer trainer’s hours were expanded to twenty hours a week.
8 topical and software classes were developed by the computer trainer based on patron request and by researching surrounding libraries’ course offerings including:
Topical Courses:
Introduction to Facebook: Topics include setting up a Facebook account, applying security settings, site navigation, uploading photos and customizing profiles.
Introduction to Flickr: Topics include creating a Flickr account, uploading, organizing, sharing and editing photos using Flickr software and navigating the site.
Introduction to eBay: Topics include setting up an eBay account, eBay lingo and icons, browsing, searching, safe shopping and managing an eBay account.
Software Courses:
Introduction to PowerPoint: Topics include navigating the PowerPoint ribbon, creating presentations from scratch and existing templates, applying themes, adding and editing text/objects and how to make a slideshow.
Intermediate PowerPoint: Topics include making custom slideshows with sound, adding charts, hyperlinks, headers/footers and creating custom templates.
PowerPoint Photo Show: Topics include making a photo album slideshow with music to play at weddings, birthdays, reunions or graduations.
Introduction to Windows Vista: Topics include navigating the start menu, working with programs, folder/file management and Internet Explorer basics.
Intermediate Windows Vista: Topics include managing user accounts and managing photos and music using Windows Photo Gallery and Media Player.
The classes provided verbal instruction, printed documents, examples and hands-on learning. Patrons were encouraged to bring their own photos, cameras and documents to work with during class. The most useful tool, according to patron feedback, has been the printed handouts distributed during class. The handouts consisted of written definitions, explanations, and pathways complimented with screenshots of all the materials in use.
The computer class target audience was adults and seniors with little to no knowledge of computers and/or Internet but have a desire to learn and get connected. Attendance was open to any and all adults, including non-Huntley Area Public Library cardholders with a maximum class size of six for two hours of instruction. The classes were also free, making them available to everyone. Many of the class participants are senior citizens from the Del Webb Sun City retirement community located in Huntley.
Since the grant program began, 17 additional computer courses have been taught. 81 participants attended the courses. This included 36 hours of instruction with an average class size of 4.8 out of 6.
Computer literacy was increased among library patrons taking computer classes. The classes were designed to get the patron personally connected to the subject and provided the means to practice the skills learned in class at home. The topical online classes required patrons to return to the sites and maintain their profiles. Simple exercises such as checking a Facebook account refined Internet skills and increased confidence among patrons taking the computer classes. Many of the activities covered in class really connected patrons to the Internet and showed its fun and practical applications. They also kept patrons up-to-date with the current methods of communication and connectivity. The software classes were designed to give patrons a reason to use their newly acquired skills after class. Many of the PowerPoint class participants have been working adults or parents. The classes have helped patrons advance within their own careers as well as make a difference in their children’s academic careers.
Patrons were given surveys at the end of each class to ensure their satisfaction of the information conveyed. All results of the surveys have been “Excellent” therefore meeting expectations.
Computer literacy was also increased among staff. At the beginning of the grant, staff members were given a core computer competency skills checklist. Results were compiled and areas of needed training were addressed on a one-on-one, as needed basis by the computer trainer. This resulted in increased computer literacy among staff, who could directly share the knowledge with the target audience of library patrons.
The library also subscribed to computer training modules through “The Learning Express Library”, an interactive online database. Staff and patrons were encouraged to use these modules to further increase computer literacy through online tutorials. This database was also used to research material for classroom instruction.
