Teaching Tech !

 Week 14 ( Week of November 17th, Wednesday 5-8 and Saturday 8:30 -5)

Engaging in Technology Training: Setting Up for a Valuable Patron Program

This week at my internship at the Fairbanks library was particularly memorable as I had the opportunity to help set up for and sit in on a tech program designed for patrons. The program focuses on teaching how to use different applications on computers and smartphones like Word, PowerPoint, and the Harris Count Public Library app The classes go on a cycle of 5 courses, today was the final course of the cycle. However, it was a bit disheartening to see that only one person showed up this time.

A Rewarding Experience: Witnessing a Patron's Growth and Understanding

In a way, this week’s session turned out to be one of the most rewarding. The woman who came was set to “graduate” from the program at the end of the session, and today she was learning how to use the library app. It was so great to watch her take in the information and be excited to be there. It was amazing to see how the programmer worked so well with the patron, slowly giving her step by step instructions until she had a complete understanding of the app! After the session, she was  happy she had taken the time to come and get so much information she didn’t have before. It was clear that she felt accomplished and as though she could take what she learned from each of the courses to do many new things.

Reflecting on the Impact of Libraries: Grateful for the Opportunity to Contribute

Experiences like these make me remember why libraries can have such a significant impact on people’s lives. I’m thankful that I was there to witness it and take part in the happy little family that Fairbanks has created at their library. I was asked to take pictures for the monthly news letter.