Strathmore library looking to help people become more techno savvy

Times Reporter

 

In today’s society, understanding technology is very important, which is why the Strathmore Municipal Library is offering free technology courses over the next couple of months. Jessie Bach will be running the technology courses until the end of March.

“I have had a few people come in just looking for some basic help, sort of getting stuff started using the Internet and effective Google searching and that sort of thing,” said Bach. 

“It seems like everybody got e-readers for Christmas so I have been spending lots of time with people, just sort of helping them get their e-readers set up and learn how to take books out of the library.”

There are a number of courses being offered beginning in February, and though they are free, some of them do require the participants to have a library card. There is also the option of setting up some one-on-one time for those who don’t feel a course-style session will provide them the help they need. 

“The big thing with that is if people don’t find a course that appeals to them, or if they are a really basic beginner that needs help with a mouse and keyboard and maybe couldn’t keep up that kind of thing,” said Bach.

“They could really come in for any sort of computer help they need, my only restriction is I don’t do computer repair and I really don’t want to mess with any viruses.”

Some of the courses being offered include using e-readers, e-books, Overdrive, and e-resources. There will also be a getting started course with Microsoft Word, and Facebook for beginners.    

“Career cruising, that’s another online resource that we have but it’s super handy. It profiles a whole bunch of jobs and it gives you tests to figure out what you’re best at, like a real life job bank is on there too. I’m hoping to get the students out for that one, we’ll see,” said Bach. 

She doesn’t teach about Twitter but says she thinks the biggest mistake people make is, they go onto Twitter thinking it is like Facebook and try to find their friends and have conversations. 

“At least for me it didn’t work like that. I use Twitter to follow a whole bunch of new sites, like CTV Calgary, CBC, the Calgary Herald and things like that. I also follow a lot of library industry stuff, like all the professional associations and any librarian I can find on there I make sure and follow. It’s kind of where I do my professional networking and also news surfing,” said Bach. 

Registering in advance for courses is recommended since there is limited space. More information can either by dropping in, checking out the website at www.strathmorelibrary.ca or by calling 403-934-5440.