Programming at WHPL Lisa Rabey http://lisa.rabey.net June 15, 2015 

Programming #1 Intro To Computer Basics Program designed to introduce non-techy people to using a computer 

What is a computer? • A computer is a device that carries out instructions. These instructions are similar to driving a car or riding a bike. You move a steering wheel to tell the car/bike in which direction to go. The steering wheel for a computer is called a mouse. You can also direct your computer by using a keyboard. 

Pop Quiz! •Why is a mouse called a “mouse”? •Why is a keyboard called a “keyboard”? 

What kind of computers are there? • Just like there are many different types of cars and bikes, there are also many different types and sizes of computers. The smaller ones are called laptops while the bigger ones are called desktops. 

What’s the difference between a laptop and a desktop? • Nothing! Just like there are different sizes of cars, there are different sizes of computers. Regardless of size, computers for personal use are sometimes called PCs, which is short for “personal computer.” Before there were personal computers, computers were mainly used for business, which is why there was distinction between the two and the name has stuck. • Just like there are different types of cars (Toyota, Mercedes Benz, and so on) there are different types of PCs depending on the operating system they run. 

What is an operating system? • Like a car needs gas to run, an operating system is needed to run your computer. The operating system is controlled by your keyboard and/or mouse. • Again, just like there are different size and different types of cars (sedans, hatchbacks, etc.), there are different types of operating systems. The most popular ones are Windows (made by Microsoft) and Macintosh (made by Apple). Other popular types of operating systems include Unix and Linux. 

Pop Quiz! •What kind of operating systems are on the computers at WHPL? •How do you know? •Can you name other types of operating systems? 

Putting it all together A computer is a _______ that has an _______ _______ that powers it. You can control the computer with a _______ and/or a _______. 

What can a computer do? • You can: • Write letters, resumes, and other documents using word processing software • You can create and edit music and videos • You can make phone calls using your microphone and a web camera • You can get on the Internet and browse the web, check email, chat with friends, and shop • You can put pictures on your computer, edit them, and send them via email to friends and family or put them on a webpage • Plus a whole lot more 

To learn more about using a computer • You can use the library to take classes in: • Using office software • Using the Internet • Including how to use email, social media, and build webpages and sites • How to run a small business • Learn a new language • How to build a resume and apply for jobs • How to request and hold books at WHPL • How to request and read eBooks and other digital media at WHPL And much more! 

Breakdown of implementing Intro to Computer Basics • Materials needed • Computer lab with working computers that include basic office software and Internet access (for future programs) • Intro to computer books • Read alike / advisory handouts • Cost • Presenters time (either cost of librarian or volunteer) • Intro to computer books • Cost of paper to print • Cost of Internet access • Presenter • Librarian or volunteer (cost of librarian work time) • If librarian not available, look to Friends Groups, library volunteers, and other employees • Look also to local computer shops for volunteering their time or reduce cost of their fee • Audience • Those who have no to little computer experience, those who want to brush up on their skills • Marketing • Notices on the website, paper news, email news, and around the library • Notices at community center and senior housing • Easy to find page on WHPL on classes available • Social media • Time • Bi weekly or monthly depending on interest and attendance 

Program #2 Genealogy at WHPL Program designed to introduce the basics of genealogy and local history 

Why genealogy? • Genealogy is fast becoming a top hobby among people of all ages • Utilizes searching skills, critical thinking, organization, and communication • Software/databases are typically free or inexpensive, so barrier for entry is low • It is not regulated to any one type of audience, anyone can do it • It’s fascinating on many fronts, including history and biographies 

Intro to Genealogy Class • Would recommend intro to computers and intro to the Internet before attending the class • Class would cover the basics on how to use free or low cost software to search and build family trees • Additional coverage on how to use databases that are either free or available via WHPL • Lastly, how to research using the Internet • Partnership with WH Historical Society to expand future classes 

Breakdown of implementing Intro to Genealogy • Materials needed • Computer lab with working computers that include genealogy software and Internet access • Handouts • Webpage with links to WHPL databases and free online databases • Cost • Presenters time (either cost of librarian or volunteer) • Cost of paper to print • Cost of Internet access • Presenter • Librarian or volunteer (cost of librarian work time) • If librarian not available, look to Friends Groups, library volunteers, and other employees • Partner with WH Historical Society for ideas and presenters who could volunteer their time • Audience • Anyone interested in history and biographies • Marketing • Notices on the website, paper news, email news, and around the library • Notices at community center, WH Historical Society, and related community clubs • Easy to find page as listed in materials section • Social media • Time • Bi weekly or monthly, depending on interest and attendance 

Program #3 Graphic Novels / Manga Program to introduce graphic novels/manga to a wider audience, embiggen existing audiences 

Why Graphic Novels / Manga? • Appeals to all ages • Age groups can be broken into pre-teen, teen, and adult • Works with Teen Advisory on suggestions and ideas • Can be used as teaching tool, ESL learners, and entertainment • Topics range from biography and historical to aliens and fantasy • Spin off from GN reading groups include having a comicon, drawing classes, craft sessions, and more • Partnership with local comic book stores, other libraries, and related businesses such as art and books stores 

Breakdown of implementing Graphic Novels / Manga • Materials needed • Space to hold groups of 10-20 people • Local graphic novel collection and/or ability to teach people how to use ILL • Readers advisory lists • Cost • Presenters time (either cost of librarian or volunteer) • Graphic novels for appropriate ages • Presenter • Librarian or volunteer (cost of librarian work time) • If librarian not available, look to Friends Groups, library volunteers, and other employees • Partnership with local comic books stores • Audience • Anyone interested in graphic novels and manga, wants to learn • Marketing • Displays around the library • Notices on the website, paper news, email news, and around the library • Work with teen advisory board • Create specific social media accounts for the group to blanket access • Time • Can do each section (pre-teen, teen, adult) at least once a month so for a total of three meetings per month 

Program #4 Español at West Haven PL Introduction to library services available for Spanish speakers in WH 

Why Español at West Haven PL? • 10% of the population self-identify as Hispanic or Latino and is fast growing • Could do variety of existing programs in Spanish such as intro to computers, job searches, and more • The library carries resources in Spanish such as books, databases, and more • Needs a vibrant web presence • Could tie in with ESL learners • Partnership with Hispanic / Latino businesses, instructors of Spanish from local schools 

Breakdown of implementing Español at West Haven PL • Materials needed • Space to hold groups of 10-20 people • Examples of books and databases available in Spanish • Readers advisory lists • Cost • Presenters time (either cost of librarian or volunteer) • Books for the collection • Presenter • Librarian or volunteer (cost of librarian work time) • If librarian not available, look to Friends Groups, library volunteers, and other employees • Partnership with local Spanish instructors • Audience • Speakers of Spanish as a primary language or those wishing to brush up on skills • Marketing • Displays around the library • Notices on the website, paper news, email news, and around the library • Robust social media presence 

Thank you!