Netguides Program

Andrea Mercado introduced me to a great new service for older adults provided by the Reading Public Library of Reading, Massachusetts. Netguides matches students who have been trained by the library with patrons who want one-on-one computer tutorials. Topics include basic computing, introduction to the internet, email, online databases, and Microsoft office applications. Sessions are one hour, by appointment. This program is in addition to their regular computer classes.

This is wonderful for people who may lack confidence in learning how to use a computer. Participants can get their questions answered and get special attention, which they would not be able to get in a large computer class. The program uses student volunteers. This gives an intergenerational aspect to the program.

By organizing volunteers this way, one can provide this one-on-one help for patrons, even if you don't have a lot of staff time. For more specific information on how to implement this program, please see "Netguides lessons learned and class changes" by Andrea Mercado from her Library Techtonics blog.

If your library is planning to start such a program, I suggest that one consider recruiting technology savvy older adults to volunteer for such a program, in addition to the student volunteers. Some older adults may feel more comfortable with tutors who are in their own age group.

Note: Photo of Reading Public Library and Librarians via Myspace photos.

An Inspirational Story

Recently, I read a very moving post called "Picking Stone" by the Feel-good Librarian about teaching older adults to use computers and the Internet. The Feel-good Librarian wrote eloquently about all the obstacles that older adults face when they want to start learning about computers. This post really showed how we as Librarians can have a positive effect on people's lives. I really agree with this blogger, that teaching older adults these skills can be extremely rewarding. The key is to be encouraging and patient - giving people time to practice their skills and to cement their knowledge. As they become more proficient on the computers, many older adults get very enthusiastic about the Internet and they appreciate our help.