Teaching the Public to Use Digital Resources

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Teaching The Public To Use Digital Resources

You've already taught your patrons how to use the Internet--but that's only one piece of the puzzle. To take advantage of the full range of digital resources available at your library, patrons also need help with the online catalog, electronic databases, CD-ROM products and online reference materials. This course will give you the skills and strategies you need to teach the public.

  • What kinds of digital resources (aside from the Internet) are available to them
  • How to choose between different resources
  • Strategies for navigating frequently used digital resources
  • How to evaluate their search results
If you want to learn training techniques that will help your patrons get the "big picture" of what modern libraries have to offer, then this course is for you.

Workshop Description: This all-day workshop will include lecture and hands-on exercises in a computer lab. You will learn how to work with and train patrons to utilize digital resources that can provide them with valuable, easily accessible information that may not be available in traditional print resources. Though this course does address some Internet-based resources, it has been designed to complement Infopeople's Teaching the Public to Use the Internet workshops.

Highlights: Using hands-on exercises, discussion, and a packet of handouts, this workshop will cover:

  • teaching adult learners
  • assessing the skills of patrons you are teaching
  • helping patrons overcome the fear of using computers
  • teaching patrons when and how to use the:
  • online catalog
  • electronic databases
  • CD-ROM products
  • reference materials
  • and other digital resources

Who Should Attend: Librarians and library staff who work at reference desks and other public service stations.

Prerequisites: To benefit from this course you should already:

  • be able to navigate the Web and digital resources using URLs, browser menus, and toolbars
  • be familiar with basic Web terminology and database searching

Please Note: There is a $75.00 fee for this workshop. Infopeople does not provide parking passes, lunch or refreshments.

Check-in: 8:30 to 9 AM Instruction: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Available for contracting: 
No