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Steal these tech trainer competencies
The Colorado State Library has developed a set of competencies for technology trainers as a part of the Colorado Public Computer Centers program (funded by the Broadband Technology Opportunity...
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Technology Training Series: Models from Libraries
Are you looking for ideas for technology instruction services in your library? Tips for how to offer public technology assistance? Ways to improve digital literacy in your community? Then look no...
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Edge Benchmarks: Individual Technology Instruction
In this TechSoup blog series we are exploring examples of successful technology training programs and giving practical advice on how to create similar programs in your library. We start off the...
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Edge Benchmarks: Open Lab Assistance
We are taking a close look at models of successful technology training programs and sharing ideas for how to create similar programs in your library. In our last post we looked at ways to provide...
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Edge Benchmarks: Mobile Computer Labs
In this technology training blog series we identify tips and share best practices from public libraries. We have taken a look at individual technology instruction and open lab assistance as methods to...
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Edge Benchmarks: Volunteer Technology Trainers
In this blog series, we are taking a close look at technology training models in public libraries, sharing successful examples and identifying tips and best practices. We recently took a look at mobile...
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Edge Benchmarks: Gadget Instruction
In this blog series, we are exploring various technology training models in public libraries and sharing tips and real life success stories. In our last post, we looked at how to use volunteers as...
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Technology Instruction Materials for Libraries
From 2011-2012 I worked at the Colorado State Library as part of a team to help 50 libraries across the state to develop new and improved technology training programs. This team was funded by the...
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Edge Benchmarks – Professional Development for Technology Trainers
In this guest technology training series we have been exploring various public library models and sharing tips and success stories from libraries around the country. Previous posts have explored...
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Teaching Internet Safety to the Public: It’s Easier than you Think!
The issue of Internet safety is arguably one of the most important skills to address in basic digital literacy instruction. At the same time, it can be a difficult topic to teach for many reasons. We...
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Make Your Library More Mobile-Friendly: Webinar Series
It should come as no surprise that mobile device use in libraries is increasing. Research from the Pew Research Internet Project indicates that 43 percent of American adults now own a tablet or...
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Broadband Planning and E-rate for Libraries: Enough Is Never Enough
Does your library have enough broadband to meet the needs of patrons and staff? Technology use in libraries is at an all-time high. Without enough bandwidth coming into the library, patrons are unable...
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Fix It at the Library with DIY Repair Programs
Making is all the rage in libraries nowadays. But what if you want to fix something that's broken? Repair programs are an opportunity to teach patrons new skills while fixing technology, electronics,...
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Libraries Supporting Social Good: Tools and Tips for Outreach to Nonprofits
Libraries should be engaged with their local social sector community. Social sector organizations are a critical part of the community because they provide much-needed services. They also make great...
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You Can Do I.T.! How to Empower Library Staff with Basic Tech Management Skills
Library services rely heavily on technology, but many libraries face the challenge of staying up to date with technology, especially when it comes to basic information technology (I.T.) concepts. While...
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Protecting Patron Privacy in Public Libraries
Patron privacy is of critical importance to libraries and should be a foundational principle guiding library policy and practice. It is included in the American Library Association's Code of Ethics and...
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Libraries as Innovation Hubs: Community-Driven Design
Public libraries have become hubs for innovation and community engagement. Library programs and services must respond to community needs, changes in technology, and fluctuations in funding. To design...
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Outside the Lines: Shifting Perceptions of Libraries
Outside the Lines is a weeklong international celebration of the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Whether large or small, academic or public, any library can participate by hosting at...
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Lights, Camera, Advocacy to Action: Digital Storytelling for Libraries
How can you tell your library's story in a way that will increase public support? Digital stories can be used for advocacy efforts, from raising awareness to fundraising campaigns to taking political...
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