A reprise and updated version of this talk given as a Cybertour at Computers in Libraries 2009 in Arlington VA.

1. Cybertour
Ten Tips for Teaching
2.0
at Public Libraries
Janie L. Hermann
Programming Coordinator
Princeton Public Library, NJ
jhermann@princetonlibrary.org
Computers in Libraries 2009

2. Reaching &Teaching a Tech-savvy Public
Library customers are becoming increasingly

proficient with computers, using the Internet
and technology.
Technology and training expectations from

library customers are rising exponentially.
Computer classes and technology training must

evolve to meet this demand and undergo
constant innovation to remain relevant.

3. Princeton Public Library Background
Single-branch municipal library in heart of

downtown and near Princeton University
New state-of-the-art 58,000 square foot

building opened in April 2004
Staff: 50 FTE; Population: 31,000

100+ computers for public use; fully

equipped technology center

4. Looking Back
Approximately 12 years since Princeton, and other public

libraries, began offering basic computer/Internet classes
Emphasis on mouse skills and using online catalogs

Subject-specific Internet classes, email, and Microsoft

Office classes soon added to class calendars and
curriculums
Focus was on basic computing and searching skills


5. 10 Tips for Teaching 2.0
It is a time-consuming process – can

take several years to build.
PPL’s current program has been over

8+ years in the making

6. Tip 1: Outreach
Position yourself and your staff as

“Tech Gurus” in your community
Offer to give talks about 2.0 and

Social Software to local groups
Computer User Groups, Job Seeking

Groups, Chamber of Commerce, PTO etc.
Get OUT and get known!


7. Tip 2: Start Modest
Implement monthly lecture/demo programs

that will appeal to advanced users.
Technology Talks; “DataBytes”

Use invited guests to minimize staff

preparation time.
Don’t be afraid to ask; you will be surprised at how

many are willing to share their expertise
Tie-in to hands-on classes from these series


8. Tip 3: Develop Communication Channels
Gather email addresses at every session or

class you offer
Send no more than one or two targeted

messages per month
Inform but don’t Spam

Create a Technology Training Blog with RSS

feed and update regularly
Use Twitter and other Social Networking Sites


9. Tip 4: Cover the Basics
Create a comprehensive training plan

Decide answers to questions such as:

Who will do the training?

How many courses to offer per week or month?

How many new courses can be developed per quarter?

Write Lesson Plans

Don’t reinvent the wheel – borrow from others

Create Support Materials

Consider hosting them on a wiki


10. Tip 5: Train Staff or Volunteers
Hire staff or recruit volunteer trainers to assist

depending upon budget considerations.
Training the Trainers is essential.

Provide practice sessions before going live to

work out the glitches.

11. Tip 6: Walk the Walk
Allow time for staff to play with new

technology
Create blogs, wikis, podcasts, etc. for

your library web site
Stay on top of trends


12. Tip 6: Classes in Constant Beta
Update lesson plans frequently

Switch sites/applications as needed

to stay current and cutting edge
 Continually scan the literature for
trends – both in terms of teaching and
technology

13. Tip 7: Promote! Promote! Promote!
Create print calendars and distribute widely

Regular press releases

Library Newsletter

Profiles of you and your tech staff

Generate email lists and create blogs

Negotiate for front page real estate on your

library’s web site!

14. Never Underestimate the Power of …
Attractive, Professional, Full-Color Posters

15. Tip 8: Variety is the Spice of Life
Rotate classes

Vary the type classes

 Bootcamps
 One-shots
 Mini-courses (with homework)
Connect courses

“Sell up” to keep them coming back


16. Tip 9: Learning Together
Consider training staff with patrons

creates transparency

maximizes training time for

trainer

17. Tip 10: Prove the Value
 Compile statistics
 Gather testimonials
 Demonstrate Impact

18. What’s Hot and What’s Not
Hot: Not:
Meet the Mouse
Fun with flickr 

 Learn the Library
Become a Blogger

Catalog
Fantastic Freebies

 Email Essentials
What’s the fuss

about RSS  Intro to Search Engines
Photoshop Mini-
 (but, Xtreme Search is hotter
Course than Hot)
Subject-Specific classes
Firefox Extensions 

School for Scanning


19. What’s Hot and What’s Not
Lukewarm:
Shortcuts and Timesaving Tricks

Top Sites and Other Treasures

Computer Basics

Introduction to the Internet

Databases Revealed

Genealogy Online

Digital Camera Test Drive

Powering up with PowerPoint


20. Questions or Comments!