Title
Junior/Senior Technology Instructor (as an internship)
Primary Duties
The Adult Services department answers a wide variety of questions from the public, assisting patrons with personal, academic, and professional research, and providing instruction in locating and using print and digital resources. Many patrons request more instruction in technology use than can be offered at the reference desk, and Technology Instructors help the library meet this need by teaching technology classes.
These classes offer an opportunity to gain experience in both instruction and program management. Instructors not only teach technology skills to patrons, but also manage the program by developing lesson plans and handouts, creating and distributing marketing materials, and recruiting and training new instructors. As instructors gain experience in managing all aspects of the library’s technology classes, they advance from Junior to Senior Technology Instructors.
Technology Instructors teach 6 classes to library patrons. These classes include 3 introductory classes for students with limited computer skills and 3 advanced classes for students with more computer experience.
The introductory classes include:
- Basic Mousing
- Basic Internet
- Basic Email
The advanced classes include:
- Social Media
- Ebooks and Ereading
- Online Job Seeking
Instructors go over lesson plans and handouts, explaining material and answering questions. Classes generally have 2-10 students and 2-5 instructors. Depending on the number of each, instructors may work one-on-one with individual students.
Additional Responsibilities
Other duties include:
- Marketing classes by contacting partner agencies and distributing flyers
- Facilitating the expansion of library classes to include the branches and additional topics
- Staffing technology instruction events during which patrons are invited to bring their laptops, tablets, ereaders, smartphones, and other devices for assistance
Qualifications
Technology Instructors must be service-oriented technology users who are able to patiently assist diverse patrons with limited technology skills. Instructors must be familiar with the following software and websites:
- Gmail
- Hotmail
- Yahoo
Ebooks
- OverDrive
- Oneclick Digital
- Adobe Digital Editions
Social Media
Job Seeking
- LearningExpress Library’s Job & Career Accelerator
- www.indeed.com
- Additional job search websites may include:
- www.careerbuilder.com
- www.craigslist.com
- www.monster.com
- www.simplyhired.com
- www.snagajob.com
- www.usajobs.gov
Instructors must also submit an application to the Leon County Volunteer Center and attend a volunteer orientation.
Hours and Locations
For the introductory classes currently being held at the Main library, Technology Instructors must be available the first 3 Thursdays of each month for 2 hours, from 6:15pm to 8:15pm. Introductory classes are held on the first 3 Thursdays of the month from 6:30PM to 8:00PM in the Gates Lab of the Main library. Technology Instructors should be available shortly before class to prepare and shortly after to wrap up.
For the experienced classes planned to be held at the Main library, Technology Instructors must be available the first 3 Saturdays of each month for 2 hours, from 10:15am to 12:15pm. Experienced classes are held on the first 3 Saturdays of the month from 10:30am to 12pm in the Gates Lab of the Main library. Technology Instructors should be available shortly before class to prepare and shortly after to wrap up.
- Main
- Computer availability
- 10 PCs in the Gates Lab
- 50 netbooks
- Room availability
- Gates Lab
- First floor programs rooms A and B
- 2nd floor Henderson Room
- Seating and tables for 50 people
- Available hours
- Thursdays evenings, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturday mornings, 10:15am-12:15pm
- Target population
- All patrons
- Anticipated classes and events
- All classes and events
Depending on instructor availability, patron demand, and branch accommodations, technology classes may be offered at 5 additional library branches, including:
- Northeast
- Computer availability
- 18 netbooks
- Room availability
- Program rooms are available
- Seating and tables for 50 people
- Available hours
- Thursdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Fridays. 10:30am-12:30pm
- Target population
- Seniors
- Young families
- Students
- Immigrants
- Anticipated classes and events
- Ebooks and Ereading
- Online Job Seeking
- Device events
- Eastside
- Computer availability
- Split computer area, each with 12 computers. One area could be set reserved for classes and events.
- Program room and netbooks are also available
- 12 netbooks
- Seating and tables for 30 people
- Available hours
- Tuesdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Thursdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturdays, 11:30am-3:30pm
- Target population
- Job seekers
- Seniors
- Adults with new reading devices
- Anticipated classes
- Introductory classes, emphasis on how to print
- Online Job Seeking
- Lake Jackson
- Computer availability
- As of early 2013, community center and netbooks will be available
- 18 netbooks
- Seating and tables for 30 people
- Available hours
- Tuesdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Thursdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturdays, 11:00am-3:30pm
- Target population
- PC-savvy seniors
- Adult beginners
- Anticipated classes
- All classes
- Possible emphasis on Social Media
- Introductory classes monthly and one of the three advanced classes on a rotating basis
- BL Perry
- Computer availability
- 48 PCs
- 15 netbooks
- Seating and tables for 30 people
- Available hours
- Tuesdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Thursdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturdays, 1:30pm-3:30pm
- Target population
- Adult patrons
- Anticipated classes
- All classes and events
- Woodville
- Computer availability
- Community room and netbooks are available
- 6 netbooks
- Seating and tables for 40 people
- Available hours
- Tuesdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Thursdays, 6:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturdays 1:00pm-3:30pm
- Target population
- Patrons aged 13-20
- Adult beginners
- Anticipated classes
- All classes and events
- Possible emphasis on Social Media
Expected Availability and Commitment
A minimum of 1 year of service is asked of each Technology Instructor. All semesters are available; the library offers basic computer classes throughout the year.
Contact
Mary Kuipers, MSI
Information Professional
Leon County Public Library
200 West Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301-7716
850-606-2624