The Pima County Library has a solution for people who are confused by modern technology: a class taught by Alan Chesnutt, who has taught at many libraries across the county for nine years.
From help purchasing a new computer to using digital darkroom software, Chesnut will guide participants through solutions.
“I'm a computer geek from way back,” he says, “starting with the 286.”
He also worked as a technician for public education. Everyone came to him.
“I just learned as I went along,” he said. “I took a few courses.”
Twice a week, Chesnut teaches some sort of computer skills at Pima County Library branches. A recent class at the Oro Valley branch helped residents evaluate their options when buying a new computer or tablet. Other classes focus on programming with coding boot camps, skills related to online job searches in English and Spanish (check out the Quincy Douglas and Sam Rhena South Tucson Libraries for the latter), such as help with resume writing, and building familiarity with programs like Microsoft Office and Windows 10.
Workforce and Economics Librarian Matthew Landon said participants essentially gain basic computer skills they may need to get a job in today's market.
“Many people are changing jobs, they're aging and don't have the computer skills needed to successfully apply for jobs online,” he said.
Alan Chesnut teaches many computer classes at the Pima County Public Library.
(Karen Shaffner/Submitted)
The library also covers the actual job hunting process.
“Most of our libraries have organized job-seeking programs where patrons can come in one day a week during the day, sit down, and get personalized help with the job search process from a librarian,” Landon says. “We have resume-building software for the computer called Winway Resume, which streamlines the resume-building process a little bit.”
The job-hunting computers are convenient because they not only have built-in resume-writing software, but also allow patrons to book extended sessions rather than the one hour typically offered.
“They have a two-hour session on the job placement computer,” Landon said.
Classes not related to job hunting include “Ancestry.com for Beginners.” For those new to computers, there's “Introduction to Email.” “Get to Know Your Library's Digital Resources” shows you how to do advanced searches in the library catalog and reference materials you can access on the library's website. For those who want to use their phone for more than just making calls, there's “Smartphone Photography.” There are also classes to help you stay safe online. Try “Online Safety: An Introduction to Misinformation” and “The Internet: How to Buy or Pay.”
All classes are free and you don't need a library card to access them; however, registration is required. Classes are held at various times and days at any library branch across the county. Check the library's website for class schedules.
Finally, to enhance digital educational resources, the library received a grant to bring a digital navigator to Pima County.
“A digital navigator is someone who helps clients get digital access, computer internet access at home, and helps them with the technical skills and skill building they need to be successful and get into the workforce,” Landon said. “Their job is dedicated to that.”
The grants are expected to be paid out this summer.
However, to get the most out of the Digital Navigator, the Library has created a short survey in English and Spanish to gauge people's computer skill-building needs. For more information, see the following link:
