Have you been to the Carthage Free Library lately? Do you really know what the library has to offer? Have you heard how the library is helping the community? If you answer “no” to these questions, perhaps you have missed out on all of the educational and recreational programs and opportunities that the Carthage Free Library Public Computing Center has offered since December 2010. If that is the case, we would like to take this opportunity to provide an in depth review of the programs and opportunities that have been provided, and how they have helped our patrons and students in the local and surrounding communities.
To recap the history of the program, in December 2010, the Carthage Free Library opened the Public Computing Center as a result of receiving the NYS BTOP Grant. Since then, the PCC has serviced 4,317 individuals in computer instruction, online job searches, resume development and various computer software applications. The PCC has offered on average 18 classes a month in computer applications such as basic computers, MS Word, social networking sites, and various online software as well as job readiness workshops. Roughly 30 hours are scheduled for individual assistance for people who need help with computer programs and/or job readiness skills such as writing a resume or performing on-line job searches.
How do we know that the people using the services provided by the PCC are getting the help they truly need? If you ask any of the students who have taken classes, they will tell you they have to fill out a survey after every class. We survey our students for two reasons: 1. We are mandated by New York State to provide statistical data justifying the need for the services we provide, and 2. The PCC staff strive on using the best instructional methods to teach to all levels of learners so continual assessment is a must. We also enjoy reading what our students have to say about us.
Out of our surveyed students, 94% reported that the Carthage Free Library PCC “offers a service not otherwise provided”. One Lowville student shared: "I will highly recommend these classes because I didn't grow up with computers and most employers require computer use". 98% reported that they “learned a digital literacy skill useful in some way”. With our efforts to provide one-on-one job readiness assistance, 177 of our students and patrons documented that our services helped "solve an employment need". One of patrons at the library states “the services here have helped me with updating my resume and increased my opportunities".
Needless to say that the Public Computing Center and Library staff are quite pleased with the feedback we have been receiving. We continually encourage our students and patrons to pass on the good word and share their experiences they havehad with the PCC to others
