People who work at the Jacksonville Public Library always are eager to point out that the library is a place to do more than check out books.
The E-Services and Digital Access Department is a prime example of that concept.
Since October 2012, the library has offered a curriculum of classes that teach customers how to use computers. From the most basic skills to advanced skills with popular spreadsheet software, classes are available at the Main Library and at every branch library, said Karen Walker, manager of e-services and digital access.
“We provide our services at least one full day each week at all locations. Not every branch library has a classroom, but we have mobile electronics labs with laptops and projectors, so we can create a classroom. We also offer 1-on-1 instruction at all branches,” she said.
More than 900 classes are conducted each year, serving nearly 5,000 students.
Library specialists also provided personal instruction to more than 2,500 customers, Walker said.
Computer instruction at JPL is free of charge.
In addition to English, classes also are conducted in Spanish at the Main Library.
E-Library Specialist Eric Soriano said the classes en Español were inspired by Spanish-speaking customers who wanted to learn computer skills.
“We have the only free of charge computer class in Spanish in Jacksonville.
It’s one of the library’s best-attended computer classes,” he said.
Classes focused on personal and business PC software are offered along with instruction on how to use Kindle and Nook e-readers and tablet computers to access the library’s extensive collection of electronic library materials.
Walker said more than 23,000 customers each month borrow electronic books.
“E-book circulation is our fastest-growing circulation. The biggest challenge is having enough content to go around,” she said.
List of classes available
Introduction to computers
Learn the main parts of a computer and basic Windows navigation. Start a program from the start menu or desktop and learn the taskbar functions. Understand Windows features such as WordPad and notepad, paint, calculator and sticky notes. Learn to re-size windows and create shortcuts. Seating is limited. This class requires basic keyboard, mouse and Windows skills.
Introduction to email
Learn how to set up a free email account and how to send, receive, reply to and forward messages. Other topics include organizing mail and attaching documents.
Introduction to the Internet
The class explains the concepts of the Internet, URLs, browsers and the web.
Introduction to keyboarding
This class is intended to give a basic overview of the keyboard and some of the most commonly used keys.
Introduction to Windows 7
Tour the Windows desktop and Start menu and learn to save and organize files and folders, change views, customize the Desktop and use copy, paste and drag and drop features.
Introduction to Windows 8
A basic overview of the Windows 8 operating system with emphasis on users transitioning to Windows 8 from earlier versions.
MS Office 2010: Excel I
How to create a simple spreadsheet using formulas and formatting. Create a basic workbook, navigate between worksheets, become familiar with the Excel ribbon and menus, format columns, rows and cells, and create and use formulas.
MS Office 2010: Excel II
How to work with basic functions such as sorting data, filtering data, and creating charts. Attendance in Introduction to Excel class or previous experience with MS Excel is required.
MS Office 2010: Excel III
Learn more functions and features in MS Excel 2010 to retrieve and analyze data. Learn how to use the VLOOKUP function, create PivotTables and PivotCharts, create Sparklines and use conditional formatting.
MS Office 2010: PowerPoint I
Create a simple presentation, create, edit and save slides and slide shows. Other topics include clip art, applying designs, working with views and running slide show.
MS Office 2010: Publisher I
In this hands-on class for beginners, learn how to design, create, and publish a variety of documents using Microsoft Publisher 2010. Understand built-in layouts and templates that can help create simple newsletters, brochures and fliers.
MS Office 2010: Word I
Participants learn to open the program and find basic program functions to create, edit, save and print documents. Instruction includes formatting text, cut, copy paste and using spelling and grammar tools.
MS Office 2010: Word II
Participants learn about more advanced MS Word functions such as bulleted and numbered lists, special symbols, formatting documents with columns and page breaks, tables and images.
For class schedules and locations, visit jpl.coj.net.