Library 'computer buddies' share their experiences
Do you work in a library that involves volunteers to give informal 1:1 computer support? Are you a volunteer who would like to share your experiences of how you got involved?
Watch a video about volunteers who have got involved in Kent Libraries ‘Computer Buddies’ programme
As Silver Surfers’ Day is in full swing in libraries all over the UK – we would like to find out about experiences of the day from any volunteers who are supporting their local library’s event by commenting on this blog post. It would be great to know some of your stories from the day and how you got started.
If you are interested in being a computer buddy why not ask at your local library if they run a volunteering scheme. As I am sure you will find out from these people experiences – it’s well worth it.
May 21st, 2010 kate | 2 Comments »
May 21st, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I joined the ‘Computer Buddy’ team at Herne Bay Library recently as a volunteer. Our aim is to help anyone with their computer problems and to make the learning process fun and tailored to the individual. There are a number of ‘Computer Buddies’ with a variety of specialist skills, all giving up their free time on a voluntary basis to help the local community.
Today is the Silver Surfers’ Day designed for anyone over 50 who wants to find out more about basic use of computers and the internet. The sessions aim to be a relaxed and informal way for people to start using the internet whether it’s to contact friends, shop online, research family history, or to access information. Kent County Council facilitated some 40 such events throughout the libraries in Kent.
Examples of the people attending varied in age from the early 50s to the late 80s. Some of whom used a computer for the first time, ever! Problems resolved included handling photograph files, using the internet, accessing emails, using search engines, etc., etc.
Without exception, everyone enjoyed the experience and ended their session asking about ways they could continue to use the computer system provided by KCC. The Computer Buddies at Herne Bay were busy from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
All of the attendees today were delighted to hear that free access to the computer system and access to Computer Buddies is available throughout the year. If my experiences today are anything to go by, we are going to be a lot busier in the future.
May 24th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
“They don’t bite!!”
I would just like to add a few words to those of Ian, our volunteer Computer Buddy at Herne Bay Library. I have organised the Silver Surfers day programme at local libraries for the past few years. These activities involve one-to-one taster sessions between Silver Surfers and library staff and volunteers. These sessions are a great way for libraries to bridge the digital divide and help library users to lead a more independent life, by introducing them to computers in an informal way. Some of the participants have been delighted that they can now use the internet to keep in touch with old friends and also keep up to speed with their grandchildren, thus bridging the generational divide too! One enthusiastic participant at Herne Bay Library summed up last Friday’s event by saying that “Computers don’t bite!!”