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TMCNet: Library computer lab to facilitate classes, teleconferencing

[April 16, 2010]

Library computer lab to facilitate classes, teleconferencing

Apr 16, 2010 (Billings Gazette - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A new computer lab at the Parmly Billings Library will offer patrons a free opportunity to boost their skills.

Twelve computers sit in three rows in the glassed-in classroom on the second floor of the downtown library, with a teaching computer in the front of the room. The PCs are loaded with a complete suite of Microsoft Office Professional software and connected to the Internet.

The room also contains a projector, which allows the use of PowerPoint for teaching purposes, and makes the space available for teleconferencing.

The idea is to offer classes to a wide range of computer users, from novices nervously holding a mouse to more advanced users who want to hone their skills.

"The mission of the library is to provide access to knowledge, said Leslie Modrow, development director for the Parmly Billings Library Foundation. "By offering these technology classes, we're doing just that." The foundation donated the $25,000 to equip the lab, Modrow said. It's one way to add value to the library that already serves people in so many ways.

"This is over and beyond, and that's what the foundation does," she said. "It's the community's responsibility to provide a good library. But the foundation provides supplemental services -- over and beyond what the library does." A couple of years ago, the foundation bought a portable computer lab with 12 laptop computers. That allowed the library to begin offering technology classes.

Now the portable lab can be used both on- and off-site. Meanwhile, the permanent lab will always be ready for students when classes are scheduled or a teleconference is arranged.

Classes, most offered during the day, will be taught by Kathy Robins, the library's systems administrator. Robins already has been teaching classes on the library's third floor using the mobile lab, Modrow said.

The lab also will be available at no cost to nonprofits and educational groups, and to small businesses that open up training to the public, said Bill Cochran, library director. With individual computers available out in the main part of the library, the lab, at least for now, will be reserved for classes and group activities, he said.

The computer lab previously served as an administrative office, Cochran said. When some of the staff moved to the fourth floor last July, it opened up space on the second floor for other purposes.

Library volunteer T.J. Starr solicited supplies to renovate the room, including glass, sheetrock and paint. And then he completed the remodeling, Cochran said.

The new lab was dedicated in a short ceremony this week, Cochran said. It seemed appropriate, he said, since this is National Library Week and more and more people are utilizing libraries for computer access.

"There was a study the Gates Foundation commissioned, released March 25, that documented about one-third of the adult population 14 and older uses libraries as their only access to the Internet," Cochran said. "We figure at least that many use the ones here." School District 2 has more than 400 homeless students who have to scramble to find computer access do complete homework assignments, he said. And adults need computers to fill out job applications or access benefits.

With the new lab, people who have to use computers but may feel deficient doing so now have a new tool.

"This fills the role for many of us who aren't comfortable with computers," Cochran said. "A lot of places do a good job training people who have financial resources. For those who don't, here, it's free." To see more of the Billings Gazette, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.billingsgazette.com. Copyright (c) 2010, Billings Gazette, Mont.

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