Who Are They

Slide 1: Who are they? What do they want? Assessing patron needs for Information Literacy in Public Libraries

Slide 2: Review the Pew Pew Internet & American Life Project “A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users” May 7, 2007 release

Slide 3: Review the Pew Who can we help? 49% seems probable, the “Few Tech Assets” profile

Slide 4: Locating Students - Know your community demographic - Know local resources outside of the library - Is there a gap to be filled?

Slide 5: Create Opportunity • Listen to your patron requests • Create a survey • Ask patrons to submit ideas to a Suggestion Box

Slide 6: Community Outreach • Appeal to niche groups such as parents wanting to help children with homework online • Offer health related searching class using your databases

Slide 7: Bringing New Skills to Old Hands Can the 20% Middle of the Road users be tempted? - Managing Files/Folders - Digital Camera Skills – using free sources such as Flickr, Pixenate, Picnik, Snipshot - EBay Skills - Internet Security issues

Slide 8: Acknowledge Limitations • Lack of bandwidth in library • Lack of reliable access to computers both in library and at home due to limitation of space and funds • Lack of transportation or mobility of the patron

Slide 9: A Question for the Future At what point will Information Literacy become a basic skill, similar to reading a newspaper or a book, navigating a library catalog, or using an ATM?

Slide 10: Internet Librarian Resources Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study (2007) • http://www.ala.org/ala/ors/publiclibraryfundingtechnologyaccessstudy/pullibf unandtechaccstudy.htm • see also: Clark, Lara, “Libraries Connect Communities,” American Libraries September 2007 p. 62-63 Pew Internet & American Life Project • http://www.pewinternet.org/ • A great place to monitor reports pertaining to the internet and the demographics and profiles of our potential patrons. A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users • http://tinyurl.com/ynq49t E-patients With a Disability or Chronic Disease • http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/EPatients_Chronic_Conditions_2007.pdf • Santa Monica Public Library Computer Class Questionnaire Get Connected Flash Film produced by Santa Monica Public Library • http://www.smpl.org/classes/Flash_movie.htm