This document discusses integrating technology instruction programs for different age groups at the library. It notes that baby boomers need help learning computer and internet basics, while younger generations are digital natives. The document outlines pros and cons of intergenerational programs, and provides tips for planning such a program including recruiting volunteers, preparing materials, fundraising, training instructors, and evaluating the program. It poses questions about other ideas for user instruction among age groups.

1. Tiffany Coleman-McGee
tiffany.colemanmcgee@eagles.usm.edu

2. http://dcuilp.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html
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3.  Baby Boomers are in need of technology
instruction (many libraries offer adult
programming that focus on teaching seniors
the basics of computer / internet use
 Post Baby Boomers like Gen Y and Gen Z were
born into technology use, i.e. microwave, cell
phone, internet, social networking, etc.
 Nearly 50 years in age difference
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4. Pros Cons
 Seniors feel a new connection to  Recruiting volunteers and
society participants
 The younger generation learns  Having enough equipment and
the importance of patience and material in the event of large
community service turnout
 Relationships are built
 The library provides another
great service
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5.  Librarians are faced with many tasks, and patron
satisfaction is number one.
 Programs are one service that libraries provide to
keep patrons happy.
 Programs are available to all ages. Why not
integrate them sometimes?
 Valuable relationships and learning opportunities
ignite when older adults and younger children
connect.
 Older adults want to learn more about the fast-
paced technology world, and can orally teach
some “back to the basics” realities to younger
generations
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6.  An initial community analysis can be
performed to gauge the need for such a
program.
 Age and gender, or other variables may play a
factor in finding participants and volunteers –
use creative methods to market to the target
audience (use flyers, posters, email, or
commercial if in program budget)
 Recruit and interview volunteers and
participants to match them with an
appropriate partner
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7.  Prepare for 2 or prepare for 200 – there
should be enough print materials with basic
diagrams/illustrations to begin familiarizing
learners with equipment
 Depending on participation, there may or
may not be enough available equipment
 Fundraising may be a good idea, or applying
for applicable grants
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8.  Sometimes, user instruction is only as good
as the instructor.
 Librarians should ensure that each volunteer
has been trained to meet the goals and
objectives of the program
 Trainers should understand that the users or
program participant’s needs come first
 People come before things
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9.  All programs should be evaluated before,
during, and after
 Pretest, post-test, and questionnaires are
some tools that help to measure the
effectiveness of the program and the level of
learning
 Collect both qualitative and quantitative data
 Crunch the numbers and write a
comprehensive report
 Publicize the results in a newsletter,
webpage, etc.
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10.  Can you think of other ideas that librarians
can use to incorporate user instruction
among various age groups?
 Questions?
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