Beginning in March, our Adult Services will be offering tech learning sessions again!

What are tech one-on-ones? How do you make an appointment? We’ll cover all that you need to know in this blog post.

Technology is an increasingly important aspect of our society, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the advancements. Therefore, we are very excited to offer technology one-on-ones once again in March.

“Previously offered for many years, technology one-on-ones had to be eliminated due to the restrictions put in place for the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Kevin, one of our librarians and tech one-on-one guides. “Those restrictions are no longer in place, and patron demand has led us to make the decision to offer one-on-ones once again.”

Here’s what to know about tech one-one-ones.

What are tech one-on-ones?

Tech one-on-one sessions allow patrons to choose what specific issues they want to learn about and a librarian will assist them in learning that skill. These sessions will be hands-on training meant to address individual basic technology questions.

“Patrons can now register for their own 30-minute to 1-hour session with an Adult Services staff member to learn more about subjects such as Microsoft Word, email, the internet, smartphones & tablets, Facebook, eBooks, and general computer use,” Kevin describes. “Flexible times and subjects, and more personalized help are what make these one-on-ones a great choice for many people.”

During a tech one-on-one, you can bring in your own tech device, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, and we will walk you through a particular task. Additionally, you may use our computers to learn about a program.

How do I make an appointment?

You can register through any of the following methods:

• In person at the Adult Services desk on the second floor
• By phone at 330-296-2827 ext. 200
• Via email at reference@reedlibrary.org

Appointments can be made weeks in advance, or as soon as the day before. Allowing staff a few days’ notice is best so that we are able to prepare for the session.

Those interested in tech sessions are limited to one session per month. One-on-ones will be offered seven days a week, including mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, but will depend on staff availability for that week.

When you make your appointment, you will need to describe what topic or questions you would like your session to cover.

What technology topics can we cover?

Our tech one-on-ones are individual tech learning sessions. They are designed to teach and instruct on a specific topic, including any of the following:

• Ancestry.com
• Backing Up Your Data
• Bring Your Own Device
• Buying and Selling Online
• Canva
• Cloud Computing
• Computer Basics
• Digital Library and eBooks
• Email Basics
• Files and Folders
• Free Alternatives to Popular Programs
• Getting More out of Google
• Google Drive
• Internet for Beginners
• Internet Safety
• Internet Search Techniques
• Libby & Hoopla
• LinkedIn Learning
• Managing Digital Photos
• Microsoft Excel 1
• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Word 1
• Microsoft Word 2
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Organizing Files and Folders
• Password Databases
• Photo Editing with Gimp
• Protecting Your Computer
• Research Databases
• Resume Writing and Job Searching
• SketchUp
• Smart Speakers
• Social Media
• Streaming Music
• Weebly
• What to Consider When Buying a Device
• Working with Windows

However, we are unable to assist with hardware problems, any kind of repairs, viruses, or training with software that isn’t available through the library.

How are one-on-ones different from technology classes?

Along with tech one-on-one sessions, the library will continue to offer technology classes.

Which is right for you: a tech one-on-one or a technology class? Kevin explains how these services differ: “Technology classes are more structured than the one-on-ones, and allow groups of up to ten people at a time to learn about specific topics in a classroom setting. These classes have a set curriculum and feature printed handouts related to the topic.” On the other hand, tech one-on-one allows you to meet with one other person and receive individual feedback.

We are looking forward to helping the community with these tech one-on-one sessions!