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G2S Project Code: 2017-NC-79231
State: North Carolina
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
ALBEMARLE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Tamy Lewter
Director Phone: 252-358-7864
Director Email: tlewter@arlnc.org
General Information
Title: COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING
State Project Code: 5323
Start Date: 07/07/2017
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract: Albemarle Regional Library purchased laptops with productivity software and storage carts to use for training community members located within our four-county area, educating them in areas of technology to improve their livelihood where Internet access and Internet accessible devices are limited due to rural and very distressed communities. The training consisted of free basic computer skills training and basic word processing skills training.  A partnership with NC Works provided training for job searches and applications as well as resume creation.
State Goal: 3. Literacy and Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$25,726.13
$0.00
$7,030.80
$32,756.93
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Employment
Digital Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Computer Skills Training
Narrative: The supplies from this grant award allowed technology programs to be offered. The first classes offered were via the help of an NCWorks project leader who had a grant to teach job skills at local libraries, but the libraries had to provide the computers. The classes taught job search skills, applying for jobs, and creating resumes and cover letters needed for the those applications. The second type of program requiring use of the laptops were basic computer skills, basic word processing skills, and basic spreadsheet skills. These classes taught basics computer terminology and basic use of the computer to get over the fear of using them. Classes were also offered to expand on the use of the basic skills to achieve creating a document.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 3
Number of times program administered: 32


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ALBEMARLE REGIONAL LIBRARY
Address: 303 W TRYON ST
City: WINTON
State: NC
Zip: 27986
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 18
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 13
Agree: 12
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 2
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 16
Agree: 10
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 2
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 25
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
This project showed that there is a need for computer training in this area and that the skill levels are very different. It also showed that some members of the community haven't been able to to apply for jobs without assistance because they haven't known how to complete basic steps of computer use for those jobs that require online applications. We also see that some areas have bigger responses to the help offered than others, but we can't say that it is because the knowledge is greater.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
These outputs are important for future planning because now we know we need more assistance with trainers for various classes and a variety of skill level.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
One lesson learned is to prepare for the skill level of the students which can divide your class greatly. The difference in skill level can cause attendees to be deprived without careful planning and consideration.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: workforce development, digital literacy