Are you trying to figure out some new ways to serve your community but need to learn more to take those steps?
Do you need more skills and confidence to help with patron questions about technology?
Do you have staff that need extra support in the area of digital literacy?

If so, then the new Foundations of Digital Literacy workshops may be just the right start for you and your colleagues.

These virtual workshops are designed to help library staff gain confidence in everyday interactions with technology and is intended for participants who would like or feel they need a more basic introduction to digital literacy topics.

This workshop is being offered virtually multiple times throughout September and October to accommodate smaller participation limits in each workshop to ensure everyone can get individual attention and also feel comfortable in the space. You will get to have personal attention and participate in small group activities as you learn.

The Foundations of Digital Literacy workshop is designed to help library staff gain confidence in everyday interactions with technology and is intended for participants who would like or feel they need a more basic introduction to digital literacy topics. Knowledge and skills taught and practiced during the workshop will include:

A basic understanding of hardware including internal and external components of various devices
How various types of networks function
The composition of webpages and websites
Various browsers and their functionality
Search engines and tips to perform an effective web search
Tips on how to evaluate search results
Cloud computing
The internet of things
Information on digital privacy

The workshops will be presented virtually through Zoom, so participants will need to have a basic knowledge of how to log in to a Zoom meeting. Instruction on the basics of using Zoom for a training workshop will be delivered at the beginning of the workshop. This workshop is intended to be an interactive course that involves discussion and hands-on practice, and participants should plan to have a microphone enabled, and if possible, to turn their cameras on for full participation.

These courses are brought to the Michigan library community by MCLS as part of the continued efforts surrounding engagement and libraries and is supported by the Library of Michigan with federal funding from IMLS.

To register for the course, visit the MCLS website at: https://www.mcls.org/training-events/events/foundations-digital-literacy-2020/ Currently there are 5 sessions left with seats available in October. Be sure to get your spot and grow your confidence, skills, and knowledge in this area to help support your own local community.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Shannon White
Library Development Manager
Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909
Whites29@michigan.gov 517-335-1507 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan