Agenda - 2-16-15 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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4J Lee County Library Abstract of proposed EZ LSTA Literacy and Lifelong Learning Grant Due February 28, 2015 to State Library The Lee County Library system is seeking to write a LSTA EZ Literacy and Lifelong Learning grant in the amount of $27,456.55 for the purchase of one Smart Board, 20 laptop computers, ,10 tables, and one charging lockable laptop cabinet. The laptops would be used for introductory computer classes. The Smart Board would be intended for use in the Auditorium of the Main Library. The Smart Board is an interactive way to teach computer classes so attendees can see the screen before they learn on the laptop. The library would also be able to offer and present a greater variety and quantity of interactive educational children's programming. The computer lab is mobile and could be used offsite and offered to other county departments for training. Smart Boards are interactive multimedia whiteboards that can be used to convey educational information in a unique visual manner. The boards can also be used for educational programming for groups that is available via the internet, such as webinars. The Lee County Library does have public access desktops but the computer room is not conducive to teaching a class since the desktops face the wall. Workforce development has been mandated by the State Library as part of the mission of public libraries. Teaching computer classes in the computer room is not conducive to learning due to interruptions, transactions and noise levels that occur during the course of business in a central public library. While we are making due offering computer help one—to -one, in the absence of anything else, the computer room is not the optimum location for an educational space. With the Smart Board technology the Lee County Library system would be able to offer computer -based programming in the Auditorium area of the Main Library. This would solve the problem of not having a permanent computer lab in the main library location since the laptops would be in a mobile carts for charging and moving. Having the ability to educate people about computer use via the Smart Boards would allow us to empower the both the unemployed, underemployed and older generation who is seeking computer skills for employability and lifelong learning as they learn to use computers and the internet without fear or frustration. The skills taught would start with basic computer and internet use (i.e. filling out applications or opening an e -mail account) to MS Office. These are skills the unemployed and underemployed groups desperately need in today's work environment. Many unemployed in central North Carolina formerly worked in plants and lack computer skills. Many retirement age citizens need to find jobs to supplement their retirement incomes which took a serious hit in the economic downturn that occurred in 2008. A mobile laptop lab could also be used for staff training and workshops offered by the State Library. Due to changes in the socioeconomic state of our county, we also have a significant homeless and unemployed population. Members of this economic group often come into the library seeking education in the basic computer skills listed above for use in gaining employment. Most employers now, including fast food restaurants and grocery stores, require applications to be filled out online using computers and internet. Through classes taught with the Smart Board, we would be able to teach these individuals how to go about searching for, identifying, and applying for jobs online. With the Smart Board in the meeting room children's programming could