The public libraries in Madison County have partnered to offer a traveling technology trainer to assist patrons with using technology to access library resources. The tech trainer will rotate among the 10 public libraries in the county and will be available by appointment or on a drop-in basis.
Some examples of what the tech trainer can assist with include accessing and navigating Overdrive, Libby or Hoopla to download e-books, audiobooks, music and movies or TV shows, as well as RB Digital to access magazines; using online resources that are available through the Mid-York Library System and ordering library materials through the online catalog.
The tech trainer may also assist with creating an email account, learning to use Google applications (Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, etc.) and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Publisher, etc.), basic computer troubleshooting, digital literacy and job searches.
The technology trainer, Caren Bertrand, is from Canastota. She attended SUNY Oswego, where she earned a bachelor of arts English and obtained her MSLS from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Bertrand will will be available at Canastota Public Library Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Oneida Public Library Mondays from 2:30 to 7 p.m.; Hamilton Public Library alternating Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 2:30 to 6 p.m.; Chittenango Public Library Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Bridgeport Public Library Wednesdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m.; Cazenovia Public Library Thursdays from noon to 3:30 p.m. and New Woodstock Library every other Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.
Other libraries have rotating hours; contact your local library for the full schedule or email LibraryTechConnect@gmail.com.
This service was made possible by a grant from former Sen. David Valesky.
For more information, contact your local library or email LibraryTechConnect@gmail.com to set up an appointment.