Do you have a new home computer? Have you owned a computer for some time and still don’t know how to use all of the options? Do you want to learn more about Microsoft Office tools? Do you want to learn how to e-mail your distant friends and maybe your grandchildren? Mesa County Libraries can help you. And it is a free public service!

Adults, teens and children all have use for computers, software, Internet and training provided by Mesa County Libraries. Whether simply communicating with a friend, browsing, doing research or writing a paper, the library has tools to make it happen.

A wide variety of classes are also offered because “it is not only important to provide technology, it is also the library’s responsibility to make sure people know how to use the resources we offer,” said Nancy Trimm, head of Reference and Instructional Services.

One goal developed in the library’s 2009 Strategic Plan is, “Mesa County Libraries promise to provide the technology and training necessary to participate in and keep pace with the online world.” Library staff got a jump-start on this goal, not willing to wait until 2009 to turn the promise into action.

Introducing mobile classes

Long-awaited computer training at branch libraries is now available and off to a popular start. Debuting in Palisade with a class filled by word of mouth, Mesa County Libraries now offer classes beyond the walls of the Computer Lab in the Central Library. So far, the mobile lab is offered at branches with wireless access. In addition to Palisade, this includes Clifton and Fruita.

“The mobile lab allows us to provide basic computer training to more residents of Mesa County,” Trimm said.

Initial classes teach basic computer skills, e-mail, Internet searching and Microsoft Word. Additional classes may be added.

Mobile lab classes, as with all library training, are free and taught by trained instructors.

“Class participants comment that they are so happy they came because they learned so much and say, ‘Nancy is such a great teacher,” said Karen Maheux, Palisade branch manager. “People are eager for even more opportunities, sharing suggestions for future trainings.”

Internet safety training

Beginning this month, Teen Librarian Shawna Bird will teach Internet safety classes at Clifton, Palisade and Fruita neighborhood libraries. The class is open to teens and their family members or guardians and hopes to encourage people to carefully evaluate the sources of information they encounter online.

“One of my goals as the teen librarian is to have teens and their guardians recognize the library as a safe and comfortable place. For me, this includes confidence and knowledge about safety skills related to the Internet,” Bird said.

The Internet safety class uses real-life scenarios to help teens apply critical thinking skills to social networking sites like Facebook and other online interactions. The goal of the class is to provide the tools to help evaluate information and potentially threatening situations online.

Parents are encouraged to attend because they set the standards for Internet usage of their children, making guardians the first line of defense against harmful situations. Bird hopes “the class will open the door to a discussion within families about how to safely use the Internet.”

Internet predators are well prepared for exploiting the vulnerabilities of teens, so teens need to know how to protect themselves. Teens need to be cautious about the information they find online and about the personal information they share, protecting themselves against the “false sense of security” they might experience during online interactions.

Internet safety classes are scheduled at the Clifton library Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m., Fruita library Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m., and Palisade library Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.

Presenting information to groups

In addition to instruction offered within the libraries, the Library’s reference team can make a presentation at group meetings on the various services offered through Mesa County Libraries. Some of the general topics may include reference and research assistance from trained librarians, reference databases, e-mail reference options, book reviews and author information, Internet searching skills and much more.

Presentations at your business or other group setting can be tailored to an area of interest and need. For example, a group of poets learned specifically about the online Literary Reference Center offered on the library Web site.

Ongoing computer classes

In addition to the new offerings listed above, computer classes continue in the Central Library’s Computer Lab. Trainings are offered for those who are new to computers to those who want to expand their abilities to use programs such as Microsoft Publisher or Excel.

Popular classes are scheduled on a rotation basis, but watch for special and new offerings as well. For example, on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. a class on “Consumer Health: Find answers to your health questions using online resources” will be taught.

Learn what classes are available by checking the Free Press’ daily calendar, advertisements or online at www.mcpld.org. Library staff also welcomes inquires in person or on the phone about upcoming opportunities. Call 243-4442 if you have questions or to register for a class.

Rachel Hanson is promotions coordinator for Mesa County Libraries.