| In Enfield’s libraries at least 20 volunteers are needed to pass on their IT knowledge and skills to members who have little or no computer experience. Cllr Ayfer Orhan, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services & Protection and Libraries, said: “As ‘computer buddies’ these volunteers provide an invaluable introduction to IT helping library users of all ages to master the mouse and become familiar with basic computer functions.
“Library users can request help to use the computers and are offered individual sessions with a computer buddy to take them through the ‘Learn My Way’ software in one hour supported sessions. Most requests are from older library members. “Computer buddies can help new learners to access council services; find information that they might need and enjoy what the internet has to offer.
“So computer buddies must have confidence in teaching and sharing skills and general troubleshooting of IT problems commonly experienced by library users. We are looking for at least 20 people with a good working knowledge of computers.
“While they are not expected to be IT experts, a basic grounding in computer functions with the ability and patience to teach others is essential. An IT test is part of the interviewing process to establish competence; although formal qualifications are not necessary.”
Through volunteering computer buddies can make new friends, engage with the local community and have fun while learning new skills and work experience around customer care and teaching adults in a professional setting. Cllr Orhan added: “We want to encourage this support in all our libraries. It brings a mutual benefit to learners and buddies and requires a regular commitment of a few hours for one, two or three days per week for buddies and their students.”
Cllr Orhan, added : “We are looking to place our computer buddies in: Oakwood, Enfield Town, Palmers Green, and Enfield Highway libraries as soon as possible – and we are still interested to hear from people who would like to volunteer for regular library duties. Library volunteers are part of a vast army of Enfield residents who regularly volunteer through the council’s ‘ Enfield Heroes’ campaign which is attracting volunteers across the borough giving up time to support youth centres; local charities; hospitals; schools; food banks; handyman schemes
To find out more about library volunteering: Contact Gemma Panayi: gemma.panayi@enfield,gov.uk
To find out more about ‘Enfield Heroes’: Contact Debbie Gibbs: debbie.gibbs@enfield.gov.uk |
