I have a lot of customers that need help with using the computer. Are there any good resources online that can help them learn how to use a computer?

Many Maryland libraries offer classes to assist customers in using computers. Librarians can make sure to let people know details about the classes and encourage them to sign up or show up, depending on your system’s arrangement.

For some patrons, particularly those who have never used computers and for whom it may have taken some nerve to come to the desk and tell you that they would like to learn something today, getting them started immediately is important. On the other hand, in many cases you may be the only librarian on the desk and your time is limited.

For customers that have never used computers there is a New User Tutorial that you can show them to get them started. If you open the site for them and show them the enter key, they most likely will be able to work through teaching themselves basic clicking, scrolling and introductory features.

Once they have grown comfortable using the mouse, they may vary in what they would like to learn.

Keyboard Tutorial will teach customers keyboard basics and about the various keys

A lot of people come to the library in order to access the Internet. To familiarize people with the basic terminology, the Basic Guide to the Internet is a good place to start, but some users might want to skip this page if they are not interested in the vocabulary of the web.

For libraries who offer the Internet Explorer (IE) browser, an IE Tutorial can provide information on how to use IE, although some of the icons are somewhat different from those currently used.

Many customers need help opening an email account. Consider whether the new computer user needs to spend the lengthy time creating an email account as it is a one-time activity. If it fits your institution’s policies, you may be able to help them by creating the account quickly at your reference desk. For customers trying to apply for jobs who find that they need an email address, consider an easy logon (maybe first initial, last name and street address number), easy password that they will remember (family member’s name or their birthday numerically) and quickly read a few of the question choices. If you are not able to assist an individual, the Enoch Pratt Free Library's How to Get an Email Account guide should help them

Customers may also be interested in writing a letter, completing a resume or creating some other document. In order to do this, many patrons will use Microsoft Word. The Word 2003 Tutorial is a good place to get started.