Gizmo Garage - Closing the digital divide one device at a time
Jezmynne Dene, DirectorPortneuf District LibraryChubbuck, Idaho [email protected]
Portneuf District Library
Gizmo Garage Basics
• Joint project with Idaho Commission for Libraries funded with Institute of Museum and Library Services• Four Gizmo Garages in Idaho• ICfL managed
ICfL Garage Plans
• Staff training• Garages visit libraries with a SPLAT member
• Public sessions• Lead by borrowing library and SPLAT member
What We Did
• Staff training• 1 hr training sessions
What We Did• Checked devices out to
staff• Staff had for a few weeks• Take home, treat as a
personal device• Expected to link to library
materials• Return with a report of
Pros/Cons
Staff Results
• Familiarity with different operating systems• Core competencies• Staff learned how to use library materials • Enabled most staff to answer basic questions• Created subject specialists
Best Practices
• Give the device to staff for an extended period of time
•Ask for feedback/assessment•Require staff to explore library provided
content
User Training
• Staff had to come first• Turned to user training
Best Laid Plans….
• Programming began one way…..• Open Gizmo Garage sessions• Devices out for play• Unlimited attendance• Two staff members for the
session
Best Laid Plans…
• Ended another!• Everyone brought their
own device• Attended by boomers• Maxed the fire code
capacity for the room• An hour was far too short
Programming
• So we changed!• Max attendance limit, sign ups required• Added more staff (3 total for 12 users)• Asked users to bring their own device
• Began offering appointments• One on One
Programming
• Overarching themes• “My kid/grandkid/neighbor set this up”• I don’t know what that account is. • I don’t know what my password is• What do you mean I need a credit card?
• PATIENCE
Programming
• On the fly works best – tossed the outline out the window• Total chaos, but fits user needs• User driven – be prepared for questions• Have list of tasks for users while you help another• Try to partner like devices/operating systems
Core Competencies
• Not all devices are alike• Not all devices have the same features• Settings are important•Who is your friend?
Best Practices
• Ratio of staff to user – 1:3• Arrange or group by operating system• Limit time and attendance• Require a list of info (usernames,
passwords)• Have a few power cords/chargers•Have a laptop for resetting/creating
accounts• Practice patience
What We Learned
• Need for Basic Training
What We Learned
• New programs – computer classes– Online security– Passwords– Safe Shopping– Internet for parents
Side Loading VS App Based
What We Learned
• In app purchases
Digital Divide
• Sync or no?• Back up – cloud or manual?• Getting stuff on it•Wifi VS data plan
Next Steps
• Liability if we ‘drive’• Liability of user devices?• Where is our responsibility?• Waiver for assistance?
What Thing Do I Buy?
•What do you want to do with it?
Next Steps
•What does the garage do now?
Your Gizmo Garage
• Donations•Craigslist
• Hand Me Downs•Trade Program
Thank you!
• Questions?
Jezmynne Dene, MLISDirector, Portneuf District Library, Chubbuck, [email protected]