Use the library to improve your computer skills

SANDUSKY — Whether it's on the job or in your personal life, computer and technology skills are more important than ever. The Sandusky Library is offering a new, free online program to help people with their digital skills. The library announced it now offers the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, allowing library users to test their abilities in three modules: Essential computer skills, computer software skills and using technology in daily life. Essential computer skills means mastering basic computer tasks, knowing the basics of the internet, using email and knowing how to use the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. The software module focuses on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Docs. The tech in daily life module covers social media, information literacy, career search skills, K-12 distance learning and your digital footprint. Connecting to the program via the library's website, sanduskylib.org, the library user, after taking the test, can find out what skills she has and which ones need work. The library patron can then use Northstar to master the skills that are lacking. A patron can even earn a certificate showing mastery of one or more of the three modules, to show to your boss or to a potential employer. Those tests must be taken in a supervised setting at an approved test site; the library will begin offering such tests in March. "Northstar Digital Literacy is being provided to all public libraries in Ohio through OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) with an IMLS ARPA grant from the State Library," said Jennifer Buch, assistant director of Sandusky Library. "It is up to the library to determine whether to provide the service. We felt like our patrons would benefit from these online offerings," Buch said. In addition, the library still offers one on one technology training sessions, Book-A-Tech-Tutor, for folks who still need more help. Call 419-625-3834, ext. 6010, to set up an appointment. Buch points out the library has many other online resources that can be used from a library patron's home, or wherever else the patron happens to be. Many can be accessed using smartphone apps. "Libby/Overdrive is our most popular online resource. Patrons can get current releases of ebooks and audiobooks, and if a title is not available, they can place a hold on the ebook or audiobook," she said. "For magazines, patrons and staff download from Flipster, which has become a popular resource," Buch said. "Our newest resource, Kanopy, has a small amount of usage but is a great resource for movies and documentaries as well as Great Courses and kids' programs. Personally, I like that I can use the app on my Roku television at home," Buch said. Movies and TV shows on Hoopla also can be viewed using a Roku. And why not get together with other movie buffs? "Our Theater on Thursday program, which is offered the third Thursday of the month at 11:00, is a movie discussion about one of the movies on Kanopy. Patrons can watch the movie on their own and then come to the library for the discussion," Buch said.