Sutherland Shire’s community has embraced the World Wide Web using a training module which could easily be used by other Local Governments.
The Technology Access Training program, and the resulting Technology Access Centre in the Council’s Central Library, began from a relatively modest budget.
This very popular local program received a 99 per cent approval rating from the 650 participants who have undertaken the training so far. This acceptance prompted Council to submit the program for the National Awards for Innovation in Local Government.
“We have reached out into the whole community with the opportunity to undertake Internet training,” said Jenny Kena, Reference and Information Services Manager.
“We began by training six library staff with the Melbourne based Internet Training Institute. These people then formed the backbone of the developing program.”
“Once the initial training was complete we were then able to embark on a series of programs involving community participants.”
While the program’s early budget allowed for this training, further funding from the Library Council of NSW enabled the development of a network where participants could stay up to speed on the latest technology and training.
Further funding has provided eight networked PCs with ISDN connection.
“The program has contributed to the personal development of Council staff and, in particular, Library staff, local business people, and the community.”
“We were able to enter into a strategic partnership with an existing company to develop a tailored program aiming for specific outcomes. A feature is that while we achieved some valuable short term goals, such as providing essential training for our library staff, we were able to ensure there were long term and ongoing effects.
“We are now able to provide our community with valuable training in such things as introducing the Internet to people aged over 55.”
For further information about the program, contact Jenny Kena on (02) 9710 0263.
