Central Library: Mandarin Bilingual Tech Help (age 18+)

Do you always get asked by friends and family members to help with their tech issues — and love it? Are you fluent in Mandarin and English? Share your tech skills with library patrons who need help with mobile devices, websites, password/account management, e-readers, getting started with tech, and more. Tech Help sessions involve working with people one-on-one and using a variety of devices. Empower patrons by improving their technology skills and their access to information! Ability to speak Mandarin is preferred but not required.

Location: Central Library, 801 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 

Time commitment: One weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months 

Available shifts:

  • Tuesdays 12:00 - 1:45 pm
  • Thursdays 10:00 - 11:45 am 

Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Help people use the Internet and assist with their email accounts
  • Teach patron resources related to Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Home Office and other office productivity software
  • Assist patrons with learning about personal electronic devices like e-readers, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets and various applications
  • Highlight the impact of our program by tracking key statistics after each session.
  • Please note, we do not perform repairs or troubleshoot equipment problems or failures

Skills & Qualifications

  • Ability to fluently speak and read English (required).
  • Ability to fluently speak and read Mandarin (preferred).
  • Enjoy teaching people new skills and problem-solving with others.
  • Patience to work with novice computer/smartphone users.
  • Proficient knowledge of basic computer & smartphone components, Internet, and email.
  • Proficient knowledge of computer software & smartphone apps, or the desire to learn it.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Enjoy working with people with diverse educational, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to work with older adults.
  • Age 18 or older.
  • Ability to pass a criminal record check. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to volunteering.

Benefits

  • Feel that you are a making a difference in someone’s life
  • Empower people to use technology
  • Promote lifelong learning
  • Learn more about adult learning styles
  • Get frontline experience working with library patrons

Training

  • Virtual Tech Help training via Zoom
  • Shadowing session with another volunteer or staff
  • Site orientation at library location before volunteer shift begins