Holgate Library: Tech Help (age 18+)
Do you always get asked by friends and family members to help with their tech issues — and love it? Share your tech skills with library patrons who need help with mobile devices, websites, password and 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!
Location: Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
Time commitment: One weekly 2-hour shift for a minimum of 6 months
Available shifts: Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
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
- 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 16 or older
- Ability to pass a criminal record check if 18 years or older. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to volunteering.
- Ability to fluently speak and read English. Additional languages are welcome!
Benefits
- Share your technology experience with the community
- Empower people to use technology
- Promote lifelong learning
- Learn more about adult learning styles
- Get frontline experience working with library patrons
Training and other requirements
- A volunteer application must be completed before becoming a volunteer.
- Complete online training modules.
- Review all volunteer policies and procedures.
- Virtual Tech Help training via Zoom.
- Shadowing session with another volunteer or staff.
- Attend on-site orientation and tour of the library where you’re volunteering.
- Wear your name badge while volunteering.
- Log time spent volunteering every shift.
- Communicate with staff when you aren’t able to volunteer.
