Gizmo Garage - Closing the digital divide one device at a time

Jezmynne Dene, DirectorPortneuf District LibraryChubbuck, Idaho Jezmynne.dene@portneuflibrary.org

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, IDjezmynne.dene@portneuflibrary.org