I used to think those public library computer labs were a waste of space

Honestly, I had to go to the downtown branch last Tuesday to print a permit for a job, and the place was packed. I saw maybe 15 people, mostly older folks and a few parents with kids, all getting free help from a library tech on basic stuff. One guy was learning how to attach a file to an email for the first time, and the tech was so patient. It made me realize that for a lot of people, that's their only access to tech support, and it's a real service. I always figured everyone just googled their problems or brought stuff to a shop like mine. But watching that, I get it now. It's a first line of defense that keeps the really simple, time-consuming calls from clogging up the trade for everyone else. Has your area seen more of these free public tech help spots pop up?

3 comments

3 Comments

shane_anderson13d agoMost Upvoted

Totally get it now. Saw the same thing at my local branch last month. It's not just about the computers, it's about the human help that comes with them. Those tech helpers are saints for dealing with the same simple questions every single day. My town added more hours for that service because the demand got so big. Makes you appreciate what they do.

hall.nora1d ago

Wait they just put up a sign with a phone number? That's so cold. You can't learn how to attach a file from a phone call, you need someone to point at the screen. Cutting that help turns the whole lab into a room full of expensive paperweights. It feels like they're setting people up to fail on purpose.

wright.nancy13d ago

Ugh, I wish that was the case here. Our library cut those tech helper hours way back last year. Now it's just a sign with a phone number to call for help, and good luck getting through. It feels like they gave up. So you've got all these people needing help with no one to show them, and they just end up frustrated. Makes the whole computer lab feel pretty useless again.