Computer literate library workers for a computerized library
As libraries have been computerized, all library workers need to have at least basic skills on how to use computer, says Head of the ECSU Library, Sebele Gebreyes.
A four day Introduction to Computer training was given to the ESCU Library staff from February 12 to 15, 2013. Head of the ECSU Library, Sebele Gebreyes, said
"the training was aimed at introducing the basics of computers to some staff members and refreshing the knowledge of others."
“Libraries are being computerized these days. Our library has also been computerized and all library staff members need to know more about computers so that they could provide better service to students, teachers and the university community.” Sebele said.
According to Sebele, some of the library workers know little about computer; for them, the training will be an introduction; for those who already knew about computers, the training would refresh what they already knew about computer
Currently, it was learnt that the ECSU library gives cataloging service exclusively using computers. Any student or academic staff can renew the returning date of books, check out, check in and reserve books, where ever they have access to the computer in the campus.The university also has made accessible digital libraries from at least 25 resources. But, Sebele Gebereyes said, “Students and teachers and other university staff members haven’t used the digital library as much as expected, even if they have been informed to do so. I think it is because they are mostly familiar with using books. These digital libraries have huge amount of sources that are extremely useful particularly to those who are doing researches.”
The four day training given to forty five staff members of the ECSU Library included Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point among others.
One of the training participants, Zinash Lema, said,
“You tend to forget what you have learnt as time passes, such training helps to refresh what you know and to get additional knowledge about computers. The training generally was useful and the knowledge we acquired is what we can apply in day to day work in the library."
Aster Haile, another participant who works at the circulation desk, on her part said, “I’ve learnt lots of things that I didn’t know before.”
Another participant named Yeshaw Zeleke said, “As the library is computerized, it is high time to give such training to the library workers. The training helped me to shorten some processes which used to take me longer time. There will be tangible difference in the service we are going to provide.”