Campbelltown Library: Working together

Campbelltown Library are always looking for new online learning opportunities for their community. Once they heard about the Be Connected program and the grants available to Network Partners, they were keen to join the Network. Alison Hall, Digital Literacy & Programs Officer at Campbelltown Library, says, “A big attraction of the Be Connected Network is the guide it provides for learners through units of work, whilst also tracking their progress.”

The Campbelltown Library provide a range of basic digital literacy, small group and one-on-one learning opportunities to Library patrons and the greater Campbelltown community. Their Digital Literacy program covers everything from basic computer skills to creating websites and upskilling in Microsoft Excel. Alison adds, “Not only do the Be Connected online resources augment our existing learning materials, we have also created a series of four-week units which work through the Be Connected Online Resources more thoroughly with a Library trainer.”

They have received great feedback from the use of the Be Connected program. “This, in turn, has attracted new attendees into our library due to the Be Connected resources and classes”, says Alison.

Working Together

The Rotary Club of Morialta approached the Library for help to support the digital knowledge of its members. The Library was able to put together a pilot program for the club using the Be Connected online resources. This pilot enabled the club members to work together in the Library with staff, volunteers, work experience students and a trainer to grow and improve their digital literacy.

The Campbelltown Library was also awarded an Activation grant, in which they used towards digital mentor support and coaching.

Advice for other Network Partners

“My advice would be to think of ways that the Be Connected online resource can be used in current Digital Literacy training programs as well as new programs. As a Library, we already have a great Digital Literacy program. Our aim in using the Be Connected grant and resources was to support the digital literacy of our community by reaching out to people who haven’t stepped foot in a Library recently. We wanted them to come back to the Library, and see what a great place it is to continue to learn new skills.”