Patron IT “Help” through social networking

Anywhere you have computers you will most likely find a bevy of “technologically challenged” individuals as well.  The library is no exception.  From those curmudgeons that resist anything other than a card catalogue, pencil, and scrap of paper to locate a book in the “stacks”, to those dependent on the Internet to take their next breath who is suffering withdrawal while their own PC is in for repairs, the computers provided by the library can offer a link to the present.  Some of the patrons will know the “ins” and “outs” of the programs and not want assistance; other patrons will not be able to find the “on/off” button.  Libraries can use this need to create another resource for the patrons by providing basic IT instruction and assistance.   Using a blog, the library could post a daily quick tip for maintaining or troubleshooting, and answer any resulting questions.  Teaching a computer neophyte what a “blog” is and how to access it could open up a whole new world of resources.  Links to obvious questions and obscure questions can be posted to help the beginner and advanced word processor user.  The same can be done on the library’s Facebook page.  An obvious byproduct and advantage of a question and answer board is that the library staff might even be able to increase their expertise and refine their skills by researching a question they had not formerly had to address.  We as information providers should follow the trend and provide this resource for our patrons and solidify our position as information providers to the masses.