Tech Center Brochure Spring 2012

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES AT PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY March-May 2012

Thanks to generous donors, the Second Floor Technology Center is now equipped with new iMacs.

Learn all about Mac OS and iOS at ASK THE MAC PROS sessions staffed by members of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group Mondays, 4-6 p.m.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays 6-7 p.m., through March 29 Teens are invited to collaborate and create at MAC TIME FOR TEENS. These special teens-only sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY CLASSES MARCH–MAY, 2012

Classes are taught by Princeton Public Library staff, except where indicated. Registration is required for most classes and may be completed online at www.princetonlibrary.org (click on the Events tab) or by calling 609.924.9529, ext. 220.

Classes are in the second floor Technology Center, unless otherwise indicated.

SKILL LEVELS

Basic: User knows how to turn on computer, operate a mouse, knows how to launch software.

Intermediate: In addition to basic skill level, user can navigate various websites, multiple tabs, understand email applications, can download documents, music and photos.

Advanced: User has familiarity with the subject of the class and is seeking mastery.

iPHOTO 101

Saturday, March 10, 2-3:30 p.m.

This class will explore organizing, basic editing, creating slideshows, and exporting images using Apple’s iPhoto. It is recommended that students bring a flash drive to save their work at the end of the session.

Taught by Laura O’Neill of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group.

Skill Level: Intermediate

PYTHON USER GROUP MEETINGS

Monday, March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Monday, April 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Monday, May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This monthly meeting is for anyone interested in the Python computer programming language. All age levels and skills levels welcome. Sessions include talks by other members and invited guests as well as interactive sessions. Register at www.meetup.com/pug-ip. Princeton Public Library Community Room

GOOGLE FORMS

Tuesday, March 13, 2-3 p.m.

Anyone with a Google account can easily create surveys and have the results tabulated in a spreadsheet for gather and sorting data. Google Forms can also be used to collect a variety of statistical information or even to create a contacts list. Skill Level: Intermediate

PRINCETON DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS GROUP Tuesday, March 13, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8, 7-9 p.m.

Group meetings are open to experienced filmmakers and novices alike.

Meetings will be held in an informal atmosphere and will provide an opportunity for documentary filmmakers in the area to network, share ideas, and trade skills. The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month.

Skill Level: Intermediate

PROTECTING YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

Robert Lackie

Friday, March 16, Noon-1:15 p.m.

Robert Lackie, a professor and librarian at Rider University, provides information on the rising risk of identity theft and how to protect your privacy, identification and good name online. Learn about identity theft and some of the notable online security sites. Resources for detecting and protecting your digital footprint at home, at work and on the road will be discussed. Princeton Public Library Community Room

INTERNET EXPLORATIONS Monday, March 19, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This two-part course will help novice computer users become familiar with searching the Internet. Basic terminology will be covered, as well as basic search strategies. Attendees should be comfortable navigating with a mouse. Skill Level: Basic. Second floor PC computers (Meet at Information Desk on second floor)

DATABASES FOR JOB SEEKERS

Tuesday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon In another session of the series of computer courses held after the Tuesday Networking Breakfasts, librarian Jane Brown will explain two specialty databases available with your library card: Job and Career Accelerator and Career Transitions via Jersey Clicks.

Skill Level: Basic

GOOGLE +

Thursday, March 22, 7-8:30 p.m.

With 100 million users and counting, Google+ has become a major social networking platform. Lynette Young provides tips and tricks for making the most of Google+, including features such as profiles, Hangouts, Circles, and Mobile Apps will be explored.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Lynette Young

INTERMEDIATE EXCEL 2007 Wednesday, March 28, 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4, 2-4 p.m.

This two-week course will cover how to create simple and complex spreadsheets with the most commonly used formulas as well as more advanced features, such as charts and graphs.

Skill Level: Intermediate

iPAD 101

Monday, April 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

For those with a new iPAD or who just want to see what the hype is all about, this class, taught by Mac specialist Caitlin Trought, covers what the device can do, its basic operation and some fun apps.

Skill Level: Basic

DIY & HOME ON THE WEB

Tuesday, April 3, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This class explores websites, blogs and apps pertaining to interior design, do-it-yourself projects and all things that make a house a home.

Skill Level: Basic

MEET THE NEW FACEBOOK TIMELINE

Tuesday, April 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

Social media consultant Hilary Morris explains the new Facebook Timeline step-by-step and covers how to make the most of the new features it provides.

Skill Level: Basic

PINTEREST:Â CREATING AND CURATING VIRTUAL BULLETIN BOARDS Tuesday, April 10, 2-3 p.m.

Learn how to create an account on and navigate this rapidly growing pinboard-style photo-sharing web site. Librarian and Pinterest enthusiast Janie Hermann will cover all the aspects of this latest social networking site.

Skill Level: Basic

DOWNLOADING E-BOOKS

Wednesday, April 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

This class will cover the steps needed to download e-books from Princeton Public Library to your home computer, e-reader or smartphone. It is recommended that students bring a smartphone or e-reader (with appropriate cables) to practice.

Skill Level: Basic

ADVANCED EXCEL

Sharon Bancroft

Monday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.

Monday, April 23, 5-7 p.m.

Monday, April 30, 5-7 p.m.

Veteran information technology instructor Sharon Bancroft covers features such as linking cells within a sheet or between files, pivot tables, calculating with advanced formulas, becoming familiar with functions, locking/ protecting cells, and organizing worksheet and table data. Three classes.

Skill Level: Advanced

FINDING ARTICLES ON COMPANIES FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

Tuesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. to noon In another session of the series of computer courses held after Tuesday Networking Breakfasts, librarian Jane Brown covers powerful databases such as Factiva and Business Source Premier that are useful for researching companies in advance of job interviews.

Skill Level: Basic

MAC BASICS

Wednesday, April 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

Mac specialist Caitlin Trought covers the basics of starting up a Mac, navigating the desktop, the hard drive and some of the settings. Trought is educational technology coordinator at Morristown-Beard School who has served as an iPod Genius in various Apple stores.

Skill Level: Basic

FACEBOOK 101

Monday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Create a Facebook account and learn the basics including privacy settings, finding and accepting “friends,” posting status updates, what “like” means and how to upload photos. Registration requires an active email account. Students may bring digital photos to upload.

Skill Level: Basic

BE YOUR OWN TRAVEL AGENT

Wednesday, April 25, 7-8 p.m.

Learn how to get the best value and learn some tips, tricks and general rules for booking online travel.

Also learn about some of the favorite travel sites of Princeton Public Library staff.

Skill Level: Basic

WHAT’S NEW IN MICROSOFT WORD

Wednesday, May 2, 2-4 p.m.

The navigational structure of Word 2007 is very different from previous versions. In this session, you will be introduced to the basic concept behind the new approach and you will practice some of the new features. Though we will take a look at the most recent versions of Word, we will be focusing on Word 2007. Experienced Word users will benefit most from the session. Good mouse skills are essential.

Skill Level: Basic

INTRODUCTION TO GARAGEBAND

Wednesday, May 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to write songs, play instruments, and record music using Apple’s GarageBand in this two-session class. It is recommended that students bring a flash drive to save their work at the end of the session. Taught by Benjamin Britt of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group.

Skill Level: Intermediate

LEARNING FOR LIFE @ YOUR LIBRARY

Thursday, May 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon Whether your interests are in literature, philosophy, math, language, music, art, or elsewhere, Princeton Public Library offers many resources to guide you in your quest for knowledge. This class will cover online sites, our collections and library services for lifelong learners. Skill Level: Basic

iPAD 101

Saturday, May 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon For those with a new iPAD or who just want to see what the hype is all about, this class, taught by Mac specialist Caitlin Trought, covers what the device can do, its basic operation and some fun apps.

Conference Room Skill Level: Basic

iMOVIE 101

Monday, May 14, 7-8:30 p.m.

Monday, May 21, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn how to create movies by combining photos, video clips, music, special effects, and more with Apple’s iMovie. It is recommended that students bring a flash drive to save their work at the end of the session. Taught by Laura O’Neill of the Princeton Macintosh Users Group.

Skill Level: Intermediate

TWITTER 101: TWEETING FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesday, May 16, 6-8 p.m.

This class will cover the basics of Twitter. Learn the difference between a tweet, a retweet, and a tweep.

Find out how to use Twitter to track breaking news, keep up-to-date with technology, find a job, or even get a free cup of coffee.

Skill Level: Intermediate

POWERPOINT BASICS

Wednesday, May 23, 5-7 p.m.

Longtime information technology instructor Sharon Bancroft will cover creating new presentations, adding/arranging slides, becoming familiar with editing objects and pictures, enhancing presentations with themes and creating a slide show.

Skill Level: Basic

ASK THE MAC PROS

Mondays, 4-6 p.m; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon; Thursdays 6-7 p.m., through March 29

MAC TIME FOR TEENS Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.

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