Presentation to Town Council

February 10, 2015

Education for the

Community

GALE COURSES

• Product of Gale Cengage Learning who also provide the library with discounted large print books.• Recommended by other library directors.• First year funded through Alleghany Foundation Grant.• Presentations to Virginia Employment Commission, Goodwill, and

Sale/Alleghany Adult Education [GED]. • Potential to make the library the most essential life-long learning

institution in the community.

GALE COURSES

• Gale Courses are tied to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ fastest-growing occupations and include:

• Computer and technology courses that suit skill levels from beginner to advanced

• Starting a business

• Courses in parenting, the arts, hobbies

• A multitude of health and wellness offerings  

• Courses are available for a six week period w/ ten day extension if needed

BENEFITS TO PATRONS

• Easy: Signing up with their library accounts, streamlining the enrollment process• Free: The courses are for libraries to offer as a free community resource.• Accessible: Courses can be accessed anywhere, any time, on any computer

with internet access.• Engagement: Online discussion areas bring the learner and instructor

together for feedback and encouragement.• Recognition: Patrons receive a "Record of Completion" certificate after

successfully finishing a course.

FIRST QUARTER STATISTICS

• Eighteen patrons currently enrolled• Three patrons completed courses• Eight patrons enrolled in keyboarding• Six patrons enrolled in computer applications• One patron enrolled in web site design• One patron enrolled in creative writing• One patron in introduction to Photoshop• One patron in genealogy basics

PROMOTION

• Promotional materials handed out at library• Social media• Press releases• Posters in the community• Present to Social Services, Alleghany Public Schools, and Dabney

Lancaster Community College