Learning and Training in Libraries

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The Kingston Library Service has a range of learning opportunities.  You can choose from a selection of courses in our branches (see below), have some one to one tuition with one of our qualified tutors, or work independently through an online course at your own pace.  Enquire at the desk of any of our branches and staff will point you in the right direction.

We were invited to take part in a national research project, which was administered by NIACE (National Institute for Adult Continuing Education) on behalf of LSIS (Learning and Skills Improvement Service).

We were allocated a grant to undertake research interviews with adults aged 25+ who had current or recent experience of not being in education, employment or training (NEET).

The aim of the project was to look at the attitudes and experiences of people in this position so that Colleges and other organisations that provide learning/training can use the research to design their courses better.

All the interviews took place at Hook library and our findings have been sent off to form part of the national research.  

If you would like any further details about our involvement in the project, please contact Lisa Gebbie at Hook Library on (020) 8547 6485 or email lisa.gebbie@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.

IT classes at the Hook Centre

Saturday 11th September - Saturday 2nd October,  1.45 - 3.45pm. 4 week course. Cost £24. This 4 week beginners course, aimed at older, new beginners will cover all the basics of using the computer, such as getting to grips with the mouse & keyboard, using a word processor to write a letter, using the Internet & searching for information. To book a place, please call into the library on Hook Road, Chessington.

The timetable of classes for July 2010 to October 2010 is available to download or print from the link below.

Also a tutor is available and you can practice your skills at the following sessions:

• Open Learning every Monday from 10am to 12noon (general)
• Silver Surfers every other Saturday 10am to 12noon (Internet)

For further details and to book a place on any of these courses, please call in at Hook Library or ring (020) 8547 6480 or (020) 8547 6485.

1-to-1 tuition is available in the library at a cost of £6 per half hour session. You can learn on a desktop PC or bring in your own laptop (if you have one). Please call Lisa on (020) 8547 6485 for further details.

IT courses at New Malden, Old Malden and Tudor Drive Libraries

Training is on offer covering all aspects of using the computer.

For details of training sessions held in these branches speak to library staff or contact Paul Millar on 020 8547 6489 or email paul.millar@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

IT courses at Surbiton and Tolworth Libraries

Courses are run at these branches in a range of skills and abilities.  

For details of training sessions held in these branches speak to library staff or contact Alex Webb on 020 8547 6472  or email alex.webb@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Basic computer literacy

If you are new to the internet and email, looking to enhance your skills for work, or just generally wanting to take part in the virtual world, the library service has a range of courses to meet your needs.

For dates of forthcoming courses see our online calendar or contact one of Kingston Libraries Training Officers in the branches mentioned above. Please note -The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames is not responsible for the content of the online calendar

All seven library branches in Kingston have public access computers with internet access and commonly used software including Microsoft Office and Open Office. Library staff are trained to a minimum standard in IT skills, and many hold the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification, so if you need help just ask and they will be happy to assist. We also have three dedicated Training Officers based at New Malden, Tolworth and Hook libraries.

Computer use in some branches is very popular so you are advised to book.  Members can use the kiosks in branches to book a time slot or can ask a member of staff for assistance.  If you are not a library member you will need to provide proof of ID.  The first hour is free, after which there is a charge.

If you are under 16 your parent or guardian will be asked to complete and sign a form giving you permission to access the internet unaccompanied. If this permission is granted, a note to show this will be added to your membership card.

Software to help users with a visual impairment, including the Jaws screen reader and Supernova screen magnifier, is available at selected branches (contact your local branch for more information). We also have a range of adaptive equipment such as different keyboards and mice available.  For the location of you nearest branch follow this link:

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

(Charges apply - see ECDL Information for Candidates page)

Studying towards ECDL qualification will help you gain essential computer skills and give you confidence and competency in IT. It will help you be more efficient in your existing job and may improve your job prospects. 1.5 million people in the UK have chosen ECDL as the way to learn important IT skills. You can undertake training and/or testing in this valuable qualification at New Malden Library, Tolworth Library or Hook Library at a time to suit you (during library opening hours).

We also offer ECDL advanced testing at Hook Library (cost: £55 per module).

For further information contact:

Tolworth Library - 020 8547 6470 or by email at tolworth.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
New Malden Library - 020 8547 6540 or email newmalden.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.
Hook and Chessington Library - 020 8547 6485 or email hook.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Get To Work Group

(Free)

New Malden, Hook and Tolworth libraries run free open access computer sessions to help job seekers search for work.  These sessions offer you the opportunity for:

• IT training and certification
• Help with producing a CV
• Searching on line for jobs
• Downloading job applications
• Applying for jobs online
• Online Skills for Life training

A regular session runs every Monday morning 9.30am to 11.30am at New Malden Library. If you would like further details please contact:
New Malden Library on 020 8547 6540 or email newmalden.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

A regular session runs on the first and third Thursday of the month from 2.15pm to 3.45pm at Tolworth Community Library. If you would like further details please contact Tolworth Community Library on 020 8547 6470 or email tolworth.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

New sessions will be running at Hook Library on alternate Monday afternoons from 2 - 4pm. For more information, please contact Alex on 020 8547 6470.

Language

(Free)

Online courses can be accessed through our computers that will get you started in French, Spanish, German, Italian and more.

Other learning opportunities

You local library has prospectuses for local learning providers, as well as some outside the borough.  Ask staff in the branch for details.