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Learning and Training in Libraries
Learning and Training in Libraries
Through Kingston Libraries you can access a wide range of learning opportunities. Ask at any branch library for advice and guidance to help you find the course or way of learning that is right for you.
News
The Museums, Libraries and Archives (London) Libraries for Learning project came to an end in June. This London Development Agency / European Social Fund supported project aimed to increase the amount of basic skills training and referral activities in London’s libraries. Along with all 33 London library authorities, Kingston’s Library and Heritage Service agreed a “Skills for Life Compact” which outlined key criteria and targets for the provision of basic skills advice, guidance and learning opportunities in public libraries.
During the course of the project Kingston's Libraries have helped more than 500 people gain access to training, either in a local branch library or with an appropriate local training provider. This represents the second highest number of basic skills referrals by a London library authority during the Libraries for Learning project.
Kingston Libraries are pleased to report that the level of referrals, learning activities and success in meeting project aims has lead to the award of an Advanced Plus rating by MLA London. Kingston is one of only three authorities to achieve this level, reflecting the Library and Heritage Service’s strong commitment to learning in libraries. Barbara Lee (Library and Heritage Service Strategic Manager) and Lisa Gebbie (Community Learning Officer) attended the award ceremony on 11th June and collected our Advanced + certification and an additional award received in recognition of the highest number of learning activities delivered by a London library authority during libraries for learning.
According to MLA London, the Libraries for Learning project has shown that as ‘trusted intermediaries’ at the heart of our communities, public libraries have a valuable role as gateways to learning for all.
Photo shows Lisa Gebbie, Kingston Library and Heritage Service's Community Learning Officer, receiving our award from Mike Clarke, former Director of London Libraries Development Agency.
For more information contact:
Richard Yates, Learning, Education and Participation Manager, Kingston Library and Heritage Service. 020 8547 6421
Basic Computer Literacy
Delivering British Computer Society accredited IT courses since 1999, Kingston Libraries have developed a strong commitment to high quality ICT training. If you want to learn how to use the internet, e-mail friends and family around the world, apply for jobs online, improve your CV or get to grips with Office IT skills why not attend a course at one of Kingston Libraries learning centres?
For details of IT courses on offer in library learning centres see the course descriptions page
For details of forthcoming courses see our online calendar or contact one of Kingston Libraries Training Officers on: 020 8547 6489 /6470 /6485.
All seven library branches in Kingston have public access computers with fast Internet connections and commonly used software including Microsoft Office and Open Office. We appreciate that not every library user is a computer whiz (or wants to be). So all 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 your library staff who will be happy to assist. We also have three dedicated Training Officers based at New Malden, Tolworth and Hook libraries.
Anyone can use the Public Access computers in the libraries and you are welcome to drop in at any time during library opening hours and use a PC. However, to be sure of getting a session, it is always best to book. If you are a member of Kingston Libraries you can reserve time on a PC (free for the first hour) using your membership card. You can book a computer yourself at one of our kiosks or ask a member of staff. If you are not a library member, show one piece of personal ID to the library staff and you will be issued with a ‘computer user’ membership card allowing you to book time on public PCs. 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 screenreader 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.
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
(Charges apply - see related documents)
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).
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
E-Type --touch typing
(Charges apply - see related documents)
Do you want to improve your typing skills and gain a valuable qualification in the process? Do you spend ages looking for the next key on the keyboard to type? If the answer is 'yes' then E-type is for you! Through a series of specially designed fun exercises you will learn to touch type. The qualification is awarded in 3 grades (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and your typing speed is recorded on your certificate, so you can impress future employers with your speed and efficiency. And it's not just in the area of employment that e-type can help! Why waste time typing with two fingers when you can learn to touch type and spend the extra hours you gain doing things you enjoy? Did you know that touch typing can also help to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury that can be caused by using only a couple of fingers? It can also improve your posture as you will no longer be hunched over the keyboard looking for the next key!
For further information contact:
Hooks and Chessington Library 020 8547 6485 or email hook.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Get into Work group
(Free)
New Malden and Tolworth libraries run open access sessions to help any unemployed people who want to use the facilities get back to 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 basic skills training (using BBC Skillswise)
A regular session runs every Monday morning 09.30 – 12.00 at New Malden. 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 2.15 - 3.45 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
Languages
(Free)
Online courses can be accessed through our computers that will get you started in French, Spanish, German, Italian and more
Other training
Libraries staff are always happy to help you find the training that's right for you. Your local library contains an extensive range of information about learning opportunities, training providers and institutes in the local area and throughout the UK . Ask at your library's enquiry desk and we will help you find your best way into learning.