Library Update

Well, it's time for an update on my Carnegie visit. Which is "not much" - but here's the full story.

I approached one of the librarians, introducing myself and the concept of our class (i.e. that there is a group of grad students willing to help them in teaching computer literacy skills, and that some of us can also lecture/offer aid to the librarians on topics of our particular interest, such as Wikipedia). The librarian noted that they don't need courses, as they are already experts on things like Wikipedia (I wonder if any of them actually edited it), and suggested that I go upstairs and talk to people from "Job something Center" to see if they would need extra help in the courses they run for visitors.

People upstairs were polite but they firmly stated that their courses are run by paid employees and they see little need for volunteers. They promised to pass my contact info to a person who may be interested in our help (I am still waiting for any sign of life since last Wednesday...).

So overall, I am a little disappointed with the librarians at Carnegie. Of course, maybe I just talked to the wrong people - but the presumption that they know all and we cannot teach them anything, and that they have no need for free volunteers to assist them with teaching others, is rather... surprising. I wonder if any of you tried approaching the Carnegie library yet? It's such a big place, close to were we are, that it would be a shame to let it 'pass' so easily. We could do much good there - even if they don't realize it :)

PS. I did get one possibly useful piece of info: apparently somebody at Allegheny County Library Association may be interested in our help...

PPS. I tried Carnegie again on Thursday. If we don't try... again, I am waiting for them to contact me.