The Olean Public Library's Public Computing Center (PCC) activities are funded by the New York State Library, a unit of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which has been awarded a $9.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand computer access in public libraries across New York. The funding is being provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. (BTOP).
Classes are taught by instructors from JCC and by Olean Public Library Librarians. Advanced classes require basic computer and mouse skills. To enroll in any of these classes or for more information, please visit or call the library Reference Desk at (716) 372-0200.
Check the list below for classes in the following categories. Current classes are highlighted.
The Basics
Novice computer users start here
- Computer Basics
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This class is designed for the new computer user. This hands-on class starts “at the beginning.” Students are guided through basic computer terminology, turning the computer on and off properly and using a mouse. Taught by JCC instructor Christina Lopez.
- Keyboarding Basics
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This class will focus on keyboard layout and getting started with typing skills.
- Internet Basics**
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ILearn how to find information on the internet using search engines like Google and Yahoo.
- Internet Searching**
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At the end of this class you will be able to search the Internet more effectively.
- Email Basics**
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In this hands-on workshop you will
- Learn how to email step-by-step with other beginners
- Sign up for your own free email account
- Create, send, receive and delete email
- Use folders
- Begin a contact list
- Use spell check
- Open attachments
- Realize that emailing is easier than you thought!
In this workshop, you will sign up for your own free email account, create, send, receive, and delete emails, and use email folders.
- Organize Your E-mail
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- Using Hotmail
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In this class, Taught by Reference Librarian Michelle LaVoie, participants will learn how to sign up for a Hotmail e-mail account, and to compose, edit, and send messages. Participants will also learn how to
- Read and respond to messages
- Manage messages and folders
- Create a list of contacts (address book)
- Open and view attachments
- Windows Foundations
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This class will familiarize beginners with the Windows operating system. Participants will learn Windows basics such as how to open a program, size and move windows, and use scroll bars. Files and drives will also be covered. Taught by JCC instructor Christina Lopez.
- Microsoft Windows 7 Basics**
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This class will familiarize beginners with the Windows operating system. Participants will learn Windows basics such as how to open a program, size and move windows, and use scroll bars. Files and drives will also be covered.
- Digital Cameras
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In this class you will learn how to get pictures off your camera and on to your computer for email, Facebook, documents, etc. Bring your camera and the USB cord connector that came with it. Taught by JCC instructor Christina Lopez.
- Facebook for Beginners
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In this class, taught by reference librarian Michelle LaVoie, participants will learn the basics of setting up a Facebook account and creating a personalized Facebook profile. The class will also cover
- Finding family and friends
- Sending, accepting, and declining friend requests
- Posting messages and links to your and friends' (walls)
- Uploading photos
- Chat and other messaging features
- Establishing privacy settings
- Applications and other features
- Introduction to Flickr
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Store and share pictures online. In this class you will learn how to use the Flickr website to store and share your digital photos.
- Internet Safety
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The news is full of headlines of people being taken advantage of online not to mention the viruses and scams that seem to be everywhere. This seminar will review the key areas to be concerned with and how to surf safely online.
- Skype
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Tis the season to keep in touch with friends and loved ones! This class
will review the basics of the Skype interface so that you can make video calls to anyone else that has Skype installed - its even on cell phones and tablets!
Finding Recipes Online
Use the internet to locate recipes on the Internet using:
- Search engines, such as Google
- Tried and true recipe Web sites
- Recipe-sharing and make-your-own-cookbook sites
- Helpful tools including measurement and temperature conversion charts and a food thesaurus
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
Online Travel Planning
Learn how to use the Internet to make your travel plans, including:
- Booking flights and transportation, and making hotel reservations
- Locating discounts, packages, and tours
- Exploring destinations, and itinerary planning
- Identifying travel requirements, such as identification and documentation, medical information, insurance, airline flight checkers, and travel warnings
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
Finding Consumer Health Resources Online
- Wednesday, May 16 @ 11:00 AM - 12@00 PM
Participants will learn how to:
- Use quality online “finding” tools, developed by trusted organizations, such as the National Library of Medicine and the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Develop advanced search techniques, using search engines such as Google or Yahoo, to retrieve more precise results.
- Evaluate the quality of the content of health-related Web sites, including credibility, timeliness, and usefulness.
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
Finding Alternative Health Resources Online
- Wednesday, May 23 @ 11:00 AM - 12@00 PM
Participants will learn how to:
- Use online research tools, developed by trusted organizations such as the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
- Evaluate the quality of the content of alternative health-related Web sites, including credibility, timeliness, and usefulness.
- Consult resources that identify side-effects and the potential dangers of alternative medicines and treatments.
- Locate dependable information on herbal supplements.
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
Online Databases
Find the information you need
- Searching For Books and Periodicals in the Online Catalog
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Learn how to use the library's online catalgo to search for books. Skills include:
- Searching for books and periodicals by author, title, subject, and keyword
- Navigating search results and individual book records
- Placing holds on material that is currently checked out in the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
- Review and maintain user account features including viewing your current check-outs, renewing items, and updating personal information
- Using other features of the online catalog to locate material including award-winning books, popular titles and chlidren's books
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
- Career Databases and Learning Express Library
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Learn how to use the library's career databases and Learning Express Library to search for jobs and to develop essential job-related skills. Participants will learn to use:
- The resources and tools available in the Job and Career Accelerator and Job Now databases including resume and cover letter builders, personality tests, online job postings and interactive interview coaching
- The educational resources available in Learning Express Library including computer software tutorials and civil service and GED practice tests
Taught by Librarian Michelle LaVoie.
Microsoft Word
Document and word processing
- Microsoft Word 2010 1A**
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At the end of this class you will be able to create, save, and edit a document in Word 2010. Note: You must be able to use a mouse to sign up for this class.
- Microsoft Word 2010 1B**
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At the end of this class you will be able work with text. You will be able to cut, copy, and paste text. You will learn how to use the spelling and grammar utilities, the thesaurus, and how to proofread your document.
- Microsoft Word 2010 1C**
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At the end of this class you will be able to change the layout of a document, change margins, add page numbers, and set tabs. You learn how to import a graphic into a document and edit it.
- Microsoft Word 2010 1D**
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At the end of this class you will be able to change the appearance of text, change alignment and case, and find and replace text. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word required.
- Microsoft Word Mail Merge**
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In this class you will use Microsoft Word to create multiple copies of a letter with different addresses, greetings and personal info.
- Word Publishing Part 1 – Flyers**
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Learn how to add pictures and modify text and text boxes to create flyers in Word.
- Word Publishing Part 2 – Newsletters**
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Learn how to use columns and tables to create newsletters in Word.
- Word Publishing Part 3 – Brochures**
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Learn how to use columns and tables to create bi and tri folded brochures in Word.
- Anywhere, Anytime - Word!**†
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In this class you will learn how to access our free online tutorial courses that will take your computer skills to the next level, while allowing you to learn at your own pace. Word will be highlighted. PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Access, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop and Windows and Mac operating systems courses will be introduced. The courses are available from any computer with internet access.
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet application
- Budgeting with Excel Part I**
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- Budgeting with Excel Part II**
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- Microsoft Excel 2010 1A**
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- Wednesday, May 16 @ 7: - 8:00 PM
At the end of this class you will be able to understand a basic window in Excel and move around within that window. You will become familiar with selecting cells and using the auto sum feature. You will learn how to edit cell contents, save a workbook file, and format numeric entries.
- Microsoft Excel 2010 1B**
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- Thursday, May 17 @ 7: - 8:00 PM
At the end of this class you will be able to display a workbook file, modify a worksheet, and fill a range of cells. Your will learn how to create, modify, and enhance charts. Basic knowledge of Excel required.
- Microsoft Excel 2010 1C**
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- Thursday, May 24 @ 7: - 8:00 PM
- Microsoft Excel 2010 1D**
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- Thursday, May 31 @ 7: - 8:00 PM
Microsoft PowerPoint
Presentation software
- PowerPoint 1A**
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At the end of this class you will learn how to add slides, text, and change the background colors of a PowerPoint presentation.
- PowerPoint 1B**
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At the end of this class you will be able to modify text, add pictures to slides and change the theme of a PowerPoint presentation.
- Anywhere, Anytime PowerPoint Courses**
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In this class you will learn how to use our free online tutorial courses that will take your computer skills to the next level, while allowing you to learn at your own pace. The focus will be on the PowerPoint course. Word and Excel courses will be introduced also. The courses are available from any computer with internet access. Library card required to sign up for this class.
- Powerful Speaking with PowerPoint**
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Don't you just hate it when you go to a class, workshop, or presentation and someone reads their entire PowerPoint word for word? In this workshop, we'll talk about and try out techniques for using PowerPoint to make powerful, interesting presentations. Please bring a PowerPoint presentation with you if possible.
- PowerPoint 1C**
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In this class you will learn how to change transitions, and add simple animation to PowerPoint presentations.
- PowerPoint 1D**
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Develop a PowerPoint presentation about your work experience and skills. Prerequisit PowerPoint 1C.
- PowerPoint for Employment**
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Do you have to do a PowerPoint at work or for an interview? In this workshop, you will learn how to make dynamic and professional presentations for employment purposes.
Microsoft Publisher
Desktop publishing software
- Microsoft Publisher**
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In this class you will learn how to use Microsoft Publisher to create holiday, greeting, and thank you cards.
Market Yourself
Putting your best foot forward
- Resume Do's and Don'ts
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- Wednesday, May 30 @ 7: - 8:00 PM
With the job market so competitive, you'll need to make your resume stand out from the others. In this workshop, we'll talk about creating a resume that will get you that interview. Taught by Anna Bush, Employment Development Specialist.
- Who Are You Without a Job?
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In this workshop we will examine the way we have been taught to define success and then redefine our own definition based on our core values and personal strengths. Teaching this class is Anna Bush, JCC Employment Development Specialist.
- Blogging
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One of the fastest ways to become a recognized “expert” is to maintain a blog on the subject. Get started with a free blog account and learn some of the best blogging practices. Teaching this class is Christina Lopez, JCC Instructor.
- Craigslist
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Explore the career opportunities on Craigslist.com. Learn how to respond to employment ads, post your resume and post in the services offered section. Teaching this class is Christina Lopez, JCC Instructor.
- Marketing is Everybody's Job
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While many big companies have marketing departments, in small businesses and organizations, marketing is everybody’s job. Learn why it is important to know some basic principles of marketing and what you can do to promote yourself, your department, and your whole organization.
- Marketing Yourself
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Don't get me wrong, you need to have substance in order to get and keep a job. But to get your foot in the door, get promotions, or have job security, you need to package yourself right. In this workshop you'll develop your personal marketing plan for employment success.
- Acting for Professionals
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Acting is just being fake, right? WRONG! Acting is learning and practicing techniques that allow you to draw from your past experiences and react genuinely and appropriately in the present moment. It requires training, discipline, and creativity. Learn some basic acting techniques that can enhance your professional performance.
- Public Speaking Basics
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No matter who you are, most of us have to do some form of public speaking – at work, at church, in the community, at a special occasion and in small group meetings. Knowing some basic public speaking techniques will make you a more effective communicator as well as take some of the angst out of the task.
- Twitter for Beginners**
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Twitter is 140 character mini blog that answers the question “What are you doing?” Each post is known as a tweet and users “follow” the tweets of their network. Often the tweets describe what an individual is doing, or working on. However there are many more possibilities, including helping you market yourself during a job search. In this class you will create a Twitter account, learn Twitter lingo, and see some of the ways people are using Twitter.
- Creative Job Searching Strategies
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Having trouble finding a job? Perhaps you're not looking in the right place. In this workshop we will explore the standard ways of looking for employment as well as some creative ways you may not have thought of. In addition, we'll explore the whole process of job searching - it's not just about filling out an application or sending in a resume. In this tough job market, you have to think outside of the box in order find and land a job.
- Stress Busters
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Life is often stressful, especially around the holidays and during the winter when lack of sun and battling illness put an extra load on us. In this workshop we will identify things that cause stress, talk about some strategies for managing stress, and then try some techniques and activities that participants can implement in their own lives.
- Time Management
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How many times have you looked at your TO DO list or your schedule and wondered how you are going to manage to do it all and survive? In this workshop, participants will learn to analyze their current use of time and develop some techniques and strategies for time management.
- Interpersonal Communication
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After a good conversation with a friend, family member, or co-worker, we feel good inside. It makes us happy to have a productive or meaningful conversation. But many times, conversations can go off track and make us feel miserable. In this workshop, we examine what influences the quality of our conversations, our reasons for communicating, and some techniques we can consider using to have more conversations that we walk away from feeling good.
- Supporting Your Children In Transition to the Workforce
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- Wednesday April 18 @ 7:00 - 8:00 PM
In this workshop, we will explore the changing constructs of our culture that have made the transition into adulthood and the workforce very different for our children than it was for us when we graduated from high school. By understanding these differences, we can make better choices as we guide our children into adulthood. Taught by Anna Bush, Employment Development Specialist>/p>
Gender and the Workplace
Beyond the Divide
- Beyond the Divide
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Getting along in the world and in the workplace works best when we take and interest in each other's experiences. This workshop is designed to help women understand the daily experiences of men and men understand the daily experiences of women. Taught by Mike Marvin, project manager JCC Continuing Education and Christina Lopez, JCC instructor
- Stronger Teams
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Men and women can bring different strengths to the workplace and the world. This class will focus on how we can recognize each other's strengths to build stronger teams and groups. Taught by Mike Marvin, project manager JCC Continuing Education and Christina Lopez, JCC instructor
- Men and Women Speaking the Virtues Language to Honor
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It is important to see the good in each other and honor individuality. This class will provide some simple tools to help men and women recognize and honor the best in each other on a regular basis. Taught by Mike Marvin, project manager JCC Continuing Education and Christina Lopez, JCC instructor
- Men and Women Speaking the Virtues Language to Guide
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In all relationships there is a time when we would like to see different behavior. When done poorly these exchanges can ruin relationships, when done well it can strengthen them. We'll be focusing on how to give feedback to the opposite sex in a way that is less stressful and more likely to lead to positive results. Taught by Mike Marvin, project manager JCC Continuing Education and Christina Lopez, JCC instructor
To enroll in any of these classes or for more information, please visit or call the library Reference Desk at (716) 372-0200.
*After these sessions you may stay for a one hour lab to practice your new skills.
**You must know how to use a mouse before attending this class. Consider taking our Computer Basics class.
†CCLS Library card required.
You may also be interested in our employment interviewing workshops.
