Calvin, CyberNavigator at the Grand Crossing branch, shares how this program provides digital literacy support.
When I first learned what the role of a CyberNavigator was and how this program was designed to help people in communities around Chicago, I was happy to contribute. I grew up on the South side of Chicago and fortunately had access to technology. That is not always the case. The reality is the fast-paced nature of technology often leaves people behind who didn’t have access or opportunity to learn.
Patrons often tell me that they’ve asked family members for help who are impatient with them or just get told to find something online to help them. This leaves them in a very awkward spot because they’re not sure where to begin or what to do. It’s not easy to ask others for help and be open and vulnerable.
As a CyberNavigator I can bridge this gap and assist patrons with what they need and show them it’s not overly complicated and the hardest part was coming into the library.
“I’m not tech savvy”, “I’m computer illiterate”, “I don’t know a thing about computers”, are the most common phrases I hear when talking to patrons, and I always reply, “You’ve come to the right place.”
The relief on their faces after they’ve learned how to do something on the computer never gets old. As a CyberNavigator, I love that I can share what I know with people. To help them get started on their own path to learn new tech, software, or just learn how to do something vital to their livelihood, has allowed me to give back to the community.
I remember in my early years of being a CyberNavigator, an older patron came into the branch and wanted to learn about using computers. I showed them the basics of how to use a computer and introduced them to the Chicago DigitalLearn website—a site with short video courses to help individuals learn how to use a computer . They were glad that a website like that existed and went home and did a few of the courses by themselves! The joy and excitement on that patron’s face made me realize how a program like this is essential. CyberNavigators give patrons confidence in themselves, and I hope it transfers into other areas in their lives like it does mine.
The CyberNavigators program provides one-on-one digital literacy support to adult Library patrons across the city. Learn more about the program and how you can support here.
