[WEB4LIB] Charging for Basic Computer Instruction

[Ed Maurer]

Our Computer Learning Program including both classes and tutoring is free of
charge. To reduce the number of no-shows we are just starting a test with
reminder postcards.  
Ed Maurer, Librarian
Information/Reference Desk
Fullerton Public Library
353 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832-1796
phone 714.738.6396 fax 714.447.3280 web ci.fullerton.ca.us
EdM at ci.fullerton.ca.us
-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Button [mailto:abutton at wvpl.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 8:12 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Charging for Basic Computer Instruction


This message has been posted to Web4lib and PUBLIB-L.
This is the second copy I have sent because I negelcted to include a subject
line in the first post.  Sorry.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At the Wissahickon Valley Public Library in Blue Bell, PA, a suburb of
Philadelphia, we have offered Basic Computer and Internet skills courses,
free of charge, for about two years.  However, as seems to be the experience
of 
other libraries, while the demand is great and class registrations fill
quickly, attendance is anemic at best.

If you coordinate computer instruction for public library patrons (or if not
a coordinator could you please forward this message) would you please answer
the following questions:

1.  Do you charge a fee or require a deposit for computer instruction?
Please specify whether the charge is a fee or a returnable deposit.

2.  If yes, how much do you charge?

3.  How do you justify the charge....covering the cost of hiring an
instructor, the cost of materials, etc.?  Please be specific.

4.  Have you found that charging a fee has improved attendance?

Thank you.



Adam Button
Wissahickon Valley Public Library
abutton at wvpl.org