[WEB4LIB] Charging for Basic Computer Instruction

[Larry Maki]

I work as a Computer Trainer at our system's main branch in Kamloops,
British Columbia.  We offer a selection of four courses a week from our
current roster of 12 courses.  There is a large demand and attendance is
generally good.  During periods of particularly poor attendence,  such as in
the middle of summer, we have discussed charging for classes.  In exploring
this option we found it would add several layers of administrative work and
would not necessarily improve attendence.  Instead we have sought to educate
patrons by explaining the high demand and that by not attending they are
denying someone the chance to take the course.  Now the majority of patrons
who cannot attend call in advance to let us know so we can offer the space
to someone else.  Additionally, some avid patrons who were unable to
register come by to see if there are any empty seats they can grab at the
last minute.  Our attendence is rarely below 80% and is generally higher.
We have found it worthwhile to remind patrons periodically when they sign up
so that as new people come in they are made aware of the importance of
attendence.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam Button" <abutton at wvpl.org>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <web4lib at webjunction.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 8:11 AM
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
>
>