Free Computer Classes

We are highlighting workshops on genealogy and other library-related topics during the next few months.

Many other classes will not be held until a new librarian is hired to replace our past instructor.

Class Calendar

We have one class scheduled in May - In the Beginning: Starting Genealogy at the MSL
Check back in mid-May 2008 for a new class schedule

Current Class List
Internet Searching	Beyond Search Engines
Internet Explorer and Beyond: Using a Browser to Surf the Internet Of Spiders and Webs: Searching the WWW using Search Engines There's a Needle Somewhere in that Haystack Treasure or Trash Full-Day Workshop: Internet Searching Classes #1-3	URSUS - Card Catalog of the State Library In the Beginning: Starting Genealogy at the MSL What Can I Read Next: NoveList has the Answer Tools for Job Seekers Drawing on Hidden Resources: Using MARVEL Reading E - Books WorldCat for Genealogists

Internet Searching Classes

"Internet Explorer and Beyond: Using a Browser to Surf the Internet" (1 hour)

Come to learn how to use Internet Explorer, a framework that lets you surf the Internet. Learn how to move from one Web site to another, how to move up and down a page, and how to print. This class is designed for beginners.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

We offer a series of 4 workshops on searching the World Wide Web. It is not necessary to take them all and they need not be taken in order, although there is a logical sequence as they are listed here.

#1 - "Of Spiders and Webs: Searching the WWW using Search Engines" (1½ hours)

This class introduces you to search engines, explains what they are, and shows how they may be used to navigate the Web. There is some time to explore using the search engine discussed in class. (We will not delve into advanced search strategies at this time.)

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

#2"There's a Needle Somewhere in that Haystack" (1½ - 2 hrs.)

This class offers tips on searching the World Wide Web more effectively. We talk about when to use directories, search engines, portals, and metasearch engines, learn the secrets of Boolean logic (advanced search techniques), and discuss ways to use these tools and techniques to narrow or broaden your search. There are no formal prerequisites for this class, but it would be helpful to either have taken the previous classes or to be somewhat experienced in searching the Web.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

#3 - "Treasure or Trash ?" (1 hour)

This class teaches you how to evaluate a Web site, and how to determine if the site you have discovered is reliable and worth your time. We look at a variety of sites together, and discuss what to look for to determine their validity.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

A Full-Day Workshop-Internet Searching Classes #1-3

We also offer the 3 classes on searching the Internet as a full-day workshop. The class meets from 9:30 to 3:00 (with appropriate breaks) and consists of "Of Spiders and Webs", "There's a Needle Somewhere in that Haystack", and "Treasures or Trash".

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

Beyond Search Engines

"URSUS - Card Catalog of the State Library" (1 hour)

URSUS is the online catalog used by the Maine State Library. In this class you will learn how to find books on thousands of topics. You'll be able to look for them by title, author or subject. You'll also learn how to request books from other libraries if the Maine State Library doesn't own them. And you'll discover that you can do all this at the library or from home.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

"In the Beginning...Starting Genealogy at the Maine State Library" (1 1/2-2 hours)

Explore the basics of genealogical research, discover the resources the Maine State Library has to offer, including free access to Ancestry and HeritageQuest, plus family histories, vital records, Maine Old Cemetery Association records and much, much more. Research using the computer catalog will be included. Start your family research with confidence!

Tuesday, May 13
9:15 am

"What Can I Read Next? NoveList Has the Answer" (1 hour)

Do you love to read novels? Are you looking for a good book to escape with for a while? Would you like to read a novel with a particular character? Have you read everything by your favorite author and don't know what to read next? This class is for you.

Come learn how to use NoveList, an online resource for fiction readers. Information on over 125,000 titles is available in this database, which can be searched by subject, author, book title, or description. You can also find lists of award-winning novels, and books grouped by category (mysteries, romances, adventure, etc.).

Using NoveList can be almost as much fun as curling up with a good book. Come see it soon!

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

"Tools for Job Seekers" (1 ½ hours)

Are you job hunting? Come to this class to explore Web sites that will help you find jobs in Maine, as well as sites that will give you background information on companies. Today there is more to finding a job than looking at the classifieds.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

"Drawing on Hidden Resources: Using MARVEL" (1½ hours)

There are parts of the Web that search engines never find, yet these sites may have valuable resources for everyone. In this class we'll explore MARVEL! (http://www.maine.gov/marvel/). This valuable collection of resources is available free to all Maine residents, and includes newspapers, online encyclopedias, journals (and full-text articles), e-books, and images. This class will show you how to find resources that will benefit professionals in every field, students, and all information-seekers.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

"Reading E-Books" (1 hour)

Have you ever searched for a book in our online catalog (URSUS) and wondered what the designation E-Book meant? Did you want to look at the title, but didn't know how to get at it? Have you been to MARVEL! (http://www.maine.gov/marvel/) and wondered what "NetLibrary" was? This class will show what this is all about and enable you to read and check-out an e-Book.

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

"WorldCat for Genealogists: a Tour Around the Database"(1 hour)

Stumped about how and where to find resources? WorldCat is a list of millions of books, in hundreds of languages and a variety of formats. In this brief introduction, we'll take a look at basic, advanced and expert search strategies, aimed specifically at genealogy. Subject headings will be suggested, and we'll work through some examples with hands-on practice. So, join us for a fun trip through WorldCat! All aboard!

Check back in mid-May 2008 for class times and dates.

To register for any of these classes, call 287-5600 and ask to sign up for a computer class. Pre-registration is required for these classes due to limited space in the computer lab.

Check this page often for up-to-date class listings. We look forward to seeing you!

Further Assistance:

If you are interested in classes on using the Internet, but are unable to attend our workshops in person, there are web sites that may help you. A listing of some of these can be found on our Internet Tutorials page.

The Maine State Library provides equal opportunity in its programs and services. If you need accommodations, please contact Reference at 287-5600.

Scheduling classes for groups:

If you would like to schedule one of these classes for a group (your friends, co-workers, classmates, club members, etc.) and none of the times shown here meets your needs, we may be able to arrange a time just for you. A minimum of 5 participants is required.

Please contact Reference at 287-5600 or at Reference.Desk @maine.gov for further information.

Resources

Services

About the library