20/05/04 - Library users will benefit from enhanced staff ICT skills

Computer users at Cumbria County Council’s libraries will now get an even better service from staff.   

Two hundred and thirty one library service staff have achieved a European Computer Driving Licence qualification thanks to an award from the New Opportunities Fund.    

As part of the Government’s commitment to provide everyone with access to ICT by 2005, Cumbria Library Service successfully bid for funding to help staff enhance their computer skills. The three-year project, which ended in March this year, saw 231 employees successfully complete the training.   

ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification which covers the key concepts of computing, including practical applications and use in the workplace and society. There are seven modules covering basic concepts of IT, using the computer and managing files, spreadsheets, databases, presentation and information and communication. Each module must be passed to achieve the final qualification. 

Staff will now be more confident and better equipped to help members of the public using PCs in libraries as a result of the training.    

There are public access PCs in almost all of Cumbria’s 53 libraries, offering Office XP applications and Internet access.