Google Docs: Beyond the Flash Drive Program Name: Google Docs: Beyond the Flash Drive Need for the Program: in the Essex community is in a community in which many of our customers are looking for employment and/or having financial difficulties. Individuals come in to create resumes and cover letters, print them out, but are unable to save their information because they cannot afford to purchase a flash drive, or frequently lose the small devices. Students also leave or lose their flash drives with their school assignments. | believe this program is a great access to individuals who want to save their resumes, cover letters, school assignments, etc. so they are not having to constantly re-type their work each time they need to make a change or lose their flash drive, Potential Community Partners: Baltimore Workforce Development Goodwill of Chesapeake Local High Schools & CCBC Essex Steps Necessary to Set-up Event: 1) Make sure librarians are comfortable with accessing Google and Google Docs. 2) Notify Workforce Development and Goodwill so they can inform customers of the Program and the overalll proce. Also reach out to the local schools, especially the high ‘schoo! students, to advertise the program. Explain that this is another option for those who want to move away from using/buying flash drives. 3) Advertise the program through the BCPL website, social media, flyers, etc. Visit the local school and college and see if we can talk to specific people who are best to advertise the program So people ae notified. Evaluation of Program: Customer attendance and feedback is the most important way to evaluate the program, | believe it will ake time to build, so a fow classes will need to be conducted prior to coming to a final conclusion of whether the program is a success. Asking the customers to complete a survey would also be helpful. How it fits with the Mission: BCPL covers all of Baltimore County and people of various backgrounds and financial abilities use the library daily. We are here to be an asset to the people we serve, and educate people of what is available to them. Google Drive allows customers to access information they have created anywhere they have Intemet access. We are the continuing educators for the community when they are no longer in school, so ‘showing people what is avallable to them to make their life easier is essential.XY WY Baltimore County Public Library BcPL News Release Contact: Josh McCready, Marketing & Development 320 York Road | Towson, MD 21204-5179 | 410-887-6196 | (f) 410-887-6103 | www.bepLinfo Find yourself losing your flash drive? Does it seem like itis ALWAYS corrupted? Maybe its time for something new. Have you ever heard of Google Docs? Google Docs is a program that you have FREE access to as long as you have a Google Account. It is Google's version of Microsoft Word and it allows users to not only type documents such as homework assignment, resumes, cover letters, etc., but it saves your work automatically and you can access it anywhere you have Internet Access. How incredible is that? Baltimore County Public Library is offering a new program called Google Docs: Beyond the Flash Drive. Itis a free class to all individuals who are looking to learn more about Google Docs and its features as compared to Microsoft Word. Alll participants need to have an active Google account to get the most from the program. For those that do not have a Google Account and need assistance in setting one up, please request a My Librarian appointment at any BCPL branch. A cell phone that receives text messaging is required to obtain a Google Account. For additional information, please contact Danielle Wallace at 410-887-0295 or dwallace @bepl.net. “We will advertise on social media via Twitter, Facebook, etc. four to six weeks before the actual program to give people enough time to obtain Google Accounts if they do not already have one. The Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL} has been serving the citizens of Baltimore County since 1948. With 19 branches throughout Baltimore County, BCPL offers an environment for all to be empowered, inspired and informed to succeed. in addition to loaning books, library card holders may borrow DVDs, ‘music, e-books and gain access to our research databases. Our 19 branches provide computer and Internet access, jab search assistance and offer a multitude of daily learning programs for adults and children. For more information about our branches and services, please visit www.bcpl.info.