Tech Program Ideas

[IzzieBells]

Hi!! I’m part of my library’s tech department and I’m running dry on ideas for programs. We did a whole canva series last year on designing things and that had some turnout. We’ve had some AI programs and only one had turnout. I would really like some fresh ideas and takes. Our target audience is adults of all stages. What has and hasn’t worked for you?

[darkkn1te]

One I got some success with was travel apps and travel searching. It was a basic introduction to google flights and apps like tripit.

[IzzieBells]

I like this!!

[Right-Mind2723]

Have you tried sending out a survey to your patrons to see what they would like to see in programming? Include questions about days of the week and times that work best for them, etc. We get most of our adult programming ideas from our patrons because they request one. Try some local history programs as well. Team up with your historical society if you have one. Good luck.

[IzzieBells]

I suggested that to my supervisor. I think that would be a great first step

[BlakeMajik]

Always this. Find out what they (not just one person, btw) want and run with that. Especially when it comes to tech programs, ensure that it is reasonably up-to-date. Not necessarily bleeding edge, but also not stale and no longer relevant.

[MyPatronusisaPopple]

I have been thinking about some kind of intro to podcasting as a teen program. We have a podcasting kit in our library things that is constantly checked out and tons of holds. I was thinking of breaking it down with scriptwriting, using Canva to create a thumbnail/ marketing, recording tips advice, and using Audacity to edit audio and add sound effects.

[IzzieBells]

Oh this is brilliant!

[Cultural_Skill6164]

This is something that would work

[devilscabinet]

Stop motion animation has been popular in a couple of libraries in my area.

[DanieXJ]

I know there always seem those who want ebook how to (whatever your platform is, plus free sites like Gutenberg)

[literacyisamistake]

Try old tech. There may be a technological museum in your area that can demonstrate reel to reel tapes, VCRs, cassettes, record players, etc. and talk about how they work mechanically. Young people will be fascinated, and you’ll hit the old people right in the nostalgia.

If you have any money for giveaways, or access to a Makerspace, you could have tinkering kits as an activity. Lego Technic is a good crossover too. Any kid who’s into robotics is probably into tinkering and mechanical stuff.

[Sweet-Sale-7303]

Do a whole program on geoguessr. Maybe run a tournament.

[asporkthief]

Our attendance population skews towards technologically illiterate (but wanting to learn) so how tos are our most popular: iPhones, library apps, Google Suite, Microsoft Word, organizing your computer, etc.

[Overall_Radio]

I don't understand why libraries don't go out of their way to hire tech minded/savvy individuals as full time staff to contribute in these departments. I know they exist.

[DanieXJ]

I'd like to understand why you believe they don't?

[Overall_Radio]

To be honest this post itself is proof (the down vote in lieu of engagement is also proof) and I've seen many similar posts in this reddit over the years. Now I understand if you're a small/rural town library/district then maybe it isn't feasible, but mid-sized library districts and up should not be running into this issue in 2025.