The Community Access Program (CAP) is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada that aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. With the combined efforts of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, community groups, social agencies, libraries, schools, volunteer groups and the business community, CAP helps Canadians take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new global knowledge-based economy. Under CAP, public locations such as libraries act as "on-ramps" to the Information Highway, and provide computer support and training.
The program plays a crucial role in bridging the Digital Divide, especially in rural areas, contributing to the foundation for electronic access to government services; encouraging on-line learning and literacy; fostering the development of community based infrastructure; and, promoting Canadian e-commerce.
An important aspect of CAP is its complementary youth initiative which provides employment opportunities to young Canadians in various CAP sites across the country.
The County library has been fortunate to access funding for two highly qualified CAP interns who will be with the library until the spring of 2012.
Alex Wiens has worked with the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives once before. Prior to this internship, Wiens worked as a Digitization Assistant with the Archives.
“I’m very happy to be back working with the library,” says the graduate of the Library and Information Technician Program at Seneca College. Completion of her education involved a number of related placements including work with the Ministry of Health, Earl Haig Secondary School and the Quinte West Public Library in Trenton.
“I enjoy meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of computers and library systems,” says Wiens who is regularly available at the Picton branch to assist patrons with computer training and questions.
Whitney Lee is the other recent intern joining the library team. With a B.A. and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University, Lee brings a diverse working background and extensive volunteer experience to the position.
CAP internships aim to assist members of the community with questions or problems they might have regarding various forms of technology. According to Lee, and not surprisingly, “The most popular questions currently are about e-books and e-readers, and how they function.”
Both interns are available for one-on-one training sessions at the library to help patrons with any computer or Internet related issues and, of course, e-readers and accessing free e-books through the library.
To book a one-on-one tutorial with either Alex or Whitney, drop in to the Picton branch to arrange a time, call 613-476-5962 or e-mail: awiens@peclibrary.org or wlee@peclibrary.org
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