April 2020 -- Computer & Technology News
TECHNOLOGY CLASSES

PPL regularly offers varied free computer and technology training classes. Whether for personal use or small business application, these classes are an opportunity for you to get savvy with the latest web technologies and tools.
 
Registration is required! To register online or for more information, visit www.provlib.org/calendar . If you need assistance, please call 455-8000.

Our classes have now transitioned to online sessions!


DATA PATHWAY  Classes -- Sign up NOW!

Our new round of  Data Analysis  and  Data Visualization  classes will be available as  live online sessions . These free classes will teach you the skills you need to get started working with data. Basic Excel knowledge is required (see Essential Excel classes, below, if you need an Excel refresher).

Data Analytics
April 20 - June 10
Mon & Wed 3 - 5 pm
Covering: data collection, advanced Excel, and introductory data analysis techniques such as linear regression.
For more information and to register, visit:  https://provlib.libcal.com/event/6634572

Data Visualization
April 20 - June 8
Mon & Wed 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Covering: more advanced data analysis tools and data visualization through Excel and Tableau.
For more information and to register, visit:  https://provlib.libcal.com/event/6634642

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Essential Excel Classes for all Levels -- Sign up NOW!

If you've always wanted to learn MS Excel, or if you need to refresh your skills, you can sign up now for our free three-week Essential Excel class. The class meets Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 Noon as live online sessions.

Registration  is require d for each of these classes. No prior Excel knowledge needed!

Essential Excel 1- Basics 
Learn the tools and vocabulary of MS Excel. Topics Include: Entering Data, Formatting, Basic Formulas & Charts. Registration required.

Essential Excel 2 - Formulas & Functions
Take the next steps with Excel. An in-depth class on formulas & functions. Registration required.

Essential Excel 3 - Data Tools
Explore data tools in Excel. Topics include: Pivot Tables, Pivot Charts, Sorting, & Filtering. Registration required.

These classes are recommended for anyone interested in enrolling in PPL's Data Pathway program. Registration for May is now available.

Register:  prov.pub/excel

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RHODE CODERS Classes -- Now Open for Registration

Have you ever wanted to learn to code? Would you like to make your own website or mobile app? Rhode Coders free 10-week classes are just the place to start! We offer two sessions: HTML/CSS (perfect for beginners; no prior coding experience required) and JavaScript. Classes will now be held as live online sessions.

Rhode Coders -- Online LIVE sessions
Every Saturday, April 18 - June 27

HTML/CSS - 1:00 - 2:30 pm

JavaScript - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
We're Making More Available Online

From additional  book lists  to access to new and expanded  online resources from PPL ,  AskRI.org  and elsewhere, we’re working to enhance the Library’s electronic and digital offerings. Our Information Services team is using this time to order more ebooks to ease the hold backlog across the OSL consortium.

We are also providing reference support by email ( [email protected] ) and phone reference on a limited schedule ( Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm.) Give us a call at 401-455-8000 (press 5)! A librarian will be available to help you the best we can. Our email reference service continues at and stay tuned...we are working on being available to chat also!

Stay tuned for exciting news to come about more virtual programs of interest. Keep an eye on our www.provlib.org/calendar!

Check out these resources now with enhanced access from home:

  • Udemy is now available to all Rhode Islanders! This new resource provides upskilling opportunities in areas such as business, tech, design and more to enable professional and personal success. Learn how to code, prep for IT certifications, sharpen leadership skills, increase office productivity, tap into your creativity, and much more. This resource is also fitting for small business owners and their employees who want to elevate skill sets and remain competitive in the ever-changing business landscape. Eighty percent of Fortune 100 companies trust Udemy for employee upskilling. Use any Rhode Island public library card to access. Look for Gale Presents: Udemy on our databases page: https://www.provlib.org/databases/ Access to this new resource is possible thanks to AskRI.org, Rhode Island's Online Reference Center.

  • Looking to research your family history? Ancestry.com is now accessible to you from home (through ProQuest)! You can now log in with your library card number and pin to use this comprehensive genealogy database. Ancestry.com library edition includes approximately 4,000 databases. Look for Ancestry Library on our databases page: https://www.provlib.org/databases/. Get started today!


Join Us for Night-light Read-ins!

Beginning April 15!

Remember those times you stayed up past bedtime and read with the dimmest light or a flashlight under the covers? We do too!

Join us Wednesday evenings on Zoom between 7 - 8 pm for Night-light Read-ins where we will ask you to help us read a selected short story (or two) aloud.

Stories will be chosen by PPL’s Night Owls.
You are invited to read a passage aloud OR listen along.
We will read aloud one or two short stories during our time together.


Technology Tip: Zoom Meeting Security

You've probably heard that organizations all around the world are turning to video conferencing software, especially Zoom, to keep in touch. You may also have heard that Zoom has had a few security issues with unauthorized people "crashing" meetings and classes.

If you'd like to learn more about how to prevent this from happening and keep your meetings secure, the company has put out this helpful security guide:   https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/20/keep-uninvited-guests-out-of-your-zoom-event/
The answers to your questions.. .

Do you know about all the FREE online resources at AskRI.org? This includes World Book Online, Mango Languages, Ebsco Databases, Explora, NoveList, A to Z Databases, RI Resource Hub, Learning Express and Auto Repair Center.   
 
AskRI.org and the Statewide Reference Resource Center are services of Providence Public Library. Funding for these services is provided by the State of Rhode Island and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LSTA) through the Office of Library and Information Services.
Are YOU a PPL Alum? We would love to hear your story!
If you have had an experience at PPL that you'd like to share, we invite you to join our PPL Alum ranks.

PPL welcomes individuals from all walks of life and each has a unique story to tell - stories that illustrate the positive impact our library makes in the lives of those we serve. We want to celebrate and share these stories of personal achievement and transformation with you. Each one exemplifies the Library’s mission to engage, inspire, and connect…whether through personal enjoyment or enlightenment, purposeful education, or professional development.

We consider everyone in our library community who has had a shared library experience to be a member of our family…a #PPLAlum .