Bridging the digital divide can be a difficult enterprise as technology takes on an increasingly larger role in developing job skills, small business operation and finding meaningful work. Luckily, the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library is partnering with major companies like Google to help bridge the gap between technical skills and diverse populations.
On June 14, , the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library partnered with tech conglomerate Google to host a series of workshops aimed at teaching digital skills, preparing for jobs and growing small businesses. Hundreds turned out for “Grow with Google – Arizona,” a series of four workshops throughout the day, encompassing a range of topics from using data to drive business growth, to learning digital skills for everyday tasks and empowering a community to discover digital resources.
While the workshops themselves were filled to capacity, one-on-one coaching was also made available from Google employees, or Googlers as they call themselves, on a range of topics including learning Google Drive, utilizing Google Analytics and Ads for small businesses and more.
The success of the event shows the need many Coconino County and City of Flagstaff residents have for business and technology training, and staff members at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library believe this trend will continue as more and more companies and businesses go digital. That’s why they’re offering continuous technology and computer instruction at both the Downtown Library and East Flagstaff Community Library, and also résumé help and small business advice on an appointment basis at the Downtown Library.
For those interested in participating in these programs, please call the Downtown Library Reference Desk at 928-213-2331 or the East Flagstaff Community Library at 928-213-2347, or walk in to either library to schedule an appointment. FBN
By Richard Tutwiler
Richard Tutwiler is the reference library supervisor at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library.
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