What is the Computer Page Program?

The Computer Page Program provides crucial services to New York City communities. To meet the growing demand for access to electronic resources, the Library is working to provide computers and computer services at all of its branches.

To help meet the increased need for computer assistance, The Branch Libraries hire local, bright high school and college students and train them to help people use computers, software programs, and the Internet in the Library.

Program History and Development

Branch Library staff launched the Computer Page Program in 1985, with 5 personal computers and five young adults. These days, over 200 Computer Pages assist hundreds of thousands of students, job-seekers, business people, parents, and senior citizens in using computer workstations at the Branches.

In the past ten years, the number of people using computers in the Branch Libraries has quadrupled. Although the number of available computers has increased in the Branch Libraries, residents of many neighborhoods lack the necessary skills that allow them to fully access information. Computer Pages are trained to translate technical concepts into easy-to-understand language in order to serve a diverse clientele.

The Computer Page Program also offers remarkable means for the Library to provide educational employment to young adults from New York City's high schools and colleges.

As computer services continue to expand, Computer Pages play an increasingly important role in helping the Library realize its mission.

Program Objectives

Provide communities with needed computer assistance and training:

The program trains young adults to guide users and familiarize them with how to use computer equipment and popular software programs. Pages also learn how to troubleshoot and maintain the computer equipment.

Offer important computer and administrative training and work experience for New York City high school and college students:

The Library also trains Pages to assist the public in the use of the Internet and other Library computer resources. In addition, Pages are instructed in record keeping and appointment scheduling for using the public access computers, and how to work with the diverse needs of Library patrons.

Position Computer Pages for educational and career advancement:

Through this program, a chronically underemployed segment of the City's population -- young people -- are offered steady employment in a stable supportive environment that facilitates education and learning. All pages also attend high school or college and, as an advocate for continued education, the Library accommodates student schedules and academic demands.

Provide a forum for all Computer Pages throughout the Branch Library system to exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss career opportunities:

The Library hosts annual Computer Page meetings in each borough it serves to give the young people participating in the program a chance to meet, to share experiences and concerns, and to get information on problem solving and career advancement. The Library also provides internal online resources to facilitate communication between program participants.