Welcome to Live IT Sidekicks

Live IT Sidekicks receiving the Lothian & Borders Police Award for Service to the Community from Chief Inspector Andrew Allan during Volunteers' Week 2009

Live IT Sidekicks is a partnership project between the Volunteer Centre Midlothian and Midlothian Council Library service. It was set up to provide individual tuition in basic IT skills. Free tuition is provided by volunteer tutors or ‘Sidekicks’ in the library Live IT computer centres.

Sidekicks don’t have to be computer experts. If you are comfortable with basic Microsoft packages and enjoy working with people then this could be the ideal volunteering opportunity for you.

One-to-one tuition takes place in your local library. The hours are flexible so that even if you work full time you might be interested in providing help in the evenings. Tuition normally takes place for an hour each week, with most learners requiring approximately 8 sessions with a Sidekick.

FAQs

When will I help?

Hours will be arranged to suit you and your Learner, but you should be available to meet your Learner at least once a week.

What sort of learner will I help?

People who lack the basic knowledge and confidence to use the library computers.

What sort of person should a Sidekick be?

A Sidekick needs to have good communication skills and enjoy working with people as well as computers.

The minimum age for a Sidekick is 16.

Where will I help?

All sessions will take place in a Midlothian Council library. You will normally carry out training in the library nearest to your home address but you will be asked to specify the library/libraries where you are prepared to work and to indicate times when you might be available.

Will it cost me anything?

The Library Service will pay your approved travelling expenses from home to the library that you are working in. Use of LIVE IT learning centres is free of charge.

What will I teach?

As a Sidekick you will only provide tuition in areas that you are comfortable with. You will generally be asked to provide basic tuition in Microsoft Word as well as E-mail and Internet use. Tuition takes place at a level and pace which meet the needs of the individual Learner. You and your Learner will be free to cover whatever is required. Occasionally we are asked to provide help with more advanced computer skills. We also offer taster sessions in specialist areas of computer use such as basic digital photography and family history.

Will I get any training?

An induction briefing will be provided and training materials and advice will be available if you need them. Once you are matched with a Learner full support will be given by Library staff.

What now?

If you are interested in becoming a Sidekick please contact us.

If you are interested in receiving tuition please contact your local library.