December 2019 -- 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.

Ages 14 - adult are welcome!
Classes with less than 5 registrants may be cancelled. Cancelled classes will NOT be rescheduled but may be offered again in the future.


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.

Registration is required 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 30-hour Data Analysis program. Registration for January is now available:

Register : prov.pub/excel
Learning Lounge

Did you know that you can get help with computer skills, job searching, and more just by dropping in at the Learning Lounge? It's true! The Learning Lounge is open at PPL on Wednesdays 4 -7 pm and Saturdays 10 am-12 pm.

If you can't make those times, there are eight other locations throughout the state that offer a variety of days and times when you can get help. See the full schedule at  https://www.provlib.org/education/learning-lounge-ppl/
Tech Tip: Multiple Desktops in Windows 10

Many Windows 10 users don't realize they can streamline their work by using the multiple desktops feature. If you want to set up separate virtual workspaces for different tasks, without having to close or re-arrange your windows, this feature can save you a ton of time.

To get started, click the Task View button (next to the Start button in the Task Bar) or use the keyboard shortcut: Windows key + Tab

Data Visualization at PPL

Our latest cohort of the Data Visualization class recently wrapped up. The students in this free 9-week class learned to make interactive data dashboards in Tableau.

You can see some of their work on the public Tableau site. A few highlights created by PPL students:


To find out more about this class and to get notified when registration opens for the next cohort, visit  http://prov.pub/data
RITUG Winter 2020 Meeting

The new decade brings exciting and new data challenges to us and what better way to prepare for them than to gather and talk data and Tableau. Consider joining us at our next RITUG (RI Tableau Users Group) meeting on  Wednesday,   January 15, 2020  from  5:30 - 8 pm .

We have an exciting agenda planned starting with dinner and networking at 5:30 pm. Our guest speaker will be Andrew Schoepfer, Assistant Athletic Director, PC on Using Tableau Analytics for Marketing and Ticket Sales. Tips and tricks to follow. Registration is free, but limited to 100 seats, so  RSVP at: https://usergroups.tableau.com/ritugwinter2020  

Know anyone who has an interest in data visualization? Share this information. You don't have to be a Tableau user to attend.

Rhode Island Tableau User Group (RITUG) supports the growing community of Tableau (Data Analytics Application) users with quarterly meetings at PPL to share knowledge, build skills, and connect with other Tableau users. RITUG also hosts free Tableau community service projects — an opportunity to both skill-build and give back. The group is open to all, whether students of data analysis or a wizard. RITUG has been endorsed by Tableau as an official Tableau User Group — the only one in Rhode Island.
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 .