Program History and Development Branch Library staff launched the Computer Page Program in 1985, with 5 personal computers and five young adults. 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. 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.
Pages also learn how to troubleshoot and maintain the computer equipment.
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. All pages also attend high school or college and, as an advocate for continued education, the Library accommodates student schedules and academic demands. The Library is also developing internal online resources to facilitate communication between program participants.