Making Internet workstations available in libraries is great. Austin Free-Net relies heavily on dedicated volunteers like those at the Riverside Library. Branch Manager Elissa Ballesteros coordinates the 14 volunteers who teach most of Riverside's free 2-hour classes. Three current volunteers have been at Riverside since 1997 when the Austin Free-Net stations opened there. They come from all over the U.S., China, Mexico and Czechoslovakia, and from all walks of life.
Trainers can benefit professionally from their volunteer experiences.
Internet volunteers teach no more than two classes per month to prevent burnout. They team up, allowing one person to work closely with trainees while the other guides the lesson. She welcomes new AFN volunteers to observe, co-teach classes to get experience, and share class materials and ideas. Assistant Branch Manager Andrea Schwartz helps ensure that classes stay filled by phoning reminders to people who've signed up. Elissa notifies volunteers of meetings and scheduling needs through an e-mail listserv.