Word and Excel: Valuable skills for almost any career!

It’s not uncommon when you tell someone that you work in a library to hear various versions of “Wow, I’d love to sit quietly and read all day too!” as a response. Is my office literally surrounded by stacks of books? Yes. Is it quiet? Sometimes. Have I ever “shushed” someone? Nope! In fact, as a technology instructor at the headquarters branch, I’m often asking students to shout out an answer to a question if they know it!

Before joining the technology instruction department at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, I’d worked in event planning, marketing, and membership for different non-profit associations. Fields that also tend to conjure ideas of a workday that’s quite different (and often much less glamorous) than folks think. One thing that was surprising to me as I moved along in my career was just how much I used Microsoft Excel and Word. Need to make name badges, attendee lists, or send a mailing – combine your skills in both programs by using the ever-helpful mail merge! Keeping track of a budget or schedule? Excel has you covered! Need to present information? Put together a report in Word, and maybe include a chart from Excel! The uses for both of these programs are nearly endless and apply to many more careers than you might expect.

As a technology instructor, I’m always excited to learn a little more about what our students’ goals are when they come to a Word or Excel class. While they work in a wide variety of industries, many students have the same goal in taking our courses - mastering a new skill so that they can move on to the next stage of their career. It’s a privilege to get to help people on their path to success and that’s one of the reasons I’m so thrilled to share information about Northstar Digital Literacy Certificates!

After providing technology instruction to the community for over 15 years, the MCLS Technology Instruction team is excited to add these certificates to our program. If you’re not already familiar with this free certification and how to prepare for and earn one, I’ve included some FAQs below:

WHAT IS IT?

A certificate that serves as proof of your ability to perform basic computer tasks - specifically, using Microsoft Word and Excel.

WHY WOULD I WANT IT?

Northstar Digital Literacy, a program of Literacy Minnesota, is an assessment and learning tool designed to evaluate the skills needed to perform tasks on the computer and online. The program curriculum and assessments adhere to the College and Career Readiness Standards, a set of standards recognized by the State of New Jersey and other states across the country. It’s a professionally recognized certificate that lets employers know you have the Word and Excel skills they’re looking for.

HOW CAN I EARN A FREE CERTIFICATE?

Take a proctored exam at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, which is an official Northstar location. The branch offers multiple opportunities a month to take a proctored exam. Pass with a score of 85% or higher to receive a certificate!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?
The FREE Technology Instruction classes offered at the Lawrence Branch are geared towards meeting the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards. Attend these classes - specifically our Essentials classes - in-person or online to learn the skills needed to earn a certificate, and compete in today's job market!

WHEN CAN I START?
Proctored exam sessions are offered in-person throughout the month for adults who have completed the Excel Essentials and/or Word Essentials classes. All in-person classes and assessments take place at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, accessible from the Princeton Pike/Darrah Lane bus stop.

To learn more, contact the Mercer County Library System Technology Instruction Department at techclass@mcl.org or 609-882-4050

- by Joanna Potts, Technology Instruction