Learn basic tricks and shortcuts to use as you navigate the internet, apps, email, and more. In monthly blog posts and emails, library staff will share digital learning tips in a short, approachable, and easy-to-understand manner. See the latest below, and subscribe to have new Tech Tips emailed to you.
See the latest Tech Tips
Tech Tips: Fact-checking media
We are living in a time with a never-ending stream of information and media that seeks our time and attention. How can you know what is true, what is false, …
Tech Tips: A guide to navigating Google search results
Searching for information using search engines like Google can feel overwhelming at times. The results can seem cluttered, making it difficult to sort through. Search results may appear alongside a …
Tech Tips: How to use tabs to stay organized online
Have you ever placed a sticky note on a book page to find information quickly later? Tabbed browsing in a web browser works in a similar way. It is a …
Tech Tips: How to use Beanstack to register for summer reading
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Get ready for an awesome adventure at your public library this summer! We’re thrilled to kick off our summer reading program (for kids and adults), …
Tech Tips: Copy, cut, & paste shortcuts for Windows & Mac
Do you need an easier way to move text or images around without having to rewrite a whole paragraph or insert a new photo? The copy, cut, and paste tools …
Tech Tips: Computer Basics 101: The mouse
Using a mouse seems simple, but did you know there are shortcuts built into many computer mice? In this post, you’ll discover the different parts of the mouse, how to …
Tech Tips: Digitize VHS, cassettes & film at the Creative Studio Media Stations
Have VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or film negatives you’d like to digitize and preserve? The library’s Media Stations have equipment to help you do just that. Located on the third …
Tech Tips: What does that icon mean?
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian In today’s technology landscape, there are hundreds of icons in use. Icons are meant to help people navigate technology by serving as clear, recognizable …
Tech Tips: How to use the scanner at the library
Did you know? You can scan documents for free at any Oak Park library location. Scan equipment is available on the Main Library’s third floor and at the Maze and …
Tech Tips: How to use Consumer Reports
Are you thinking about buying a new car, appliance, gadget, or literally anything else, but feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start? Consumer Reports is designed to help you …
Tech Tips: Getting started with cloud storage
Have you heard people refer to backing up digital files to “the cloud”? Or the term “cloud backup” or “cloud-based storage”? All of these phrases are ways of describing how …
Tech Tips: How to download & upload on a smartphone or device
Today, it’s easier than ever to get information from the internet using smart devices like phones and tablets. When you use smartphones and tablets, you’ll commonly run into the terms …
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to use & organize your smartphone home screen
By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Getting to know your phone’s home screen can help you find the apps and tools you need to get your tasks done—whether that’s making …
Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app
Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries + …
Tech Tips: How to close, minimize & maximize windows on a computer
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Ever wondered what the buttons do at the top of your browser bar? Let’s find out! Whether you’re on a PC or a Mac, you’ll …
Tech Tips: Getting started with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Check out LinkedIn Learning FAQs. Meet LinkedIn …
Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In an earlier Tech Tips post, I shared tips and tricks on how to read ebooks and digital magazines on Libby with …
Tech Tips: How to read ebooks & magazines in Libby
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Did you know that as an Oak Park Public Library cardholder you can access tens of thousands of ebooks and digital audiobooks, …
The Affordable Connectivity Program is winding down: Here’s what you need to know
By Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology John Gargiulo A federally funded benefit program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has offered a monthly benefit to eligible households to help with affordable …
Tech Tips: How to declutter your devices in 4 steps
By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Do you have a desktop covered in icons you don’t use? Are you interested in decluttering your digital workspace? Let’s go over some basics …
Tech Tips: How to use Creativebug
Whether you are new to crafting or a seasoned master crafter, there is something for everyone on Creativebug. An inspirational resource for DIY, crafters, and makers, Creativebug features more than …
Tech Tips: How to scan a QR code (plus, how to print from a smartphone at the library)
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You probably have seen them somewhere by now, black and white square or circular barcode images—known as QR codes (short for Quick Response codes)—on contactless …
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How do I share this? Identifying the share icon
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian When using apps or programs you may come across an image, article, or link that you want to share with someone else. You could …
Tech Tips: How to use keyboard shortcuts (beyond cut, copy & paste)
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You might be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts to copy, cut, and paste (and if you’re not, check step-by-step instructions on how to use these …
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to find the menu in an app
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian When using apps and programs it can sometimes be hard to figure out how to access the menu. It can seem like the icons …
Tech Tips: What is a URL?
By Amelia, Digital Learning Specialist Have you ever wondered what the letters “URL” mean or seen the phrase “follow this link for more information”? Maybe you’ve seen a URL or …
Tech Tips: How to get started with PressReader
Interested in a convenient way to read newspapers on your phone? With access to more than 7,000 publications from around the world in their original language and format, PressReader is …
Tech Tips: Basic digital security: How to create a strong password
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian It’s so important to create strong passwords—and frequently update them—even though most websites have security measures in place to keep your personal information private …
Tech Tips: How to find a digital newspaper or magazine
Your Oak Park Public Library card gives you access to thousands of digital newspapers and magazines. Different streaming apps like PressReader, Flipster, and Libby all provide access to digital newspapers …
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to copy & paste on your smartphone
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology You have likely used the copy and paste functions to move text on your computer, within a document or email, or from …
Tech Tips: 5 resources for spotting misinformation
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In today’s media landscape, it can be challenging to sort through the constant flow of information and evaluate the accuracy of news …
Tech Tips: How to sign up for a Learning Lab
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian Looking for one-on-one help with a specific digital learning or technical topic? Sign up for an in-person Learning Lab appointment—available at all three library …
Tech Tips: How to connect to a wireless network
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian You may be in a cafe, out in Scoville Park, or at the library trying to access a public WiFi network, or connecting with …
Tech Tips: Refining your Google search using domain suffixes
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Searching the internet for trustworthy information can feel exhausting at times. With seemingly endless results, it’s often tempting to just click on the first or …
Tech Tips: Google Drive basics
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? Gmail provides you with access to Google apps like Docs, Slides, and Drive. If you have used Docs and …
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to install apps on iPhone & Android
Smartphones have changed the way we communicate and interact with the world around us. Beyond acting as a telephone, smartphones allow us to have instant access to quick and useful …
Tech Tips: Google Docs basics
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? Gmail provides you with access to Google apps like Docs, Drive, and Slides. If you have …