Say Hey to Brian, a WCCLS Digital Navigator

WCCLS is pleased to welcome two Digital Navigators who regularly meet with patrons, offering personalized tech support. You can stop by during drop-in hours or make an appointment at most of our member libraries to get help with your personal device, passwords, software, and more. 

WCCLS: We’re excited to introduce Brian, one of our Digital Navigators! Brian, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Brian: I have a tech background, most recently I worked in cybersecurity for 15 years. I have also had several different careers over the years, from being a gymnastics coach to teaching English in Japan.

WCCLS: What about the Digital Navigator program sparked your interest?

Brian: I saw the opportunity in the WCCLS newsletter and thought, “That would be cool to try." Also, I grew up going to libraries and have always felt at home in them. Even now as parents, my wife and I homeschool our son and we use the library a lot. Our home library is Brookwood.

WCCLS: Describe what your average day as a Digital Navigator looks like.

Brian: There is a lot of variety in my day. I go to 6 different libraries throughout the week so some days I may spend a full day at a single library, or I may split my day between two. Some libraries offer scheduled appointments while others offer walk-in appointments. And the topics of the appointments range vastly, from someone installing software to communicate with a family member to someone navigating the online application process to earn their food-handling certificate. But a common theme I see is that people want to learn how to use tech to help them accomplish a goal.

WCCLS: How many people do you connect with on a weekly basis?

Brian: Over the last two months I have had a total of 107 one-on-one appointments across 6 libraries. When it comes to a weekly basis, that can vary a lot. So far, I’ve connected with 3 or 4 patrons that regularly meet with me. There is a sense of dependability that my presence as a digital navigator provides.

WCCLS: Do you have a favorite tech problem that you like to help patrons solve?

Brian: Because of my background, I like helping patrons with cybersecurity issues. However, I have noticed patrons tend to steer away from that during their one-on-one appointments. There are times when I do not know the answer to a tech problem but I still think, “Hey, let’s go find out together.” Often people are uncertain and they just need someone to bounce ideas off. Being able to ask another human “Is this okay?” helps people build confidence.

WCCLS: Is there a specific tech topic that you’d like to teach patrons about?

Brian: I have noticed that patrons like attending classes that deal with cybersecurity topics. I recently taught a class about setting up passwords and healthy login habits. It turned out better than I expected. I believe that teaching the basics of tech is always a good start and that anything helps.

WCCLS: What is one thing you are looking forward to accomplishing as a Digital Navigator?

Brian: First, continuing to make connections in the local communities. I have been starting to do that, and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to do that especially since I worked remotely for 7 years at my previous job. Second, which is not so much a goal, but more so something that’s already happening, is getting to make a difference in people’s lives and seeing the results firsthand. I may not always be successful in solving someone’s tech problem, but I know that I am still making a difference in their day. I have always been someone who wants to help people, and it is really wonderful to build connections with people and let them know that I can help them.

Get tech help

American Connection Corps Member, Brian, is available during drop-in hours or by appointment. Check out the events calendar to see where they will be next. If you have questions, please contact your local library.

The Digital Navigator Program is a free service made possible by a partnership between WCCLS and American Connection Corps. The program is funded in part by American Connections Corps, an AmeriCorps program dedicated to advancing economic prosperity by bridging the digital divide.

During the 2024-2025 Digital Navigator program year, 834 people were helped either by appointment or drop-in session. Since there are two Digital Navigators for the 2025-2026 program year, we anticipate serving even more community members!