Getting Started
Learning new software can be intimidating. It’s hard to know where to start if you don’t have guidance from a tutorial or class. When you have a basic understanding of that software, you naturally start to wonder about what shortcuts or features may be available that you haven’t used yet. In that case, it is impossible to search for information on things you don’t know exist. How do you take it to the next level without skipping steps in between?
Another thing to consider when looking for instruction is how you prefer to learn. Some folks will check out a “for dummies” book from the library and read it cover to cover. Others prefer to stop by the library and get instruction in person or connect to a web training so they can ask questions. Yet another subset of folks would rather watch videos or read articles online to get their information without involving another person.
The Library Has You Covered
The library offers drop-in tech help and virtual classes, books, e-books, and DVDs about Excel and Google Sheets, and a fantastic resource full of articles, videos, and interactive learning opportunities called Tech-Talk. Let’s take a closer look at the kinds of Excel/Google Sheets help Tech-Talk offers. These links should log you in automatically. If not, or if you are signing up for a webinar, use the username eglibrary and password eglibrary.
This quick reference guide is handy for users of all levels. Here is a collection that includes all of their Excel content, with the most recent articles and videos first. When possible, their information about Excel also includes a section for achieving comparable results on Google Sheets.
For Beginners
- Become Spreadsheet Savvy in Very Basic Excel and G-Sheets is a recorded webinar for folks who are just getting started.
- Should I Use a Table or Spreadsheet? is an article and short video on how to decide whether to use a table in Microsoft Word or an Excel spreadsheet to maintain and display your information.
- Articles about the top 5 basic Excel techniques
For Intermediate and Advanced Users
- The First Steps collection contains articles, videos, and webinars. Many of these are for targeted tasks, though you’ll want to note the skill level in the description. There are items for all levels of users in this collection.
- Top 5 Excel formatting and formula tips
- Formatting essentials collection
Major Cool Factor
I have always found Excel useful for organizing and sorting basic information, but I never got fancy with it. Recently, I attended a Tech-Talk webinar about creating dashboards using Excel and I was really impressed. If you want a quick peek at what dashboards are and how they can enhance your data, check out this short video and article.
We Can All Use a Little Help
Whether you enjoy playing around in spreadsheets, use spreadsheets because you have to, or are forced to use spreadsheets under duress at work, everyone can benefit from the tips and tricks offered at Tech-Talk. Which sort of Excel user are you? Let us know in the comments.