Our Eisner Opportunity Lab provides patrons with free education and resources to survive and thrive in a digital world. We believe it’s important to empower and equip everyone with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and smartly.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to gain advanced skills, our Lab provides personalized learning plans and workshops on:

• All computers, phones, & tablets

• Internet & Technology

• Protecting yourself online

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Google Workspace

• Email

• Programs and applications

• Filling out online paperwork

  • NOTE: We are not an official passport renewal site, tax service site, or government affiliated organization for completing paperwork. We can help you access the correct websites and guide you through completing forms, but we cannot take passport photos, provide legal advice, or handle sensitive information.

• Employment assistance, including:

• Resume & Cover Letter creation

• Online job searching and applications

• Interview prep

• Building your LinkedIn

Tech Tutoring Now Available

Red Bank Public Library - Eisner Lab Policy

New Eisner Lab Policy approved as of 9/17/2026

Purpose

The Eisner Opportunity Lab was created to teach digital literacy. In the twenty-first century, navigating the internet and using devices like cell phones are essential skills—and because technology evolves so quickly, everyone must continue learning along with it. We assist anyone with digital literacy questions and issues so that patrons can stay informed about technology and maintain control of their digital lives. There are, however, some services the Lab does not provide, as well as regulations to be aware of. This policy clarifies the instruction we offer and defines what patrons can expect when they visit the Lab.

Scope

This policy applies to all patrons of the Red Bank Public Library’s Eisner Opportunity Lab. No library card or payment is required to access our services, which means that Lab patrons can reside outside of Red Bank as well.

Areas of Instruction

Tutoring at the Lab is meant to enrich the community’s digital literacy skills. Instructional areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Using the internet safely and confidently

• Creating and using email accounts

• Online safety and scam prevention

• Using digital devices like computers and smartphones

• Evaluating digital resources online

• Using social media

• Microsoft and Google

• Creating resumes

• Applying to jobs

• Downloading apps and software

• Guidance on Library specific applications such as Libby, Mango Languages, Universal Class, etc

What We Don’t Do

We are unable to advise patrons on digital matters that are legal, financial, or medical in nature, or that would otherwise make us liable for mishandling a patron's personal affairs. To ensure our instructors do not misdirect patrons, assistance in these areas is limited to technical help only—we cannot provide advice, interpretations, appraisals, or opinions. However, we are happy to direct patrons to the proper resources for further assistance. Our instructors' goal is to teach patrons to use technology for their own tasks and goals. We gladly offer instruction and troubleshooting help, and we encourage patrons to take an active role in learning to use technology themselves. Instructors reserve the right to limit assistance in these situations, based on their professional judgment. Below are some examples of digital tasks that we can teach the skills for, but cannot advise on or complete on a patron's behalf:

• Filling out government forms and documents

• Tax filing

• Insurance assistance

• Banking

• Starting a business

• Building a website

• Creating social media posts

• Placing online grocery orders

Patrons with Disabilities & Language Challenges

We strive to assist as many patrons as possible. Patrons with disabilities or language barriers that make using technology difficult may receive additional assistance, which can include help completing online forms and other digital tasks at the instructor's discretion. However, instructors cannot provide legal, financial, or medical advice, or handle sensitive personal affairs on a patron's behalf. 

Personal Devices

Our instructors are happy to attempt basic troubleshooting of many modern technology issues, but the Lab is not an IT help desk. We encourage patrons to bring personal devices for instruction—including smartphones, laptops, tablets, printers, and other peripherals—but we cannot repair broken, damaged, or otherwise inoperable devices, and the care of these items remains with their owners. While staff are happy to assist with changes to a device, such as installing software, all changes are made at the patron's discretion.

Booking a Tutoring Session

Due to high demand, patrons are limited to one individual tutoring session per week. This ensures everyone has equal access to this resource. Patrons are still welcome to attend other Lab programs, such as workshops, during the same week. Patrons who repeatedly cancel or miss scheduled sessions may be restricted from future bookings, at the Lab's discretion. Patrons who arrive ten or more minutes late may have their time slot released to other students. The Lab reserves the right to cancel or continue the session upon the patron's arrival. Repeated tardiness may also result in booking restrictions.

Lab Etiquette and Code of Conduct

We aim to provide a comfortable learning environment. Crude or offensive language, raised voices, threats toward staff or patrons, or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Patrons who engage in such behavior will be asked to leave the Lab and may be restricted from future bookings. The Lab maintains an open-door policy—anyone is welcome to stop in with questions or just to say hello. We enjoy connecting with our patrons, and personal conversation can sometimes be useful in teaching digital literacy. However, the focus of every session is learning digital skills. To keep tutoring time productive, topics unrelated to digital literacy—such as personal issues, politics, and religion—should be avoided. All Lab patrons are expected to follow the Red Bank Public Library's Patron Conduct Policy. In particular:

• No food or drink is permitted at public computers or laptops.

• Patrons may not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or bring these items into the library.

• Patrons shall respect the rights of others and refrain from harassing or disturbing behavior, including loud talking or singing, audible cell phone or audio use, staring at others with intent to annoy, or any conduct that can reasonably be expected to disturb others.

• The Red Bank Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in employment or the provision of library service.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to meet patrons' evolving technology needs. Library administration may amend or revise it as needed. While the Lab strives to provide helpful digital assistance, there are limits to the technical support we can offer. We ask patrons to respect these boundaries and understand that declining a support request is not a reflection of staff's dedication to service, but a necessary measure to ensure efficient use of library resources and staff time.

This program generously funded by: