TribLocal is taking a look at the challenges facing today’s local libraries in the digital age. This is the last in a four-part series. For the first story, click here. For the second story, click here. For the third story, click here.

Walk into almost any suburban library and you’ll likely find rows of computers and even enclosed labs where patrons discover how to search the Internet for a job, make friends on Facebook and use programs such as Excel.

“Libraries have always been committed to promoting reading and literacy,” said Roberta Stevens, president of the American Library Association. “You can’t promote a literate society today without them knowing how to use computers. So, it seems to be the most natural thing for libraries to do, ­ teaching digital literacy.”

A 2009 study by the association showed that 89 percent of all American libraries offer formal or informal technology assistance, with 24 percent offering one-on-one technology training by appointment. And the study showed more and more patrons are taking advantage.

Most adults take classes because teenagers and young adults are the “digital natives,” said Stevens. “They grew up with computers and know how to use them. Adults, however, are ‘digital immigrants,’ and need help learning to use computers and software, she said.

Suburban libraries offer mostly beginning courses ­ and library staff members are often the teachers. Volunteers, including teenagers and retirees, also teach courses or help with one-on-one sessions. The classes are typically free to library patrons.

Computer training has become especially popular during these trying economic times, Stevens said, with some employers only accepting online applications.

“We have to keep the staff up-to-date with their skill sets. We have to keep them ahead of what users require,” Stevens said. “Libraries have become a lifeline for some people searching for jobs. ”

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library and Indian Trails Public Library host a variety of computer classes.

Most classes taught at the libraries are basic, said Ming Heraty, manager of computer and advisory services at the Arlington Heights library. For more advanced classes, the library suggests checking out continuing education classes offered by Township High School District 214 or Harper College, she said.

Both libraries see classes fill quickly, particularly those having to do with  job searches.

“(A class) on job searches filled in less than a week, without publicity,” said Earl Sabes, Indian Trails public relations manager. “There’s a real need for that for people out there who are unemployed.”

Computer classes are just one of the ways libraries can help, Sabes and Heraty said.

“Patrons who don’t know a subject are coming to us on how to do it and how to use the tools they have. We are a resource,” Sabes said.

Libraries recently have started teaching more social media classes, and that’s often where teen and young adult volunteers can help, said Kim Patton, president of the Young Adult Library Services Association.

“More high schools are requiring students to volunteer, and this is one venue for them to teach computer skills at libraries,” said Patton. “This is a natural pairing for them. They teach adults how to set up email, even how to use Skype so they can talk with their families. Social media is the new revolutionary tool. Look what happened in Egypt.”

TribLocal reporter Heather Leszczewicz contributed to this story.