Applying for college scholarships and loans online can be intimidating, said Roderick Lee, the branch manager of the Diamond Lakes Branch Library.

"The process of finding grants or scholarships has become more of an online process than a paper process, as it had been in the past. Some can only be applied for online," he said. "As such, we find in the library that we are helping people more and more with searching for scholarships and applying online for loans."

The library will conduct workshops on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 to answer questions that parents and students have about scholarships, loans and grants. Lisa Winebrenner, the president of the Butler High School Parent Teacher Student Association, will conduct the workshops.

Participants will go over several aspects of applying for funds online, including the Free Application for Free Student Aid, and visit scholarship Web sites and corporate Web sites that offer scholarships.

The scheduling of the sessions isn't a coincidence, Mr. Lee said.

"One of the reasons we timed the workshops for December is that is when people are seriously thinking about funding for college," he said. "With many schools pushing up their deadlines for financial aid assistance and fall admission, many people are thinking about paying for education earlier than they have in the past."

Those interested in attending a workshop must register in advance for one workshop only. A waiting list will be created once a workshop is filled. Based on the level of interest, more workshops might be scheduled later, Mr. Lee said.

Participants must be proficient in the use of a mouse and keyboard and should have a basic knowledge of computing, including how to use a Web browser.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.