Tech at the Library & Two Questions For Readers!

I usually relay tech news in this blog. However, I thought I’d try something different today and inquire if everyone out there in cyber-land is aware of the tech materials, programs and services our public library, and indeed most public libraries, offer patrons today.

The Southeast Steuben County Library has always strived to offer patrons the best materials, programs and services possible. And offering excellent materials, programs and services in the early twenty first century translates into us offering more than traditional books, programming and on site research assistance to our patrons. Today we offer patrons a multifaceted array of tech related materials and services.

The library offers patrons the following free tech related items and services:

• Access to e-books through our Digital Catalog

• Access to a growing number of videos and music titles via our Digital Catalog

• Access to circulating e-readers with pre-loaded bestsellers

• Access to tech assistance (You can call and make an appointment to sit down with a member of the library’s tech staff and go over tech question – so if you just got a new e-reader, PC or tablet or other device and have questions about how to use it – call us! We’re here to help. We also have some insight on the best e-reading devices to use to check out free library e-books — just ask us!)

• Tech programs and workshops (including upcoming ones on how to use the iPad, how to use a digital camera, how to use Microsoft Publisher, how to use Microsoft Excel and one showcasing video streaming players in the form of the Apple TV and Roku player.

And Access to credible databases including:

• Academic One File (useful if you’re for kids and adults doing academic research)

• The Business & Company Resource Center (useful if you’re researching a company)

• The Chilton Library (think of this database as all the Chilton Auto Repair Manuals in the library – accessible online!)

• Ebsco Animals (useful for kids doing research for school projects or anyone who wishes to know more about animals)

• Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia (use to check simple facts)

• Grolier Online (offers articles, audio and video clips on a wide range of subjects – useful for students or adults doing research)

• Health Reference Center (useful for anyone doing research on medical/health related topics)

• Heritage Quest (a genealogical research database for those looking into their family history)

• Literature Resource Center (a database that offers articles and biographies about authors, books etc.)

• New York State Newspapers (a database that allows you to search for articles found in New York State newspapers on a cornucopia of topics)

• OCLC First Search (a database that allows patrons to search for books owned by libraries across the globe)

• Talking Tumble Books (this database offers free audiobooks for children and adults as well as multi-lingual titles)

• Twayne Authors (If you’re interested in information about a specific author – this is the database for you!)

And my two questions for our patrons are:

1. Did you know we offer all the above digital materials and services? (If not – please pass the word on!)

And

2. What digital materials, tech programs and services would you like to see our library offer? (And feel free just to state a specific e-book title or pitch an idea for a tech program etc. Thanks!)

And in relation to my two questions, please do feel free to go wildly off topic and pitch any suggestions that come to mind! We like feedback here in library land…

Have a great day!

Linda R.