NEWS TOPICS: Wi-Fi Coming Soon; Return of the Portland Art Museum Cultural Pass; National Information Literacy Awareness Month; Parking Lot Construction; Library Computer Upgrade
WI-FI COMING SOON
A multi-step technology project at the library is nearing completion. Key elements of this plan are: increased internet connection speed, expansion of internet access from 7 to 10 stations, and FREE public Wi-Fi!
We are anxious to offer these improved services to our users - watch this space for the announcement. We will also have signage and instructional materials available in the library.
THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM PASS IS BACK!
Due to shortage of funds we have been without the Cultural Pass for the Portland Art Museum for several years. We are delighted to report that the Friends of the Library have purchased this pass for us again and it is now ready for you to reserve and check out.
To reserve any of our cultural passes, call us at 503-657-8269 ext 13. Go have an adventure!
NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH
The American Library Association (ALA) joins President Obama in highlighting the importance of ensuring all Americans have the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Information Age.
On October 1, 2009, the president issued a statement proclaiming October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month and calling “upon the people of the United States to recognize the important role information plays in our daily lives, and appreciate the need for a greater understanding of its impact.”
The president’s statement also makes the key point that “though we may know how to find the information we need, we must also know how to evaluate it.”
“In libraries across the country, librarians are helping the public achieve this goal,” ALA President Camila Alire said. “During this month of awareness, ALA encourages more Americans to visit their local libraries to take full advantage of the services they provide to help the public develop strong information literacy skills.”
Alire also said robust broadband is the critical underlying infrastructure needed to effectively navigate the Information Age. ALA commends the president on the $7.2 billion for broadband included in the stimulus and specific inclusion of libraries (public computer centers) as key hubs for information literacy.
PARKING LOT CONSTRUCTION
A public construction project, adjacent to the library site, began on September 21, 2009. Overall plans are to realign and improve the intersection of Molalla Avenue and Beavercreek Road; repave Warner Milne Road from Molalla Avenue to Beavercreek Road; install storm sewer pipe, water pipe, and sanitary sewer pipe and landscaping.
The first phase of the work is installation of new sanitary sewer within the Danielson Shopping Center which is expected to be completed by November 4, 2009.
Various access points to the library (from Warner-Milne next to Buggatti's; from Beavercreek between the main store and the theaters; from Molalla Avenue along the Danielson's frontage) and its parking may be disrupted throughout this process.
We appologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
LIBRARY COMPUTER UPGRADE
On Thursday, July 30, a new era in library technology began for the libraries in Clackamas County. On that day LINCC launched its brand new library automation system called “Symphony.” The public catalog looks a little bit different, but functions much the same as the old catalog. The new system has lots of new and exciting features to help you access information and place holds on exactly the materials you are looking for.
Examples of new features in Symphony:
*You will see an image of the cover of most items and have access to book reviews, tables of contents and summaries.
*There are many new lists of notable books and “newly added items to the catalog” to offer tempting suggestions for future reading. All of the “newly added” lists such as “new DVDs” will be automatically updated daily.
*In the new system you can specify exact dates for the beginning and ending of an “inactive” period for holds if you should wish to sustend them while you're out of town.
*If we have your e-mail address, you can now receive ALL library notices by e-mail.
*You have access to a number of new online databases including an online testing database containing many free practice tests such as the SAT, GMAT, LSAT and more. There is also a free genealogy database called “HeritageQuest”, a small business resource database and a new database called “Novelist K-8” that will help you choose books for your school-age children based on books they have already read and enjoyed.
Why did we need a new Library Computer System?
Computer software and hardware has a certain lifespan just like most other products we use today. The software that libraries in Clackamas County were using to check books in and out and that library patrons used to place holds on materials was written nearly 30 years ago. We were informed about 5 years ago that this venerable product had reached its "end-of life" and would no longer be supported by its parent company. In addition, the computer server on which we were running our library system was quite old and no longer upgradeable to the latest operating systems. The best analogy would be an old and faithful automobile that a person has driven for many years. When it gets harder and harder to find a mechanic who can work on this car and almost impossible to find parts for it, most people will consider purchasing a new vehicle. We were in just this position with our library system and so replaced it with a product that will have many years of life ahead.
We are very excited about the upgrade to newer, more powerful library technology and look forward to providing continued excellent service to the citizens of Clackamas County.