Jill Potter, Headquarters
If you have ever phoned Fresno Library Tech Support for a computer related problem at your branch you will probably be asked to either REBOOT or LOG OFF the computer.
So what is the difference between LOG OFF and REBOOT?
LOG OFF:
Log Off means to end a session at the computer. A session is the time spent logged in or using a specific profile on a computer. To LOG OFF of a session, click on START and click LOG OFF. You can also hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete and select LOG OFF.
REBOOT:
Reboot means to restart a computer. To reboot your computer, click on START and click SHUT DOWN and select RESTART from the drop down menu. Sometimes a simple REBOOT will fix the problem and you should try this troubleshooting technique before calling Tech Support.
If you can’t perform a REBOOT using the Start Menu button because of a “frozen” mouse or keyboard, then you can perform a HARD BOOT. This is achieved by pressing and holding the main power button on the computer tower until the power goes off and the computer shuts down. Wait for about a minute then press the button again and wait for the computer to boot up back to the Ctrl-Alt-Delete screen is on the monitor.
February 26, 2009
February 25, 2009
Promotion Ideas for March
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
From the "Marketing Library Services" newsletter, here are a few ideas to creatively highlight libraries in March:
March 8 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of author Kenneth Grahame. Celebrate this old favorite by creating programming around his book The Wind in the Willows.
March 8-14 is "Read an E-Book Week." An author-created website is set up for the event at http://www.ebookweek.com/. This is the week to showcase your branch's e-book collection and help people learn how to use the new technology. This week is also "Teen Tech Week" so come up with a unique way to combine the two tech-oriented observances.
March 9 is the 50th anniversary of the first Barbie doll appearing in stores. How about a "Bring Your Barbie to the Library" party? Kids AND adults (reliving their childhood) could have a lot of fun with this one.
And don't forget that we have our own promotion calendar too. In March, we will be promoting The Big Read and Cesar Chavez as well as Fit for Life. And, of course, as the economy continues to present challenges, we will continue to promote the value of the library as a free resource in tough times.
From the "Marketing Library Services" newsletter, here are a few ideas to creatively highlight libraries in March:
March 8 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of author Kenneth Grahame. Celebrate this old favorite by creating programming around his book The Wind in the Willows.
March 8-14 is "Read an E-Book Week." An author-created website is set up for the event at http://www.ebookweek.com/. This is the week to showcase your branch's e-book collection and help people learn how to use the new technology. This week is also "Teen Tech Week" so come up with a unique way to combine the two tech-oriented observances.
March 9 is the 50th anniversary of the first Barbie doll appearing in stores. How about a "Bring Your Barbie to the Library" party? Kids AND adults (reliving their childhood) could have a lot of fun with this one.
And don't forget that we have our own promotion calendar too. In March, we will be promoting The Big Read and Cesar Chavez as well as Fit for Life. And, of course, as the economy continues to present challenges, we will continue to promote the value of the library as a free resource in tough times.
Bereavement
Several staff lost loved ones during these past weeks. All of us send our condolences and heartfelt sympathies to these co-workers and their families:
Anthony Avila, maintenance janitor at westside branches and regionals on weekends, passed away last night following a serious illness. Anthony will be tremendously missed by staff and friends.
Richard Mann's mother, Ann, passed away in Cornwall, New York. Richard works for SJVIS. Richard's wife, Susan, supervises the Ivy and Gillis branches.
Ernst Vitovec, Reedley branch supervisor, is mourning the death of his father with family members in Victoria, BC.
Louise Richardson's husband, Tom, passed away last week. A full obituary is expected in The Fresno Bee. Louise works at the Central Library in Reference.
Darlene Morse, program assistant in Literacy Services, is mourning the death of her mother. Darlene's husband, Ron, works at the Central Library.
Anthony Avila, maintenance janitor at westside branches and regionals on weekends, passed away last night following a serious illness. Anthony will be tremendously missed by staff and friends.
Richard Mann's mother, Ann, passed away in Cornwall, New York. Richard works for SJVIS. Richard's wife, Susan, supervises the Ivy and Gillis branches.
Ernst Vitovec, Reedley branch supervisor, is mourning the death of his father with family members in Victoria, BC.
Louise Richardson's husband, Tom, passed away last week. A full obituary is expected in The Fresno Bee. Louise works at the Central Library in Reference.
Darlene Morse, program assistant in Literacy Services, is mourning the death of her mother. Darlene's husband, Ron, works at the Central Library.
Reference Resources Migrate Online
Marie Stanley, Headquarters
Over the last decade, the Library has gradually reduced spending on printed reference materials for both Central and Branches and increased spending for online resources. In today’s fast changing world, online format is better suited for information that dates quickly (such as business directory information). Further, online materials can be used by patrons in their homes and offices 24/7, making them convenient and cost-effective. No longer is it necessary to spend time and money driving to a Library (and parking) during business hours to do library research. Online resources are truly the green way to go!
Last year, use of databases by patrons and staff was up over the previous year. The total number of searches executed in online databases rose 11%, and retrieval/viewing of full-text articles grew an impressive 58%. Some databases are used more today by home users than by in-library users. In fact, for Newsbank newspapers (including the Fresno Bee) and the Auto Repair Reference Center, about three times as many full-text documents were viewed remotely as from computers in library branches. Opposing Viewpoints, which is targeted toward students, delivered twice as many remote full-text views as in-house views. So as more of our patrons acquire personal computers in their homes and as they become more familiar with online resources, use is expected to continue to grow.
Some of our recently added online tools are not really databases, but interactive learning tools. These include Learning Express Practice tests (which provide users the chance to take and get feedback on popular job and academic tests) and Mango languages.
As the list of online resources grows, the downside is that it is harder for staff and patrons to make decisions on which databases to search for a specific purpose. It may also be necessary to execute the same search multiple times in order to retrieve the needed information. For example, if a patron wants information on the incidence and treatment of diabetes in women, we might search the Library catalog, the Health & Wellness Resource Center, Ebsco’s Health Source, and OneFile. All currently must be searched separately.
In recent years, many large public libraries have added tools which allow patrons and staff to simultaneously search the Library catalog and most databases. The Reference staff is now experimenting with one such federated search product called Webfeat and expects to gather additional staff feedback this spring.
Over the last decade, the Library has gradually reduced spending on printed reference materials for both Central and Branches and increased spending for online resources. In today’s fast changing world, online format is better suited for information that dates quickly (such as business directory information). Further, online materials can be used by patrons in their homes and offices 24/7, making them convenient and cost-effective. No longer is it necessary to spend time and money driving to a Library (and parking) during business hours to do library research. Online resources are truly the green way to go!
Last year, use of databases by patrons and staff was up over the previous year. The total number of searches executed in online databases rose 11%, and retrieval/viewing of full-text articles grew an impressive 58%. Some databases are used more today by home users than by in-library users. In fact, for Newsbank newspapers (including the Fresno Bee) and the Auto Repair Reference Center, about three times as many full-text documents were viewed remotely as from computers in library branches. Opposing Viewpoints, which is targeted toward students, delivered twice as many remote full-text views as in-house views. So as more of our patrons acquire personal computers in their homes and as they become more familiar with online resources, use is expected to continue to grow.
Some of our recently added online tools are not really databases, but interactive learning tools. These include Learning Express Practice tests (which provide users the chance to take and get feedback on popular job and academic tests) and Mango languages.
As the list of online resources grows, the downside is that it is harder for staff and patrons to make decisions on which databases to search for a specific purpose. It may also be necessary to execute the same search multiple times in order to retrieve the needed information. For example, if a patron wants information on the incidence and treatment of diabetes in women, we might search the Library catalog, the Health & Wellness Resource Center, Ebsco’s Health Source, and OneFile. All currently must be searched separately.
In recent years, many large public libraries have added tools which allow patrons and staff to simultaneously search the Library catalog and most databases. The Reference staff is now experimenting with one such federated search product called Webfeat and expects to gather additional staff feedback this spring.
Cesar Chavez Youth Artwork on Exhibit
Linda Aragon, Rita Del Testa, Erasmus Garza, Sara Gibbs, Ken Loders, Abby Rivera
Cesar Chavez Commitee
The curator of Arte Americas, Abelino Bautista, has invited the winners of the Cesar Chavez Youth Art Contest, and additional participating artists specially selected by the judges, to exhibit their work. The art work will be shown in the upper gallery at Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness, Fresno, CA from March 10th-April 4th, 2009. All art work will be available at branch libraries after April 4.
The Library will present many special programs in March/April commemorating the life and contributions of Cesar Chavez, including the Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony and Reception on March 5 at the Central Library from 5-7 pm in the Sarah McCardle Room.
Response to the Art Contest was amazing with entries from students all over the county. One of the entries from a class at Greenberg Elementary School came with this inspiring letter from their teacher:
"I am emclosing entries for your contest from students in our English Language Development program here at Greenberg. These students are all minorities, come from below-poverty level households, and many are children of migrant agricultural workers...Greenberg Elementary serves students from what Time magazine once labeled 'the worst neighborhood in America.' We appreciate your offering them an opportunity to express themselves and delve into an issue that has relevance in their lives."
Other programs are:
Cesar Chavez Commitee
The curator of Arte Americas, Abelino Bautista, has invited the winners of the Cesar Chavez Youth Art Contest, and additional participating artists specially selected by the judges, to exhibit their work. The art work will be shown in the upper gallery at Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness, Fresno, CA from March 10th-April 4th, 2009. All art work will be available at branch libraries after April 4.
The Library will present many special programs in March/April commemorating the life and contributions of Cesar Chavez, including the Youth Art Contest Awards Ceremony and Reception on March 5 at the Central Library from 5-7 pm in the Sarah McCardle Room.
Response to the Art Contest was amazing with entries from students all over the county. One of the entries from a class at Greenberg Elementary School came with this inspiring letter from their teacher:
"I am emclosing entries for your contest from students in our English Language Development program here at Greenberg. These students are all minorities, come from below-poverty level households, and many are children of migrant agricultural workers...Greenberg Elementary serves students from what Time magazine once labeled 'the worst neighborhood in America.' We appreciate your offering them an opportunity to express themselves and delve into an issue that has relevance in their lives."
Other programs are:
- Commemorative Event on March 18 from 12 noon to 3 pm at the Central Library on the front lawn, featuring music and guest speakers celebrating Cesar Chavez.
- Film Viewings of "Fighting for Our Lives: The United Farm Workers 1973 Grape Strike," "Common Man, Uncommon Vision: The Cesar Chavez Story," and "Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers' Struggle" at several branch locations. Check the website calendar for dates and times.
Winter Wonderland
Rae Gomez, Central Library
The staff in the Doris Gates Room came up with a wonderful idea for Christmas decorations in 2008! Under the guidance of Shonda Graham, the DGR staff converted the room into a Winter Wonderland. Recycled paper, snips of tape, and a few staples or two worked wonders with making snowflakes. What a great response the room had!
The staff has happily given free demonstrations to other branches as well as having a craft station giving demonstrations to patrons. Recently a mother and daughter visited the Library, bringing wedding pictures of silver and green snowflakes, a few young adults have come asking for demonstrations for upcoming Quinceanera's , and a mom was making white snowflakes for her child's Baptismal. All of the patrons as well as the staff have
concluded that not only was the craft inexpensive, but it was also a great family event during the holidays. The remaining snowflakes were given away to happy patrons!
What will DGR come up with this year?!
The staff in the Doris Gates Room came up with a wonderful idea for Christmas decorations in 2008! Under the guidance of Shonda Graham, the DGR staff converted the room into a Winter Wonderland. Recycled paper, snips of tape, and a few staples or two worked wonders with making snowflakes. What a great response the room had!
The staff has happily given free demonstrations to other branches as well as having a craft station giving demonstrations to patrons. Recently a mother and daughter visited the Library, bringing wedding pictures of silver and green snowflakes, a few young adults have come asking for demonstrations for upcoming Quinceanera's , and a mom was making white snowflakes for her child's Baptismal. All of the patrons as well as the staff have
concluded that not only was the craft inexpensive, but it was also a great family event during the holidays. The remaining snowflakes were given away to happy patrons!What will DGR come up with this year?!
What's New in Children's Literature 2009
Stephanie Horal, Woodward Park
Noted children’s literature expert and librarian, Dr. Peggy Sharp, presented an annual Bureau of Education & Research workshop in Fresno on January 21, 2009. The workshop is an excellent introduction to the best in children’s literature published in 2008. Over 9,000 children’s books were published in 2008, and Dr. Sharp highlighted the best books in her workshop and selected the ten best for her “Best of 2008” list. Participants were given a resource handbook, which gives a survey of new books, selection strategies, ideas to promote good books to readers, and strategies for using new books in programs. Sharp said many new good books have been published on Abraham Lincoln because of the bicentennial of his birth. Electronic resources were given for children’s book blogs, author/illustrator websites, and booktitle/series websites. The workshop is always entertaining and informative. For more information about the workshop contact Stephanie Horal, Woodward Park Library.
Peggy Sharp’s “Ten Best for 2008”:
Picture Book
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, a Tall Thin Tale by Deborah Hopkinson
Black Book of Colors by Menena Cotton
One, Two Buckle My Shoe by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Turtle’s Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev
Fiction
Gully’s Travels by Tor Seidler
London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
Masterpiece by Elise Broach
Nonfiction
Lady Liberty: a Biography by Doreen Rappaport
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
Graphic Novel
Into the Volcano by Don Woods
Noted children’s literature expert and librarian, Dr. Peggy Sharp, presented an annual Bureau of Education & Research workshop in Fresno on January 21, 2009. The workshop is an excellent introduction to the best in children’s literature published in 2008. Over 9,000 children’s books were published in 2008, and Dr. Sharp highlighted the best books in her workshop and selected the ten best for her “Best of 2008” list. Participants were given a resource handbook, which gives a survey of new books, selection strategies, ideas to promote good books to readers, and strategies for using new books in programs. Sharp said many new good books have been published on Abraham Lincoln because of the bicentennial of his birth. Electronic resources were given for children’s book blogs, author/illustrator websites, and booktitle/series websites. The workshop is always entertaining and informative. For more information about the workshop contact Stephanie Horal, Woodward Park Library.
Peggy Sharp’s “Ten Best for 2008”:
Picture Book
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, a Tall Thin Tale by Deborah Hopkinson
Black Book of Colors by Menena Cotton
One, Two Buckle My Shoe by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Turtle’s Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev
Fiction
Gully’s Travels by Tor Seidler
London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
Masterpiece by Elise Broach
Nonfiction
Lady Liberty: a Biography by Doreen Rappaport
We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson
Graphic Novel
Into the Volcano by Don Woods
New PR Intern
Christy Collet, Headquarters
The library welcomed me, Christy Collet, as the spring 2009 Public Relations intern on February 4, 2009. I will be assisting Roberta Barton in the Fresno County Library headquarters.
I was born in Selma, California, but raised in Fresno. I have an older half-brother who is in his last semester of law school in Fresno. I am a Mass Communication and Journalism major with my emphasis in Public Relations at California State University, Fresno. I am in my final year of school and have an expected graduation date of December 2009. I have five animals - three dogs and two cats. My kitten Gypsy is my pride and joy. I am always happy to show people pictures of her. I enjoy going to concerts and visiting my best friend in San Francisco.
School is finally going really well for me, which is exciting. When I first started at Fresno State I was majoring in Pre-Nursing/Health Science, but at the end of my sophomore year I transferred to the Mass Communication and Journalism department. I absolutely love being a Public Relations major and am finally excited to be going to school. I have an overall GPA of 3.151 and a major GPA of 3.6.
I have always worked in the retail world, but I have recently begun working within my degree. I am a part of the first student-run Public Relations firm on the Fresno State campus called TALK. (www.WeTalkPR.com) I am excited to be working both with the Fresno State firm and alongside Roberta.
I will be a part of the library team until the end of April. Roberta will have me working on several projects including The Big Read. I am excited to see what projects Roberta will have for me in the future and am excited to be working on The Big Read within my first few days of being with the library.
I love to write. I hope one day to have my name on the cover of a novel. I think that writing is a great way of expression and I find that it is a great way to vent. I think that creative writing is a beautiful art form and that more people should take part in it.
I hope that working with Roberta will be a great learning experience for me. I am excited, and a bit nervous, to see what is to come in the future. My goal is to move to Chicago or New York City weeks after I graduate to pursue dreams that are bigger than my current reality.
The library welcomed me, Christy Collet, as the spring 2009 Public Relations intern on February 4, 2009. I will be assisting Roberta Barton in the Fresno County Library headquarters.
I was born in Selma, California, but raised in Fresno. I have an older half-brother who is in his last semester of law school in Fresno. I am a Mass Communication and Journalism major with my emphasis in Public Relations at California State University, Fresno. I am in my final year of school and have an expected graduation date of December 2009. I have five animals - three dogs and two cats. My kitten Gypsy is my pride and joy. I am always happy to show people pictures of her. I enjoy going to concerts and visiting my best friend in San Francisco.
School is finally going really well for me, which is exciting. When I first started at Fresno State I was majoring in Pre-Nursing/Health Science, but at the end of my sophomore year I transferred to the Mass Communication and Journalism department. I absolutely love being a Public Relations major and am finally excited to be going to school. I have an overall GPA of 3.151 and a major GPA of 3.6.
I have always worked in the retail world, but I have recently begun working within my degree. I am a part of the first student-run Public Relations firm on the Fresno State campus called TALK. (www.WeTalkPR.com) I am excited to be working both with the Fresno State firm and alongside Roberta.
I will be a part of the library team until the end of April. Roberta will have me working on several projects including The Big Read. I am excited to see what projects Roberta will have for me in the future and am excited to be working on The Big Read within my first few days of being with the library.
I love to write. I hope one day to have my name on the cover of a novel. I think that writing is a great way of expression and I find that it is a great way to vent. I think that creative writing is a beautiful art form and that more people should take part in it.
I hope that working with Roberta will be a great learning experience for me. I am excited, and a bit nervous, to see what is to come in the future. My goal is to move to Chicago or New York City weeks after I graduate to pursue dreams that are bigger than my current reality.
February 3, 2009
DONOR PLAQUE
The Fowler Branch Library finally has a commemorative plaque spotlighting the contributions of donors who helped make the new library possible. The donor plaque was expertly installed in the branch foyer in early January thanks to maintenance staffers Reid and Ziggy.
Library Development Officer Linda Calandra worked with the Project Architect Loyd Rolle, Community Libraries East Supervisor Terry Sterling, and Fowler community members Sandra Arakelian and Ted and Arpie Dick to make the final selection for the plaque. Linda was the guiding force in selecting a plaque which matched the scope of the project extremely well. The wall looks wonderful, and the Fowler community is so proud to see it on display in a place of prominence.
Terry Sterling, Headquarters
24-HOUR READATHON
Come out to the Sweet River Grill at the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis starting at 11 am on Thursday, February 5. Community celebrities and staff will read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer all through the wee hours of the evening and very early morning for our third 24-hour readathon to kick off The Big Read. The readathon will conclude at 11 am on Friday, February 6.
Bring along your copy of the book and your family and friends to help create a big audience for our volunteer readers. This is a wonderful community event that launches over two months and more than 150 programs for our third Big Read.
Major sponsors for this year’s Big Read include The Fresno Bee, ABC 30, K-Jewel and KYNO radio, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservancy Trust, and Sierra Vista Mall.
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
FIT FOR LIFE KICK-OFF
The Library’s Fit for Life initiative focusing on brain health and health literacy will kick off on Saturday, February 28 with a family celebration at the Mosqueda Community Center from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Demonstrations and other interactive events will be scheduled throughout the day, and our community partners will be on hand with valuable health information.
Major community partners include:
Eat it.
Move it.
Play it.
Think it.
You’re Fit for Life
Messages will be shared countywide through distribution of “Healthy Body = Healthy Brain” Tool Kits at library programs and partner events from February through November 2009. Branches will receive fliers for the kick-off celebration in a few weeks.
Roberta Barton and Linda Calandra, Headquarters
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPICE
I’m not a cook at all, but I do get by, and one of my resolutions for 2009 is to really really...cook!
My branch, the Fresno County Library Community Bookmobile, boasts a really eclectic collection of cookbooks, and I have no excuse for not checking them out. In fact, the bookmobile actually has a very interesting book that talks about herbs and spices.
Now, why am I on this trail? I guess it’s because I’ve been thinking about Life, and a new year, and the word spice. You can rhyme it with dice, mice, twice, slice, nice, and entice. Entice. Now that’s a great word: I would like, very much, to entice you with the world of poetry.
We’re very fortunate here in the Central Valley and all of California with the many opportunities to read, submit work, or read our work aloud if we choose too. Some of these opportunities are right here before you. One is the poetry podcast on the Fresno County Library web page. At first created by our own librarian Rochelle Carr, the podcast torch has continued to radiate due to the hard work and creativity of Lisa Erven and James Tyner.
Take a look at the new format for the podcast as well as the introductory photograph. Just beautiful. Lisa and James encourage staff and the community to contact them to read/record for the podcast and to also submit your photography, as well, for consideration. Lisa and James, thank you both for your diligence and devotion in allowing many of us to express our work and share our passion for writing and reading.
At this time, I also want to thank librarian Linda Aragon who has been successfully indispensible in continuing the open mic poetry readings at Central. There were 15 of us in the Sarah McCardle room last November, and I was pleased to see community patrons as well as staff, poets of diverse ages and background, applauding one another’s work. Whether you choose to read or not, you will be embraced by sincerity and camaraderie. Be there and enjoy the evening!
Karen Maj, Community Bookmobile
GOING GREEN
Speaking of new year resolutions...don’t forget to make 2009 a greener year at your work site! Here are a few tips to help you “go green!”
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
FOOD DRIVE RESULTS
Staff came through this holiday season to help feed hungry Valley families. The first Staff Association holiday food drive resulted in 2.5 barrels of food donated to the Community Food Bank, which sent this heartfelt note of appreciation:
“On behalf of the Community Food Bank … thank you for generously hosting a 2008 Holiday Food Drive. Your efforts to support our community reflect the true supportive character of the people who live here. The food you donated will be offered to our partnering food pantries, who in turn will distribute the food to hungry families throughout the Central Valley. It is the outstanding support from organizations like the Fresno County Library that enable the Community Food Bank to effectively strive towards our vision; to creat a hunger-free Central Valley. Thank you for your generosity. It is these true acts of kindness that inspire us to continue working towards ending hunger. Together we can make a difference.”
Kelly Barile, Support Services
RETIREMENT REMEMBERED
For those who missed Elida Mendoza’s retirement party in December, we’re sharing a few photos of the festivities here celebrating her 29 years of library service.
It was a very memorable party thanks to the hard work of several staff “party planners.” One of the nicest touches was the amusing retirement-related quotes by Gene Perret which decorated the tables:
Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.
I enjoy waking up and not having to go to work. So I do it three or four times a day.
That’s when you return from work one day and say, “Hi, Honey. I’m home – forever.”
The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before your boss does.
Elida has already returned to the library on an extra help part time basis to keep everything running smoothly until her former position is filled. Even though she’s in the office temporarily, Elida is enjoying spending extra time with her husband and family. Her kindness and smile will be missed, but we wish her the best in retirement.
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
NEW FROM THE PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY
Chase’s Calendar of Events 2009 offers more than 12,000 entries detailing milestones, observances and other occasions to help you plan special events and campaigns.
Privacy and Confidentiality Issues by Theresa Chmara. This guide is set up in a frequently asked questions format to offer answers around First Amendment issues. Interspersed among the questions and answers are actual cour case studies.
Public Libraries and Internet Service Roles by Charles McClure and Paul Jaeger. Offers information discussing the importance of measuring and maximizing library service through Internet services, new and unique Internet-enabled service roles of public libraries, and selection and creation of Internet-enabled service roles.
More Family Storytimes by Rob Reid. Features stories, fingerplays, songs and movement activities to enhance the time families spend at the library.
Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson. Each chapter offers complete coverage of one aspect of collection development, including suggestions for further reading and a narrative case study exploring the issue.
Connecting Boys with Books by Michael Sullivan. Learn about the books boys love to read, uncover the signs that point to the reading gap, find creative new programming ideas to match boys' interests and establish a strategic blueprint for boys and reading.
Virtual Reference Best Practices by M. Kathleen Kern. Outlines the tools and decision-making process that will help you and your library evaluate, tailor and launch virtual reference services that are a perfect fit for your community.
Teen Spaces: The Step-by-Step Library Makeover by Kimberly Bolan. Provides step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use templates, the latest information on teen spaces policies, new ways to involve teens in the space-renovation process and updated tools, worksheets, instructions and vendor information.
Camille Turner, Headquarters
TECH TALK: INTERNET EXPLORER 7
Tech Support has been upgrading Public and Staff computers with the newest internet browsing software. IE7 is Microsoft’s newest version for surfing the web. There are a few changes in appearance as well as function and security. It took me a while to get used to the new browser but I gave it a chance and I’m really very happy with how it works. I’ll go over a few of the features to help you become more comfortable with the changes.
Getting Started – Staff & Public
IE7 in the Staff and Public profiles are preconfigured by Tech Support and will not need any further adjustments.
Getting Started – Personal Profile
When you log into your personal 3+4 profile you may be asked to set your preferences. Read instructions carefully and set things up the way you prefer with home pages, search providers, etc. Remember to save your settings or these same “set-up” pages will come up every time you open Internet Explorer. If you have questions while customizing your settings, contact Tech Support.
Tabs
The most noticeable change is the tabbed browsing. Now, you can open multiple Web pages without opening new windows, meaning your desktop stays pretty clean even if you have a dozen Web pages open at a time. And you will only see one Internet Explorer box open in the taskbar. The taskbar is at the bottom of the screen/desktop and shows the current programs in use. To open a new webpage, click on the New Tab and type in the address in the address bar at the top.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Quick Tabs
Try clicking on the Quick Tabs and
Tab List for a quick overview of all pages open.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Closing a Web Page
To close a single Web page, click on the small X on the tab of that Web page. To close ALL the Web, pages, click on the X on the top right of the main Internet Explorer window.
Favorites
Saving a page to your Favorites allows you to easily go back and find your “favorite” and frequently visited sites. A page or set of tabbed pages can be added to your Favorites by clicking on the little gold stars on the top left.
Toolbar
The toolbar looks quite different in IE7 than in IE6. Everything that you’re used to using in IE6 is still there, but you may find it in a different place. Don’t hesitate to click around and see what’s there. The new toolbar is a bit more streamlined with lots of icons with more drop-down menus. I’ll briefly go over the icons and what you will find there.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
1. Home
Set or make changes to your Home Page. Your Home Page is the page that opens up when you first go on to the internet.
2. RSS
Short for Really Simple Syndication. RSS is a way to subscribe to a source of information, such as a Web site, and get brief updates delivered to you. This is not an application that most of us will use. If you want to know more about how RSS works, I suggest doing some research online. A good place to start is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss
3. Print
Clicking directly on the printer icon will send the page to the current default printer on the computer. You can click on the small down arrow for the usual options, Print, Print Preview and Page Setup. Contact Tech Support if your default printer is not set up correctly.
4. Page
The Page icon combines some features of the old File and View commands from previous versions of Internet Explorer. You can save a shortcut to the web page to a location of your choice, copy highlighted content, change font size and zoom in or out on the page. You can also send the page or a link in email from here, but the results are not reliable. I recommend copying the link and pasting it directly into an open Outlook message.
5. Tools
There is a host of nifty little tools here. You can click on Delete Browsing History to clean up your Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, History, Website Passwords, etc. You can set your browser to block or unblock pop-ups. This comes in handy when a site requires a pop-up for proper viewing. You can also customize your toolbar by adding, deleting and arranging icons exactly how you want them. Click on the Internet Options to set your Home Page preferences, select your search defaults and change how web pages are displayed in Tabs. Be careful before making any changes in the other tabbed sections. Changes made in areas other than the General section should be made by advanced users only. If you have questions about settings in these areas, contact Tech Support as they have preconfigured the defaults for optimal internet usage for Library staff.
6. Search Box
Quick and easy web searches can be done from this location with no need to open up another web page. To change your default search provider, click on the little arrow to the right of the magnifying glass, select Find More Providers and follow the directions.
Hopefully this information will help you to get the most from your new Internet Explorer 7. And don’t get too comfortable! Microsoft will undoubtedly come out with a newer version with more bells and whistles just about the time we have become familiar with version 7.
Jill Potter, Support Services
WARNING SIGNS OF A “BOOKAHOLIC”
The Fowler Branch Library finally has a commemorative plaque spotlighting the contributions of donors who helped make the new library possible. The donor plaque was expertly installed in the branch foyer in early January thanks to maintenance staffers Reid and Ziggy.
Library Development Officer Linda Calandra worked with the Project Architect Loyd Rolle, Community Libraries East Supervisor Terry Sterling, and Fowler community members Sandra Arakelian and Ted and Arpie Dick to make the final selection for the plaque. Linda was the guiding force in selecting a plaque which matched the scope of the project extremely well. The wall looks wonderful, and the Fowler community is so proud to see it on display in a place of prominence.Terry Sterling, Headquarters
24-HOUR READATHON
Come out to the Sweet River Grill at the Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis starting at 11 am on Thursday, February 5. Community celebrities and staff will read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer all through the wee hours of the evening and very early morning for our third 24-hour readathon to kick off The Big Read. The readathon will conclude at 11 am on Friday, February 6.
Bring along your copy of the book and your family and friends to help create a big audience for our volunteer readers. This is a wonderful community event that launches over two months and more than 150 programs for our third Big Read.
Major sponsors for this year’s Big Read include The Fresno Bee, ABC 30, K-Jewel and KYNO radio, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservancy Trust, and Sierra Vista Mall.
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
FIT FOR LIFE KICK-OFF
The Library’s Fit for Life initiative focusing on brain health and health literacy will kick off on Saturday, February 28 with a family celebration at the Mosqueda Community Center from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Demonstrations and other interactive events will be scheduled throughout the day, and our community partners will be on hand with valuable health information.
Major community partners include:
- First 5 Fresno County
- Fresno County Public Library
- MetLife Foundation
- Libraries for the Future
- California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- Centro La Familia
- Children’s Hospital Central California
- City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
- Clear Channel Communications
- Community Food Bank
- Fresno County Department of Health
- Fresno County Office of Education
- Fresno Metropolitan Museum
- Kaiser Permanente
- Valley Public Television
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- University of California Cooperative Extension
Eat it.
Move it.
Play it.
Think it.
You’re Fit for Life
Messages will be shared countywide through distribution of “Healthy Body = Healthy Brain” Tool Kits at library programs and partner events from February through November 2009. Branches will receive fliers for the kick-off celebration in a few weeks.
Roberta Barton and Linda Calandra, Headquarters
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPICE
I’m not a cook at all, but I do get by, and one of my resolutions for 2009 is to really really...cook!
My branch, the Fresno County Library Community Bookmobile, boasts a really eclectic collection of cookbooks, and I have no excuse for not checking them out. In fact, the bookmobile actually has a very interesting book that talks about herbs and spices.
Now, why am I on this trail? I guess it’s because I’ve been thinking about Life, and a new year, and the word spice. You can rhyme it with dice, mice, twice, slice, nice, and entice. Entice. Now that’s a great word: I would like, very much, to entice you with the world of poetry.
We’re very fortunate here in the Central Valley and all of California with the many opportunities to read, submit work, or read our work aloud if we choose too. Some of these opportunities are right here before you. One is the poetry podcast on the Fresno County Library web page. At first created by our own librarian Rochelle Carr, the podcast torch has continued to radiate due to the hard work and creativity of Lisa Erven and James Tyner.
Take a look at the new format for the podcast as well as the introductory photograph. Just beautiful. Lisa and James encourage staff and the community to contact them to read/record for the podcast and to also submit your photography, as well, for consideration. Lisa and James, thank you both for your diligence and devotion in allowing many of us to express our work and share our passion for writing and reading.
At this time, I also want to thank librarian Linda Aragon who has been successfully indispensible in continuing the open mic poetry readings at Central. There were 15 of us in the Sarah McCardle room last November, and I was pleased to see community patrons as well as staff, poets of diverse ages and background, applauding one another’s work. Whether you choose to read or not, you will be embraced by sincerity and camaraderie. Be there and enjoy the evening!
Karen Maj, Community Bookmobile
GOING GREEN
Speaking of new year resolutions...don’t forget to make 2009 a greener year at your work site! Here are a few tips to help you “go green!”
- Visit our Training page on the Intranet and learn how to create a “green” email signature, which asks those who receive your emails to consider the environment before they print your message.
- Turn off your computer screen every night to save electricity.
- Remind patrons that the library offers alternatives to paper receipts. Among the more environment-friendly options to keep track of due dates for checked out materials:
- Online library account
- Email notices and pre-overdue reminders
- Phone notices
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
FOOD DRIVE RESULTS
Staff came through this holiday season to help feed hungry Valley families. The first Staff Association holiday food drive resulted in 2.5 barrels of food donated to the Community Food Bank, which sent this heartfelt note of appreciation:
“On behalf of the Community Food Bank … thank you for generously hosting a 2008 Holiday Food Drive. Your efforts to support our community reflect the true supportive character of the people who live here. The food you donated will be offered to our partnering food pantries, who in turn will distribute the food to hungry families throughout the Central Valley. It is the outstanding support from organizations like the Fresno County Library that enable the Community Food Bank to effectively strive towards our vision; to creat a hunger-free Central Valley. Thank you for your generosity. It is these true acts of kindness that inspire us to continue working towards ending hunger. Together we can make a difference.”
Kelly Barile, Support Services
RETIREMENT REMEMBERED
For those who missed Elida Mendoza’s retirement party in December, we’re sharing a few photos of the festivities here celebrating her 29 years of library service.
It was a very memorable party thanks to the hard work of several staff “party planners.” One of the nicest touches was the amusing retirement-related quotes by Gene Perret which decorated the tables:Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.
I enjoy waking up and not having to go to work. So I do it three or four times a day.
That’s when you return from work one day and say, “Hi, Honey. I’m home – forever.”
The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before your boss does.
Elida has already returned to the library on an extra help part time basis to keep everything running smoothly until her former position is filled. Even though she’s in the office temporarily, Elida is enjoying spending extra time with her husband and family. Her kindness and smile will be missed, but we wish her the best in retirement.
Roberta Barton, Headquarters
NEW FROM THE PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY
Chase’s Calendar of Events 2009 offers more than 12,000 entries detailing milestones, observances and other occasions to help you plan special events and campaigns.
Privacy and Confidentiality Issues by Theresa Chmara. This guide is set up in a frequently asked questions format to offer answers around First Amendment issues. Interspersed among the questions and answers are actual cour case studies.
Public Libraries and Internet Service Roles by Charles McClure and Paul Jaeger. Offers information discussing the importance of measuring and maximizing library service through Internet services, new and unique Internet-enabled service roles of public libraries, and selection and creation of Internet-enabled service roles.
More Family Storytimes by Rob Reid. Features stories, fingerplays, songs and movement activities to enhance the time families spend at the library.
Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson. Each chapter offers complete coverage of one aspect of collection development, including suggestions for further reading and a narrative case study exploring the issue.
Connecting Boys with Books by Michael Sullivan. Learn about the books boys love to read, uncover the signs that point to the reading gap, find creative new programming ideas to match boys' interests and establish a strategic blueprint for boys and reading.
Virtual Reference Best Practices by M. Kathleen Kern. Outlines the tools and decision-making process that will help you and your library evaluate, tailor and launch virtual reference services that are a perfect fit for your community.
Teen Spaces: The Step-by-Step Library Makeover by Kimberly Bolan. Provides step-by-step instructions and easy-to-use templates, the latest information on teen spaces policies, new ways to involve teens in the space-renovation process and updated tools, worksheets, instructions and vendor information.
Camille Turner, Headquarters
TECH TALK: INTERNET EXPLORER 7
Tech Support has been upgrading Public and Staff computers with the newest internet browsing software. IE7 is Microsoft’s newest version for surfing the web. There are a few changes in appearance as well as function and security. It took me a while to get used to the new browser but I gave it a chance and I’m really very happy with how it works. I’ll go over a few of the features to help you become more comfortable with the changes.
Getting Started – Staff & Public
IE7 in the Staff and Public profiles are preconfigured by Tech Support and will not need any further adjustments.
Getting Started – Personal Profile
When you log into your personal 3+4 profile you may be asked to set your preferences. Read instructions carefully and set things up the way you prefer with home pages, search providers, etc. Remember to save your settings or these same “set-up” pages will come up every time you open Internet Explorer. If you have questions while customizing your settings, contact Tech Support.
Tabs
The most noticeable change is the tabbed browsing. Now, you can open multiple Web pages without opening new windows, meaning your desktop stays pretty clean even if you have a dozen Web pages open at a time. And you will only see one Internet Explorer box open in the taskbar. The taskbar is at the bottom of the screen/desktop and shows the current programs in use. To open a new webpage, click on the New Tab and type in the address in the address bar at the top.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Quick Tabs
Try clicking on the Quick Tabs and
Tab List for a quick overview of all pages open.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
Closing a Web Page
To close a single Web page, click on the small X on the tab of that Web page. To close ALL the Web, pages, click on the X on the top right of the main Internet Explorer window.
Favorites
Saving a page to your Favorites allows you to easily go back and find your “favorite” and frequently visited sites. A page or set of tabbed pages can be added to your Favorites by clicking on the little gold stars on the top left.
Toolbar
The toolbar looks quite different in IE7 than in IE6. Everything that you’re used to using in IE6 is still there, but you may find it in a different place. Don’t hesitate to click around and see what’s there. The new toolbar is a bit more streamlined with lots of icons with more drop-down menus. I’ll briefly go over the icons and what you will find there.
(Click on image to enlarge.)
1. Home
Set or make changes to your Home Page. Your Home Page is the page that opens up when you first go on to the internet.
2. RSS
Short for Really Simple Syndication. RSS is a way to subscribe to a source of information, such as a Web site, and get brief updates delivered to you. This is not an application that most of us will use. If you want to know more about how RSS works, I suggest doing some research online. A good place to start is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss
3. Print
Clicking directly on the printer icon will send the page to the current default printer on the computer. You can click on the small down arrow for the usual options, Print, Print Preview and Page Setup. Contact Tech Support if your default printer is not set up correctly.
4. Page
The Page icon combines some features of the old File and View commands from previous versions of Internet Explorer. You can save a shortcut to the web page to a location of your choice, copy highlighted content, change font size and zoom in or out on the page. You can also send the page or a link in email from here, but the results are not reliable. I recommend copying the link and pasting it directly into an open Outlook message.
5. Tools
There is a host of nifty little tools here. You can click on Delete Browsing History to clean up your Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, History, Website Passwords, etc. You can set your browser to block or unblock pop-ups. This comes in handy when a site requires a pop-up for proper viewing. You can also customize your toolbar by adding, deleting and arranging icons exactly how you want them. Click on the Internet Options to set your Home Page preferences, select your search defaults and change how web pages are displayed in Tabs. Be careful before making any changes in the other tabbed sections. Changes made in areas other than the General section should be made by advanced users only. If you have questions about settings in these areas, contact Tech Support as they have preconfigured the defaults for optimal internet usage for Library staff.
6. Search Box
Quick and easy web searches can be done from this location with no need to open up another web page. To change your default search provider, click on the little arrow to the right of the magnifying glass, select Find More Providers and follow the directions.
Hopefully this information will help you to get the most from your new Internet Explorer 7. And don’t get too comfortable! Microsoft will undoubtedly come out with a newer version with more bells and whistles just about the time we have become familiar with version 7.
Jill Potter, Support Services
WARNING SIGNS OF A “BOOKAHOLIC”
- Have the library’s reserve phone number on speed dial.
- Resorts to reading cereal boxes when there are no books around the house.
- Never checks out less than three books.
- Starts removing the family photos off the shelves to make room for books.
- Can name the last three books read, but not what he/she ate for breakfast.
- Goes to the doctor and has already read all the magazines.
- Gets withdrawal when there’s nothing to read (usually happens on three-day public holidays when libraries are closed on Mondays).
- Can never be more than ten feet from a book.
- Will read past midnight just to finish off a good book.
- Lies about how many books he/she really owns (books stashed in closets or under the bed DO count.
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