NEW COMPUTERS FOR PUBLIC USE
From the Director’s DeskThe library will soon be
installing two new computers for patrons to use to access the
internet at the library. One of these terminals will go in the youth
room and the other will go in the computer room right behind the
reference desk. Thanks to the Friends, we are in a better position
to meet the high demand for the world of information that is out
there in cyberspace. We are very thankful that the Friends are also
supply the funds we need for the desks where those computers will be
located. This will take a month or two to get delivery and
installation accomplished. In the meantime, we hope to provide at
least some access with the three machines we currently have
available.
One of the biggest projects that has been anxiously awaited by
the staff over the past several months will be the final switch over
to new Library Network software. Patrons will be pleased to know
that they will only need to carry only one library card to use
several area libraries. It will be very important, especially as we
make the big change, to have your library card with you when you
come to the checkout desk. There will be a period when we will be
unable to look your name up in the database. We will upgrade your
“home” library card and put a sticker on it saying “the card to
use.” This sticker will show that your card is good in Agawam,
Springfield, Westfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, East Longmeadow,
Longmeadow, etc. In fact your card will be good in over 60 libraries
in Western and Central Massachusetts.
Other changes we hope patrons will like will be the ability to
easily see the items in all of the other libraries. Later on you
will be able to place a hold on those items for yourself at any
terminal that provides access. For instance, if you have a computer
at home and see an item you want you can place a reserve on it from
you home computer. You will also be able to see what you have
checked out on your card using your own PIN number from a PAC
terminal in the library or from access to the system from your home
library. Eventually you will be able to renew your books much the
same way. The computerized card catalog will look different and be
much better at searching than the previous system.
Please mark your calendar. The library will have to be closed to
the public in the evening on Monday, October 18 in order for the
final phase to be enabled. The library will be open from 9 to 5 that
day, but closed from 5 to 9 that night. The next morning, all new
systems will be go! All new things need a period of adjustment. We
hope you will bear with us as we put into effect all that we have
learned in our training over the past few months. We know you will
be pleased with the final result. For those of you who may be
worried – we will be Y2K compatible with this new system.
Barbara J. Morse
West Springfield Public Library
200
Park Street
West Springfield, MA 01089
Internet Computers are now available
at The Library!!
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