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NEW COMPUTER SERVICES AT THE WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The WSPL is pleased to announce several new and enhanced computer services for our patrons. The library has recently upgraded its word processing computers. In our E.C.C. (Education and Career Center), we have two brand new PC's for public use. The computers run on Windows 95 and contain Word 97, Excel 97 and WordPerfect version 6.0. In our Youthroom, we have two Apple MacIntosh computers that contain ClarisWorks. These word processing computers can be used on a drop-in basis, or may be reserved in advance for up to a two-hour period of time by calling the reference desk for Word or WordPerfect or the Youthroom office for ClarisWorks. Our word processing computers are intended for independent use, so library staff can not provide in-depth training or software instruction. The library has many books to assist you in learning a word processing program.
Additionally, the library now offers CD-ROM products including magazine indices, reference databases and multimedia encyclopedias on four computers. These computers are available on a first-come, first served basis with a half-hour time limit. Among the software tiles currently available are:

BOOKSHELF: A collection of many different reference books for your quick reference needs. Features include a dictionary, thesaurus, quotations, encyclopedia, atlas, almanac and an Internet directory.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE SUMMARY: Large collection of magazine articles. Best for searching current events. Most searching will provide you with article summaries, but some will have the full-text available on-screen. It will also indicate whether the WEST SPRINGFIELD LIBRARY subscribes to a particular magazine.

RESEARCHER: The Social Issues Resource Series contains thousands of articles from the S.I.R.S series of publications. This database covers a wide range of social, scientific, economic, political, and business issues from over 800 publications.


SCRIBNER’S WRITERS SERIES: Extensive on-line version of the Scribner’s series for authors, poets, essayist, etc. The database contains full-text articles about hundreds of world-renowned writers.
DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY: Records the life of 19,186 individuals who made significant contributions to American life. Full-text articles are available.

ISAAC ASIMOV’S INNER PLANETS: Multi-media presentation of the first four planets of our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. Also includes an encyclopedia and a detailed biography of Isaac Asimov.

ISAAC ASIMOV’S OUTER PLANETS: This database has the same format as the Inner Planets, but features Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Both contain detailed descriptions of each planet as well as a quiz to test your knowledge!

U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES: Comprehensive encyclopedia featuring reports on 1,000 species of plants and animals by state AND by scientific names. Presents interactive and insightful explanations.

ENCARTA: In-depth coverage of thousands of subjects. Includes multimedia activities, on-line features, and informative articles.

WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA: Comprehensive collection of interactive encyclopedia articles.

CHILDREN’S ENCYCLOPEDIA: An interactive on-line encyclopedia that contains audio-visual presentations of nature, culture, history, science, and much, much more.

A.D.A.M: (available only in Youth Room) Contains information on anatomy and physiology, biology, human development, and physical education.

For all of our computers, the first five pages you print are free. The charge per page for every page after the first five is ten cents per page.

Internet Computers are now available at The Library!!