Technology @ your library

By Betsy O'Neil, Reference Librarian

February 23, 2005

Your Natrona County Public Library has been working hard to bring you the latest in new technology. From a state-of-the-art Technology Center to a fresh homepage, NCPL is getting fit for the 21 st century.

The recently completed Tech Center has 16 new computers, all of which are fully equipped with popular computer applications. On these computers you’ll find connections to the Internet and a full suite of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. In addition to standard floppy disk drives, readable/writable CD drives and USB flash drives are available for storing and accessing your documents.

A number of free computer classes are now offered in the Tech Center. These include hands-on, introductory classes on email, Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher, as well as online vacation planning, online library research and many more. For a complete schedule or to sign up for any of these classes, please call 237-4935 or stop by the library.

For those of you already connected to the Internet, you can access a number of library services, such as reserving items through the online catalog at NCPL’s website (www.natronacountylibrary.org). This is helpful when you’re at home and don’t want to come in to the library to browse for books, or when the item you are searching for is already checked out. You need only your library card number and PIN to place a request. When the item is available, we’ll give you a call or you can receive a notice by email – simply call or stop by a public service desk to request email notices. You can also log on to your library account through the online catalog to see what items you have checked out and to renew them, if necessary.

The library’s website is also your link to a number of databases. The databases are available to you free of charge by using your library card number and PIN. You can find full-text magazine and journal articles on many subjects through EBSCOHost and genealogical information through HeritageQuest and Ancestry Plus. NoveList is a great source for book reviews and recommendations. Students will appreciate the homework help available through Encyclopedia Britannica, eLibrary and other databases. Also accessible via the library’s website is Learn-A-Test, which is a great tool for practicing a variety of standardized tests, including the ACT, Postal Worker Exam and US Citizenship test.

Be on the look out for the library’s new website, which will be unveiled in the near future. Featuring a cutting-edge look and a user-friendly interface, the new website will simplify searching for books and DVDs from the homepage, as well as logging on to your account.

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