New Technology @ your library

By Betsy O'Neil, Reference Librarian

July 26 , 2006

Changing technologies have become a part of our daily lives, and new gadgets and gizmos seem to be proliferating at an exponential rate. Libraries across the country are trying to stay current by continually updating their technology to better serve their patrons. Your Natrona County Public Library is no exception, and this summer we are implementing some exciting new services.

The Library is busier than ever before, and in effort to help you get in and out as efficiently as possible, we have installed a self-check out machine in the Children’s Department.  The machine automatically scans your card and checks out your materials. It’s very simple to use -- all you need to do is slide your books across the scanner. When you’re finished, the self-check out machine will print a receipt so you know when your materials are due.  Later this summer, a machine will be installed on the main floor, giving patrons the choice to use this express service if they wish.  Friendly staff is always nearby to help if you need assistance.  

 Movie and film showings are some of the most popular programs at the Library.  A new sound and projection system recently added to the Crawford Room makes watching a film almost like being at the theater. With surround sound filling the room, you’ll never have to worry about missing dialogue because it’s difficult to hear, and the new, bigger screen makes watching independent films with subtitles much easier to read.

Another great new service is free wireless Internet, also known Wi-Fi.  Just drop by with your laptop and wireless card and start surfing away.  You don’t even need to have a library card to connect to the Web this way!

Younger patrons can also enjoy their share of new technology.  Two new computers located near the Tech Center on the main floor are just for little ones.  The Peek-a-Book station introduces young readers to a variety of new picture books, giving them a preview of stories, characters, and pictures they will find within the pages, enticing them to check the books out.   The second computer is loaded with 26 different educational games designed to develop pre-math skills, as well as encourage reading.  Some of the games include Reader Rabbit, Millie’s Math House and USA Explorer.

Do you enjoy audiobooks and are looking for an easier way to listen to them? Beginning this fall, you can use your MP3 player to access thousands of audiobooks.  Through the Internet, you can find a virtual library of interesting titles anytime of the night or day, and download them, free of charge, to your home computer.  Then you can simply transfer the file to your MP3 player.  Visit NCPL’s website, www.natronacountylibrary.org and then click on the audiobook icon for more information on using this service.

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