$5,000 LSTA Grant awarded to NCPL

$5,000 Grant Awarded to New Carlisle Library

Stephen Boggs, Director of the New Carlisle Library, announced that the Library has been selected to receive a Technology Mini-Grant of $5,000. This grant is managed by the Indiana State Library. The grant proposal stated that even though elementary school students are computer savvy, their knowledge of good Internet search skills and using the Internet to do things other than play games is lacking.

The program will arrange for the 6th grade classes to attend a workshop custom tailored to support the 6th grade curriculum at all New Prairie United School Corporation Elementary schools. Students will be taught basic search skills on the Internet and how to cite resources used from the Internet in their research papers. Students will also be trained how to use the library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and OPACs of other libraries.

Total funds available for this particular grant totaled $294,530 while total grant requests were $432,611. Grant funds will help purchase additional laptop computers to be used for the program.

Yes, we are wireless

You wouldn't think that a small library in rural Northern Indiana would be offering 21st century services, but SMALL LIBRARIES ROCK!

We have both "a" and "g" wireless free to our patrons. If your laptop is wireless enabled you shouldn't have to do more than turn on your computer, well, at least that's how it is supposed to work. Sometimes we can help you establish a connection to our network which will gain you access to our T-1 line! (SWEET)

We also have laptops for patrons to use, though patrons need to be over 18 and have a valid identification!

USB FLASH DRIVES

A few months ago we switched some of the keyboards in the reference department. These new keyboards are USB compatible and you can bring in your Flash Drive to save, edit, save again and e-mail anything you are working on. Just plug and play!

What's a Flash Drive? I took this from : http://www.usbflashdrive.org/
"USB flash drives are compact and easy-to-use devices that are similar in use to your computer hard drive. USB flash drives slip into your pocket, conveniently around your neck or on a keychain for ultimate portable storage. USB flash drives finally fulfill the real promise of the digital age: complete freedom and mobility."

Instant Messaging

Attended a SUPERB workshop in Kokomo, Indiana last Wednesday, April 6, 2005 entitled "Reinventing your Library." Sponsored by INCOLSA it was led by Michael Stephens of the St. Joseph County Public Library and Dan and Sharon Wiseman of Wiseman Consulting.

One of the biggest things I took away from the workshop was Instant Messaging for public libraries and blogs. So this morning I signed-up for an additional AOL instant messaging account and also one for Yahoo and MSN. Go to the New Carlisle Public Library's website at www.ncpl.info for more info for our Instant Messaging screen names.

I'm not quite sure what all will be included in this blog, but if nothing else I'm going to learn loads and hopefuly have some fun while I'm doing it.

all the best sb