IM with no downloaded software!

Meebo is a web based IM that lets you log into your IM networks from any computer with a browser and internet connection with no firewall issues. It employs technologies (like AJAX) to make it act more like a desktop application, which dramatically improves usability. Many users enjoy the benefits of a native DHTML application, as it does not consume as many system resources as a Java applet (such as ICQ2Go or Yahoo Web Messenger).

A Day at the Games

Due to parents complaining we blocked gunbound.com and runescape.com for now. THOUGH! In June and (depending) in July we will be hosting an online game day for teens at the library. Both of the above sites will be unblocked and you can play to your hearts content!

HAVE FUN

IM for Reference

Instant Messaging has been extremely successful at many libraries across the country. Will it be that successful at our library? So far it hasn't been used too frequently, but that is mostly my fault.

SO

We'll maintain the service and add to it as needed.

On AOL our IM screen name is NCPL; on Yahoo it is sbatncpl2002.

I look forward to serving you soon.

SB

Why is MySpace.com blocked?

Easy, parents are in fear for the safety of their kids, it's just that simple. I realize and appreciate the fact that this new social networking stuff is fun, but we need to look at this a bit more closely.

Children need to be especially aware that there are preditors online just waiting for the chance for a child to screw-up and post their address etc. online. Are you aware of the number of sexual preditors even in our small community?

Follow this link for additional resources and reasons why we thought best to block MySpace.com:

Sorry, but until MySpace gets its act together it will be banned at the library.

Guestworker Programs

From Librarian's Index to the Internet

U.S. Department of Labor: Guestworker Programs
Overview and details about Department of Labor (DOL) "labor certifications for permanent and temporary employment" under programs such as permanent labor certification, and temporary labor certification (H-2A for seasonal agricultural work and H-2B for temporary non-agricultural work). Also includes material about President George W. Bush's 2003 "High Growth Job Training Initiative" and industries targeted by the initiative (such as aerospace, biotechnology, construction, and health care). From the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Family, Friends and Community: Teens and Technology

Copied from Librarian's Index to the Internet

"This is a discussion of the eight realities of technology and social experience that are shaping the world of today's teens and twenty-somethings. It looks at the growing role of technology in teens' lives, the way they use their gadgets, their expectations about how to find and use information, and the social consequences of their use of technology." Presented to the Public Library Association in March 2006. From the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Literary Map of Manhattan

This interactive map shows some of the places "where imaginary New Yorkers lived, worked, played, drank, walked and looked at ducks." View the locations on the map, or browse by author or title. Some of the almost 100 book titles represented include "The Invisible Man," "Harriet the Spy," "The Great Gatsby," and "James and the Giant Peach." From a 2005 New York Times Book Review feature.

Civil War site from the CIA

This illustrated report about intelligence activities in the U.S. Civil War provides "a look at some of the highlights of how the North and the South gathered and used their information, the important missions, and the personalities. From this special view, the focus is not on the battlefield, but on a battle of wits." Includes a list of suggested readings. From the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Read on

Termites in your mulch?

Not quite. Read on.

Indiana Genealogy

Genealogy is a popular hobby these days. As people age, they acquire a yearning to know who came before them. Have you ever considered searching for your roots but felt daunted by the entire process? The Indiana State Library offers a myriad of resources chock full of genealogical information, one of which is entitled "Getting Started" (http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/isl/indiana/genealogy/gennet/getstart.htm). This breaks down the process into manageable steps, guaranteed to pacify even the most intimidated.

After you've decided to search for your family's history, the next step is to visit the Library. The Genealogy Division offers a Family History Orientation Tour twice a month. This tour will acquaint you with valuable resources such as county records, census microfilm, family histories, Indiana newspapers, and more. This is your opportunity to discover where the materials are located in the Library so you can begin your research. Tour dates for 2006 have already been scheduled and are listed at the following Web address: http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/isl/whatwedo/events.html. To register for a free tour, please call (317) 232-3689.

Local Farmer's Markets and family farms

Click here to find a Farmer's Market local to the 46552 area

COOL new magazine at the New Carlisle Public Library

E Magazine

Now in its 16th year, E/The Environmental Magazine is a bimonthly “clearinghouse” of information, news and resources for people concerned about the environment who want to know “What can I do?” to make a difference. A 13-time Independent Press Awards winner and nominee, E is chock full of everything environmental -- from recycling to rainforests, and from the global village to our own backyards.

Published bimonthly by a staff of six full-time and two part-time employees (plus a steady stream of college interns), E reaches a national audience in a smartly designed full-color format, printed on recycled paper. Published by the nonprofit (501-c-3) Earth Action Network, Inc., E is independent of any membership organization and has no agenda to promote except that of our very diverse and dynamic movement as a whole.

Gas prices

No one is immune from high fuel costs. It is interesting to keep a solid perspective though. What about the current price of gasoline in Great Britain

Something I have yet to see, since we are obviously "addicted to oil" is anything to do with actual conservation. Here in Indiana we have recently increased the speed limit on many of our highways. Some of us who remember the long gas lines of the 70's remember the shortages quite well, we remember the reduction in the national speed speed limit from 65 to 55, we remember the President of the United States turning DOWN the heat to 68!

I don't care to pay the high prices either, but we need to keep in mind that the day will come that we will be forced to conserve!