new carlisle public library

Get yourself organized.

2009-06-18T09:59:00.003-05:00

For me it's a neverending task, and for others it just comes naturally. We used to use a thing called a Rolodex (R) that helped organize names, birthdays, account numbers etc. There's a new bit of software out called AZZ Cardfile. WOW. Major league handy and well worth at least an investigation. With Windows 3.1 we had a simple cardfile.exe and it was good, but indeed had limitations. AZZ Cardfile has so much more and requires minimal system resources. It can even (following the directions of course) open your old Windows Cardfile files.

General information for the program is here: http://www.azzcardfile.com/

Download etc. from here: http://www.azzcardfile.com/download.html

Certainly let me know what you think and I'll begin to share tons of information about other very useful programs we use here at NCPL, many are free!

Severe Weather prepardness

2009-03-20T14:41:00.002-05:00

It's pointless for me to retype what I've already found, so I'll just include the links and you can follow them. Be prepared, not scared.

http://www.ncpl.info/publicity/tornado%20safety.pdf

http://www.ncpl.info/publicity/tornado_preparedness_student_guidelines.pdf

HOOK AND NEEDLE LADIES AT HOMETOWN DAYS

2008-05-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

Watch for our Hook and Needle Ladies at the Library Booth during Hometown Days on July 25 - 27. The celebration takes place in Memorial Park just west of the Downtown!

FOOD FOR FINES

2008-05-28T12:40:00.001-05:00

JUNE is "FOOD FOR FINES" month at the Library. Bring in one (1) non-perishable food item and receive $1.00 credit for each overdue item. Out-dated food items cannot be accepted. This special does not apply to lost book fees, but if you return lost books during June, the fine will be forgiven depending on the amount of food given. If you have any questions call the library at (574) 654-3046 or e-mail the Director at sboggs@ncpl.lib.in.us

FOOD FOR FINES

2008-05-28T12:40:00.000-05:00

JUNE is "FOOD FOR FINES" month at the Library. Bring in one (1) non-parishable food item and receive $1.00 credit for each overdue item. Out-dated food items cannot be accepted. This special does not apply to lost book fees, but if you return lost books during June, the fine will be forgiven depending on the amount of food given. If you have any questions call the library at (574) 654-3046 or e-mail the Director at sboggs@ncpl.lib.in.us

Summer Reading Program 2008

2008-05-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

CATCH THE READING BUG

New Carlisle Public Library's Summer Reading Program is for all Elementary school age children. SIGN-UP AS SOON AS SCHOOL IS OUT! You can earn prizes, trophies and food certificates from Meyer's Ice Cream Shop. Special activities include cooking, crafts and nature shows every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Town Time).

Disaster prepardness -- earthquakes

2008-05-14T09:39:00.000-05:00

I realize we are, sometimes, in "Tornado Alley", but with the shaking in southern Illinois a month or so back I though a bit of preparedness might be in order.

DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON are the key points to remember.

Following is what is posted on the American Red Cross site under "Earthquake."

Earthquake Versión en Español

(PDF File)

Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan

* Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
* Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
* Choose an out-of-town family contact.
* Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
* Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
* Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
* Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Eliminate Hazards, Including--

* Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
* Installing strong latches on cupboards.
* Strapping the water heater to wall studs.

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car, Including--

* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person.
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
* Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Know What to Do When the Shaking Begins

* DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
* If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
* If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
* If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Identify What to Do After the Shaking Stops

* Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
* Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
* Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
* Listen to the radio for instructions.
* Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
* Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
* Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:

* "Are You Ready for a Fire?" (ARC 4456)
* "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
* "Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)

Materials for Children:

* "Be Ready 1-2-3" involves puppets who give important safety information to children ages 3-8 about residential fire safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
* "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish (PDF File)) for children ages 3-10.
* "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
* "After the Quake" Coloring Book (ARC 2201, English, or ARC 2201S, Spanish)

And remember . . . when an earthquake, tornado, flood, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. For more information, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.

If you would like permission to use the information about earthquakes on this page in a newsletter or other publication, or on your Website, please click here.

Consolidation article from The Farmer's Exchange

2008-05-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Appeared on page 4, of the Friday, April 25, 2008 issue.

Click here to view article

Public Forum on Property Tax "reform"

2008-05-12T10:03:00.000-05:00

Direct Link to Article

Article published May 12, 2008
If you go
The Common Council's public meeting on House Bill 1001 will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Recital Hall of Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend.
For more information, contact the city clerk's office at (574) 235-9221.

Public forum on Indiana property tax reform scheduled
Ripple effects of House Bill 1001 starting to show.

JAMIE LOO
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Property tax bills may be lower and sales tax is up, but those aren't the only things that will change in the future because of the Indiana General Assembly.

On Thursday, the public will have a chance to find out the full effects of House Bill 1001 and talk to government officials about the impact. House Bill 1001 is the property tax relief legislation passed by the General Assembly during the last session.

South Bend Common Council will host the meeting at Century Center, and the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns will give the presentation. A question-and-answer period will follow. Officials from South Bend, St. Joseph County, Mishawaka and the county townships have been invited.

The ripple effects of House Bill 1001 are starting to show, as local officials look for ways to trim budgets and comply with the roughly 550-page law. Here are a few ways the law has affected the community so far:

# The state sales tax increased 1 percent at the beginning of April. The money from the increase is meant to be used for property tax relief.
# The St. Joseph County Public Library is closing all of its branches on Saturdays this summer. The library board also has approved a $300,000 reduction in purchases of new books and other materials in its 2008-2009 budget.

# The St. Joseph County assessor's office has been busy preparing to take on township assessing duties. Most of the township assessors in St. Joseph County will be eliminated by July 1. Voters will get to decide whether to keep the Portage and Penn assessors in a referendum in November, because both townships have at least 15,000 parcels.

Local officials say that House Bill 1001 will severely affect services such as public safety, schools and libraries. All of the taxing units combined in St. Joseph County could lose an estimated $34.6 million over the next two years.

Staff writer Jamie Loo:
jloo@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6337

Victory against high food prices

2008-05-02T11:00:00.001-05:00

Well...so much for this year's budget. After going through Aldi's and Nic's I've noticed that the balance of the monthly budget isn't in too good a shape. Later in the evening I was doing my normal wanderings about the Net and stumbled upon this quote: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Who knows why, or how, but this lead me to remember the Liberty Gardens of World War I and the Victory Gardens of World War II

As usual we in the States have very short memories (some of us anyway) and have not remembered or listened to those who went through times of food and fuel rationing. My point is we have tons of resources at our disposal for small plot gardens, container gardens etc. Who knows...maybe we'll have a Victory Garden here at the Library in the near future.

Following are links of interest:

http://www.earthlypursuits.com/VictoryGardHandbook/VGHv.htm

http://www.victoryseeds.com/TheVictoryGarden/

http://sidewalksprouts.wordpress.com/history/wwii/

Excellent Flickr.com site
http://www.flickr.com/photos/asparagirl/12282607/in/set-299772/

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001081.tip.html

http://www.lightwatcher.com/peace_gardens/peace_gardens.html

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/11/victory_garden_kits.html

http://www.homestead.org/

Indiana Libraries are not alone in the fight against consolidation

2008-04-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

I am preparing to meet with State Senators and Representatives regarding my opinion about library consolidation.

It seems that a few of our friends in New York are also gearing up to retain local control of their public libraries. In my research I have found that they have some excellent ideas about inter-library cooperation that deserve serious investigation.

http://www.nassaulibrary.org/baldwin/consolidation.htm

http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2007/11/library_consolidation.html

Because Democracy is not a Spectator Sport

2008-04-28T13:15:00.000-05:00

We are EXTREMELY fortunate to have a St. Joseph County Chapter of the League of Women Voters! DO visit their site for voting information.

Organic Food with Community Support

2008-04-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4/23/08

For more information contact:

North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

(402) 472-7081

www.sare.org/ncrsare

ncrsare@umn.edu

Organic Food with Community Support

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ventures are relatively new in the United States, and not much is known about designing them for rural areas. That is until now.

Thanks to a North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) grant, Michael Hollcraft of New Carlisle, Indiana plans to test develop an organic CSA marketing model that is convenient for rural consumers and profitable for farmers.

CSAs allow members of the community to become shareholders in a farming operation in return for fresh produce. This provides fresh local food for the shareholder and helps the farmer cover the upfront production expenses. Shareholders also help share the risks of farming when weather or other difficulties arise.

Hollcraft will use his sustainable agriculture grant to explore the best way to operate an organic CSA in a rural community. He will conduct market research to determine consumer food preferences and price points, which membership options work best, and customers’ willingness to use the Internet for membership payments and placing orders.

For more information or to participate in the upcoming CSA Marketing Survey, you may contact Michael Hollcraft at SundanceFarmsCSA@live.com and/or (574) 993-3008.

Hollcraft plans to look at other CSA operations to determine which practices work well, and how he can improve upon them. He also plans to do a literature search to uncover Best Practices for creating a profitable, organic CSA. Hollcraft explains that a Best Practice is a technique or practice that, through experience and research, has been proven to reliably lead to a desired result.

Once the research is done, Hollcraft will put together fact sheets that can be used by other producers who are facing the same marketing problems he faces. He will also offer to share his expertise on the subject through workshops and Extension events.

Research results of all past NCR-SARE funded projects can be reviewed on the national SARE web site located at http://www.sare.org by clicking on the Project Reports tab. For individuals looking to do their own on-farm research projects, more information is available at the North Central Region web site located at http://www.sare.org/ncrsare.

"Wander" Indiana!

2008-04-28T12:56:00.001-05:00

Remember that slogan from what seems to be a million years ago??? I guess alot of people complained (what's new?), but I liked the television ad with the old Studebaker cruising around.

Anyway...back on point...here's a fantastic link for "wandering" around Indiana:
http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/travel/brochures.aspx

I've shamelessly stolen the following from the Indiana State Library:

PLAN YOUR OWN INDIANA ADVENTURE

Thinking about vacationing close to home this spring and summer? Hiking, bicycling, camping, sight-seeing, road rallies…whatever your pleasure, Indiana has it. To start planning an Indiana-based trip, visit the Office of Tourism’s brochure page. Travel brochures are available for order without charge. Be sure to request a Play Pack for coupons and package deals for travel all over the state. The Travel Guide is available to download for immediate use. Also be sure to take a look at the Visit Indiana page on Flickr.com to see and comment on photos of some of the state’s best known destinations.

The Department of Natural Resources website has a new look, and you can still find all the information you need to plan a trip to any of the state’s 24 state parks, 9 reservoirs or dozens of recreation trails. The State Park Division website links visitors to maps of the parks, information about camping and Inn facilities, and admission information. The Outdoor Recreation Division Trails Inventory provides information about hiking, biking, horseback, wheelchair accessible and many other types of trails. Users can view a list of trails by activity or use the interactive map to find a trail that matches their interests. Information on canoeing, off-roading and skiing is also available from the Outdoor Recreation Division.

If visiting the state’s many historic sights is what you prefer, visit the Indiana Historical Bureau’s Historical Marker Program website to find historic locations by topic or by county.

Older tour guides can be useful even today. The State Library owns publications called “Indiana fuel-saving trips and tips: scenicircle drives” which describe driving routes planned to use a minimum of gas for a maximum of scenic enjoyment and educational interest. Some information, such as admission prices, may not be up-to-date, but fuel economy never goes out of style. Contact the Indiana Division of the Indiana State Library for information from this resource. Another way to see the state by car is to participate in one of DNR’s 2008 Road Rallies. Find more information about these events and see photos from previous years’ rallies at the Indiana Road Rally website.

Wherever you go, enjoy the roadside wildflowers. INDOT’s native flower plantings are designed to require minimal maintenance, cost less and beautify the state’s highways. Visit the INDOT Hoosier Roadside Heritage Program website to learn more about the program and take a survey to let INDOT know what you think.

Indiana Office of Tourism travel brochures: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/travel/brochures.aspx
Visit Indiana on Flickr.com: http://flickr.com/photos/visitindiana/
DNR State Parks: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/index.htm
DNR Outdoor Recreation Division: http://www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/index.htm
Indiana Historical Bureau Marker Program: http://www.in.gov/history/2450.htm
Indiana Road Rally: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/12680.htm
INDOT Roadside Heritage Program: http://www.in.gov/indot/7291.htm

IND 917.72 I385s

If you really want to save money, use the clothesline behind your house! Why pay to use gas/electric when it's free outside. If you are in one of those subdivisions that snub their noses at clotheslines, you'd better get that rule changed!

Still open Saturdays...for now.

2008-04-28T12:26:00.001-05:00

Our Friends at the St. Joseph County Public Library are being forced to close on Saturdays due to projected budget shortfalls. OUCH. Saturdays are sometimes the only days for working people to visit the library. This was definitely NOT the fault of SJCPL, this is the fault of HB 1001 and the effect it will have on public libraries all across the state.

The link below with generate a .pdf file. The word "credit" should read "lost funds."

Circuit Breaker effect on Indiana Municipalities and Libraries

Standard "SNAFU" for property tax bills

2008-04-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

The South Bend Tribune reported in an article dated April 23, 2008 that tax bills for a majority of Indiana Counties will be delayed due to reassessment and the carry-over from last year. The article reported this will cost Marion County between $30 and $50 million.

At the moment NCPL is on okay financial ground. Just how long this last is anyone's guess. We have yet to receive our approval for our 2008 budgets (we received approval for our 2007 budgets late in 2007). We have enough for our June mortgage payment, but paying the December payment could be dicey. Article is here (archived after 7 days): http://southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/NEWS01/762493560

2007: perfect storm for Indiana property taxes

2008-03-28T08:59:00.000-05:00

Posted by permission. A link to the original article is included.

http://www.bizactions.com/index.cfm/ba/e105/fa/80532879G1424J1063652P0P10074638T0/

2007: The "Perfect Storm" for Property Taxes

By Gary Malone, CPA, Executive Partner

Second in a series of articles about Indiana's property tax changes.

Some characterize 2007 as the "perfect storm" for property tax. Just as colliding weather fronts stir up spring tornados in Indiana, trending, reduced property tax credits, shifting of tax burden to homeowners, elimination of the inventory tax, overall reductions in assessed value all hit at the same time - and measures enacted to provide tax relief had not yet taken effect to calm the storm.

When "trending," the annual adjustment of assessed values to adjust for changing market values, kicked in with 2007 tax bills, six years' worth of market price inflation (from 1999 to 2005) increased homeowners' assessments all at once. Going forward from 2007 these adjustments will happen annually - and hopefully more gradually. But if you got "sticker shock" with your home's assessment in your taxes payable in 2007, you didn't care. You just wanted relief.

At the same time trending sticker shock hit, a cap on the growth of property tax relief enacted in the 2005 General Assembly became effective.

The result was a 24% increase in the average homeowner's property tax bill.

What exactly made up that 24% increase? While some blame property tax increases on out-of-control spending by local governments and schools, local government increases averaged 6%, while changes enacted by the General Assembly make up the remaining 18% of the average residential property tax increase. According to analysis by Dr. Lawrence DeBoer, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University:

10%	Is due to trending from 1999 to 2005 prices (and a possible business trending error)
4%	Is due to elimination of the inventory tax in 51 counties that had not already done so
4%	Is due to the cap on state property tax relief
6%	Is due to increases in local government tax collections
24%	(TOTAL) Average increase in homeowner property taxes (before rebate)

Growth in Indiana's property tax base has been stagnant since 2002, partially because of changes in property tax legislation since 2002. These changes include: automatic investment deductions, reduction in minimum assessment values for abated equipment, elimination of business inventory from assessments, reduced assessments of agricultural land and increases in homestead exemptions.

As a result, total assessed values increased an average of less than 1% annually from 2003 through 2006. When property assessments do not grow as quickly as property tax levies, tax rates increase.

Equally important in explaining homeowners' tax increases, the changes in the property tax base shifted the majority of the property tax burden from businesses to homeowners. While the six-year difference in tax responsibility for homeowners is "only" 12% (from 39 to 51%), in actuality it represents a 31% increase in homeowners' share of the property tax responsibility.

Shift in Property Tax Responsibility
Property Type	2001	2007	% Change
Residential	39%	51%	+31%
Business Real	34%	33%	-3%
Business Personal	27%	16%	-41%
Source: Central Indiana Corporate Partnership

Enacted remedies hadn't gone into effect for 2007

The General Assembly enacted legislation in 2007 allowing local governments to create new local option income taxes to reduce the dependence on property taxes, and at least ten counties have adopted some of these property tax replacement taxes. But the new local option income taxes adopted in 2007 won't reduce property taxes until 2008; too late to provide property tax relief in 2007.

The General Assembly also enacted $300 million in supplemental homestead credits. Funded by "racino" payments, the credits were not distributed to counties until November 2007 and are only now being distributed to homeowners. The effect will reduce the 24% average residential property tax increase to 8%. But homeowners' were unable to enjoy that relief this past summer.

The General Assembly enacted property tax caps - known as Circuit Breaker tax credits - in both the 2006 and 2007 sessions, but those caps were not yet in effect for 2007.

Unfortunately, these enacted remedies may have been sufficient to address many of the public's concerns. They were simply too late in coming.

What lies ahead?

Can lawmakers' tax plans produce sufficient relief for property taxpayers without drastically reducing funds for local services? It is a difficult balance.

The current session will change the Circuit Breaker credits yet again. Circuit Breaker credits enacted in House Bill 1001 expand the credits through 2010 to 1% for residential homesteads, 2% for residential rental property and 3% for all other property taxpayers. The expanded Circuit Breaker credits may produce more than $500 million in property tax relief for taxpayers by 2010, but they will reduce annual income for cities, towns and special units by $244 million, for school corporations by $159 million and for counties by $74 million.

Also under HB 1001:

Certain school funds, pre-1977 police and fire pensions, and county child welfare funds would move from local property tax to state levies
Property tax replacement credits and state homestead credits would be eliminated
State sales tax would increase from 6% to 7%
New rules for the issuance of debt

HB 1001 contains a very new approach to funding local governments and schools. It is the most comprehensive change since Governor Bowen's property tax reform efforts in the 1970's and will take all of us quite some time to fully understand its long-term effects.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at footnotes@umbaugh.com.

In an upcoming issue: What the General Assembly passed in 2008 and what it means for local governments and schools.

Nuts!

2008-03-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

$4.00 / gallon for gas (say some) come spring and my truck gets 10 mpg. PFUI. I'm not getting rid of it. I'll just do better in other ways like...

http://www.momadvice.com/index.aspx

http://www.frugalhacks.com/

http://cleaningrecipes.blogspot.com/ -- ALWAYS USE CARE WHEN MIXING ANY CHEMICALS

DO look at the additional links that are provided.

HEH! What'd you change now?

2008-03-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

You will find our adult fiction section "under construction".  We
are beginning to categorize the fiction by genre. As you wander down the
adult side of the library, on the left you will find Inspirational
fiction followed by Romance. In the coming months, other genre will
follow: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Classics, Fiction, Adventure,
Suspense, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. Each genre is
easily identified by a colorful label on the spine. We hope this will
allow you to locate your favorite type of fiction easily and explore
other authors within the genres.

The non-fiction on the adult side will begin to sport some colorful
labels, as well. In the coming months, we will highlight subject areas
such as politics, health, religion, history, literature, animals, etc.
This will allow you to quickly locate the material you are looking for
and perhaps draw attention to something that may interest you.

We are excited about these changes and hope they will make your
reading more pleasurable and your research more productive. As always,
please ask if you need any help or direction.

FREE OPEN SOURCE PROGRAMS FOR HOME!!!

2008-03-05T10:19:00.001-05:00

Talk about saving $$$$$$$$

http://whdb.com/2008/the-top-50-proprietary-programs-that-drive-you-crazy-and-their-open-source-alternatives/

Gas Buddy

2008-03-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.fox28.com/gasbuddy/

Excellent online learning games

2008-03-05T09:30:00.001-05:00

But you'll need to turn off the pop-blocker.

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/

A common problem...

2008-03-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

You are at the library and it's closing time. You have just finished the first draft of your paper and now the librarians are kicking you out? You have no money for a floppy drive let alone a flash drive. That's bad enough, but you were working with a word processor that you don't have on your home computer? WHAT DO YOU DO???????

Easy. Use Google Docs. It's an extremely easy to use word processor and spreadsheet that is available online. Work on what you need to here at the library, then go home and put those fantastic ideas to "ink" at 2:30 in the a.m. using Google Docs.

More here: http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html

You never know what you'll find here!

Protect yourself from online hazards.

2008-03-05T09:21:00.001-05:00

http://onguardonline.gov/index.html

Read to stay in shape?

2008-03-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

We have a "weighty" collection of weight loss and exercise books.

OR TRY

http://www.in.gov/inshape/

Saving Money $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

2008-03-05T09:07:00.002-05:00

Are you feeling the financial pinch? If you aren't, you should feel blessed. For the rest of us rising gas prices, food prices, insurance and taxes are taking a heavy toll on the family budget.

How can YOUR library help? It is a well known fact that: "Libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will not get you through times of no Libraries".

Did you realize that we DO NOT CHARGE for borrowing DVDs? If we do not happen to have a particular title that you would like, JUST ASK!

Looking for a book or magazine title that we don't have? JUST ASK. Why spend the money at the retail chains when you can borrow it here for FREE?

Need a different or new car? Prove to yourself that you can afford the payments or the lease payments. This GMAC affordability calculator could save you extreme pain in buyer's remorse: GMAC FINANCIAL TOOLS

Need to really cut that budget? How much are you paying for your Internet connection? We have plenty of computers and even more laptops for you to use in-house for free! You are exactly right about the convenience of your own connection, but it's at least a $40 / month savings. Plus we have FREE WI-FI.

Don't worry about the same old tired recipes, just check our COOKING section for tons of fantastic cooking ideas.

You never know what you'll find here!

What you need to know...be ready for tornadoes etc.

2008-03-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Tornado preparedness: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html

Tornadoes and more: http://www.ready.gov/

List of our magazine subscriptions is now available.

2008-03-05T08:23:00.000-05:00

http://ncpl.info/materials/magazines.pdf

ICE

2008-03-05T08:19:00.001-05:00

ICE campaign - "In Case of Emergency"

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its

memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers

belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the

people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to

call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the

contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency)

Campaign.

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of

contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the

majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a

contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under

the name "ICE" (In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went

to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients,

but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it

would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this

purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and

hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing

the number you have stored as "ICE".

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3,

etc. Be sure it's in your kid's cell phones also. A great idea that will

make a difference!

Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before

everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a

loved one's mind at rest.

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our

Mobile phones today!

A "Blast from the Past"

2008-03-05T07:46:00.000-05:00

Some have made fun of me for sticking with the cardfile.exe program that came with Windows 3.1 I liked it, it still worked and I didn't see any reason to get rid of it. BUT. Along came Windows Vista and it doesn't seem to like too many older programs.

I have searched for at least six months to find an equitable program. Some were overpriced, some weren't small enough and others failed miserably when it came time to use them with Vista (I still haven't found one that works with the IMAC yet).

Then I stumbled upon a little program called azzcardfile. It's small (doesn't monopolize system memory), does what I need and it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles. Try it at:
http://www.azzcardfile.com/

There's also a really good help file that lets you know (that is if you read the Help files) that you need to export your current .lst file into one that is 3.0 compatible. Then create a new file in azzcardfile and select import.

Save Our Small Public Libraries

2007-10-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

I have set-up a new blog at: http://sospl.blogspot.com/ that deals with possible consolidation issues of public libraries in Indiana. This is a personal blog and has no official link with the Public Library's blog.

Public Library Consolidation

2007-10-04T10:21:00.000-05:00

Very soon our local library may well be swallowed and consolidated into a larger system. I appreciate the economic factors that are driving this, but when will people understand that the human factor also needs to be considered.

Many at the legislative level need to be made aware of the costs that will be involved in consolidating public libraries. All the legislators have heard so far is the unproven end result of saving money, whereas this may be far from the truth.

More later.

Believe it or not.

2007-03-29T08:44:00.000-05:00

This is a clip from CBSNEWS.COM about how libraries have reinvented themselves. Maybe the rest of the world didn't know it, but we were thinking about this in 1996 and did something about it in 2002 when we opened the doors to your new library. A high speed connection is required to view this video. http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2600210n

Photo and document scanning is now available at the Reference Desk.

2007-02-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

We are always looking for more ways to provide as many services as we can offer, (I prefer for our Patrons/Customers to be as spoiled as possible).

Now we have purchased an HP 5610 All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Copier. The unit does a very good job scanning photographs etc., but its strong point (in my humble opinion) is to take a document and save it in a .PDF format. It will do OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and save it into a text file, but the print needs to be quite clear on the original document or the scan spits out garbage.

Just ask for this service at the Reference Desk. If no one is there to assist you, please inquire about it at the Front Desk.

Online fuel economy guide.

2007-02-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

How to Avoid Colloquial (Informal) Writing

2007-02-26T13:38:00.000-05:00

WikiHow

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW FOREIGN FILM SERIES

2007-02-22T09:38:00.000-05:00

And best of all it's free! Click here for more details.

Laura Elliott -- a presentation on expressing yourself through art

2007-02-21T13:05:00.000-05:00

Follow this link

2006 Annual Report for NCPL

2007-02-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

The report is available here. We definitely made our goal for 2006, but there were some parts of the library (books and the like) that were not used as much as I had hoped. It is definitely difficult to purchase materials with such a diverse amount of titles available. This also doesn't take into consideration the vast amount of information that is quickly available on the Internet and the fact that many of the 13,000 people who used the public computers probably found their information online versus what we have in hard copy.

(side note) We just received a post card from a staff member in Florida. She went to use the computers at the library there (town is about 20,000+) and their library only has three public access computers compared to the 18 that we have for our patrons. (Did you know that we also have laptops available to you on request and that you can use them anywhere in the library with our wireless network?)

DO REMEMBER that patron requests are ALWAYS put at the top of the list and 99% of those requests are purchased. If a title is really obscure and/or uber expensive, we'll consider it, but chances are we'll get it for you through Inter-Library loan (still free of charge to our patrons).

Some changes really stood out, like the decrease for the children's department. Upon investigation we also found that in 2006 we stopped double checking in items (double checking in was a good check for us, but it also skewed our statistics). So we stopped doing that and it shows in our stats.

Financially we are in better shape than many libraries our size (and even a few larger ones). Our budget is fully funded for 2007 and we'll just have to "suck-it-up" in 2008 when the Circuit Breaker kicks in and slaughters budgets for libraries, municipalities and schools.

Gross usage of the library was counted at 190,936 (all book circulation, dvds, patron attendance at programs etc.) compared to 60,000 when we were at the old building. It's nice to see that the community is taking good advantage of the resources that we provide.

LOCAL FOOD PANTRY NEEDS HELP FROM THE COMMUNITY

2007-02-21T09:32:00.000-05:00

The New Carlisle Food Pantry is in need of donations. From
February 18 thru March 3 we will be collecting donations. There will be
two boxes, one for staff and one for the community. We'll see which one
collects the most. Please tell your friends and family about
this and lets see how much we can collect.

Also, during this time we will have food for fines. One food item for
each dollar of fines (from items returned late...not fines already
incurred).

How the new Circuit Breaker law may affect the New Carlisle Public Library.

2007-02-20T18:09:00.000-05:00

For the 2007 budget year our budget is funded, but such may not be the case for 2008 and beyond. The Circuit Breaker law, while well intentioned, may doom some of our programs and services not to mention for those of municipalities and school corporations.

Circuit Breaker will cap the amount of taxes collected from property owners at 2 percent of the net assessed value of their property. The problem is that libraries, municipalities and schools will not be able to replace the funds lost and will need to further reduce already shrinking budgets.

I will do my best to keep our patrons apprised of the situation. For additional information you may follow this Google link to articles that have been published in the South Bend Tribune. The library has an online account with the South Bend Tribune, so you may want to perform the search from here in the library. Article link.

Netlibrary.com (downloadable audiobooks issues)

2007-02-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

Problems acquiring the license for downloaded content seem to be on the rise. A work-around is to return to the Netlibrary.com site, login and then click on the title that you downloaded. THEN (about the 3rd line down) click on RENEW. So far that has seemed to help.

Please e-mail me at sboggs@ncpl.info as well if you are experiencing problems.

ALSO THIS INFORMATION FROM NETLIBRARY.COM

Can you please have the patrons call us directly so we can work with them on a individual basis. Phone: 1-800-848-5800

 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m EST M-F or email: support@oclc.org.   We need to know how the patrons are connecting to

 NetLibrary by first going through the library's website or going directly to NetLibrary 

Have you tried downloading and acquiring license for eAudiobooks? If so are you having the same problem as the patrons?

What type OS they are using? (Windows XP SP2?)

What type of PC player are they using? (Windows Media Player 9 or higher?)

Do they have any pop-up blockers enabled?

OCLC Customer Support strives to ensure the support we provide meets your needs. Your feedback is very important to us.

Please reply to this message to confirm that your needs have been met or to request further assistance.

Using "Reply" will retain the Service Request number in the subject line, enabling our system to handle your

message correctly.

Time change on March 11

2007-02-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Daylight Saving Time

USA - United States of America from 2007

FROM 2007: Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March. Time will revert to standard time at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.

http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.us/daylight-saving-time/usa/dst-2007.htm

NEW ONLINE DATABASES FOR NCPL

2007-02-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

And free...for our patrons at least. We budgeted $5,000 for online databases and here are the ones that were selected: World Book Online, Reader's Advisor, Thompson-Gale Legal Forms and Chilton Library.

World Book Online -- the long standing fantastic encyclopedia for all ages.

Reader's Advisor -- Quite simply, it is the act of putting people together with the books they love. Librarians, booksellers, literature teachers—anyone in the business of helping readers find the books they love—are readers' advisors.

Thompson-Gale Legal Forms -- Just what the title says, if you need a legal form it's probably available on this site.

Chilton Library--quality information on car repair, parts etc.

Just e-mail the Director for usernames and passwords.

LIBRARY LAPSITS

2007-02-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

Due to popular demand, we are adding an additional lapsit (toddler storytime) program on Monday nights starting at 6:30pm. Registration is for one month at a time and registration forms are available at the Front Desk.

Please sign up at the front desk and indicate on the registration sheet whether you would like (Fridays 10am) or (Mondays at 6:30pm).

Science Fair at Olive Township Elementary

2007-02-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

I was indeed glad to volunteer to judge some of the submissions for this year's science fair entries. WOW. For more photos of the science fair click here.

INTERESTED IN HELPING THE LIBRARY?

2007-02-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

We are always interested to know if people are willing to serve as Trustees for the Library. The requirements are that you must live in Olive Township for at least two years. That's pretty much it. Time commitment is about an hour a month (the Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested, please contact me here

USB COMPATIBLE KEYBOARDS AND USB DRIVES

2007-02-19T09:49:00.000-05:00

In order to best serve patrons we have invested quite a bit of money in new USB keyboards. These keyboards have ports on the right hand side for you to plug in your USB drive. Many new computers do not come with 3 1/4" floppy drives any longer and many people have their own USB drive so the decision was easy. We also are now SELLING USB DRIVES. 512 Mb drives are $13.00 and we also have 1Gb drives for $20.00. These drives are sold at cost.

TAX FORMS

2007-02-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

Years past we used to receive federal and state tax forms. We do have a few, but most of what we receive now is on a cd. PLEASE ask at the front desk or at the Reference desk for the tax forms that you need. Do remember that we can't answer tax questions.

New teen services @ the library

2007-02-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

We are grateful and more than honored at the gift from the Chad Hultgren Memorial Fund. Following the wishes of the donation (which paralleled our Long Range Plan) we will be purchasing the following: 50" plasma television, X-Box 360, wireless controllers for the X-Box, a play station 2 w/ Dance Dance Revolution AND (if any funds are available) a Wii machine. Our plan involves the library matching the donation dollar for dollar.

NOW for the strings.

It is not a teens right to play the games, it is a priviledge. In order to use the machines kids MUST bring in GOOD REPORT CARDS, GOOD GRADES ON REPORTS/PAPERS (spelling tests included) GOOD COMMENTS FROM TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS etc.

We need the library to be a friendly and nurturing environment for our kids, but we want for them to be as well educated and well brought up as possible.

Your behavior at the library

2007-02-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

For the past few months we have noticed an increase in the amount of vandalism that is occurring at the library. Why people think it is "cool" to destroy public property is beyond me, but we have instituted the following: restrooms in the foyer are closed at 3:00 - closing, any patron vandalising any library property will be prosecuted.

NO PATRON COMPUTERS ON FEBRUARY 26 AND 27

2007-02-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

We are having a new computer workstation management system installed on Monday, February 26 and Tuesday, February 27. Patrons will not have any access on these two days. After the system is installed patrons will need to apply for computer use at the front desk. We will need to create a username and a password for you that will allow you to log-in to the computers. After you have registered you will no longer have to register at the front desk, simply find a free computer, log-in with your information and you are ready to go.

We will also be using the time management portion of the software. Patrons will be given an initial time limit of 60 minutes and patrons can request additional time in increments of 30 minutes each.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

I FOUND MY PASSWORD AND USERNAME FINALLY!

2007-02-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

Boy do I feel silly. I didn't worry about posting in December so I thought I'd get back at it in January. Nope. I put the password in a very "safe" place and...well anyway. Stay tuned.

If you care about our planet, you'll need to read this.

2006-11-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

What's the most important challenge facing humanity? Why, it's global
sustainability..and you're invited to come find out why.

1. Ever wonder why gas prices are so high?
2. How will energy wars affect our lives?
3. What kind of world will we leave to our grandchildren?

Presentation and discussion on Sunday, December 3rd from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at
the Lions Clubhouse, located at 32 Chestnut in New Carlisle (just across and
west of Bourissa Park). Free to the public. Light refreshments will be
served. Any questions, please contact Michael Hollcraft at
mfhollcraft@comcast.net

Library Computer classes

2006-11-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Have completed for the rest of the year.

Classes will resume January 9, 2007 with the same schedule (9:00 a.m. EST and 6:00 p.m.)

If you would like to register for any of our classes, please contact Becky at 574-654-3046 or via e-mail @ becky@ncpl.lib.in.us

Hope you and yours have a fantastic rest of the year!!!!!

More pix @ Flickr.com

2006-10-19T09:37:00.000-05:00

Click here to visit our Flickr site.

I have tried to understand

2006-10-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

what is meant by this Web 2.0 that I've been reading about. Until now, I hadn't read anything that made the slightest bit of sense to me; that is until today.

It seems that the Web 2.0 is more user centered and interactive than what is now referred to as Web 1.0. Whereas 1.0 was mostly web pages and a few graphics, Web 2.0 includes many user generated lists, videos, music etc., not to mention chat.

I found this through a (where else?) a library blog at www.mcls.wordpress.com. Click here to visit the blog and view the entire entry.

Google Documents and Spreadsheets

2006-10-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

One of Google's newest features is an online word processor and spreadsheet program. I can't say that I've really investigated it fully, BUT it would be great for kids to use here at the library. Why? It never fails that they are working on a project for school and the computer dies and takes the user's documents/work with it!

Since the kiddos are using an online document editor they can save to their own space on the web and NOT lose their work. The service is also fantastic if you are working on a collaborative project between three or four people. Instead of having to e-mail a particular document to each person, simply use Google Documents and you won't have to worry about who uses which word processing program etc. Click here to go to Google Documents.

Kids and computers!

2006-10-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we had all three sixth grade students from Olive Elementary (at separate times) come over for a computer class. Even though the kids knew the basics they definitely needed help on a few more "advanced" things like copy/paste and even copying an image from a scanned article or website into their documents. We also visited Youtube.com and Google Earth.

THEN

We had Jr. High - Sr. High aged kids who are being homeschooled and the same program was offered to them. Because of the age ranges we couldn't quite get the detail necessary for the older kids so we did a fifth class geared just for them!

It's nice to see that our "little" library is serving its public like this!

Something different and fun.

2006-10-19T07:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's supposed to be a library blog, but libraries are many different things to many different people. SO. As a devotee of Swing and Big Band music I give you this at Youtube.com:

A note from the Indiana State Library @ the Williamsport Public Library

2006-10-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

October 18, 2006

The Wednesday Word: News from the Indiana State Library

WILLIAMSPORT-WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY FIRE

By Faye Terry (fterry@statelib.lib.in.us)

Around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, the Williamsport-Washington Township Public Library (WWTPL) caught on fire due to arson. The library, which was just built in 2002, was destroyed. An article published in The Commercial-News (Danville, IL) on October 13 reports that plans are already underway to find a temporary location for the library, and that Library Director Chris Brown plans to begin rebuilding as soon as possible (http://www.commercial-news.com/local/local_story_286213350.html). Many people in the library community have contacted the Indiana State Library's Library Development Office asking what they can do to help. Virtually the entire collection is gone, and Indiana libraries will be asked to help supplement the collection once a temporary site for WWTPL is decided upon.

In the meantime, monetary donations may be sent to The Williamsport-Washington Township Public Library Fund, Main Source Bank, 120 North Monroe Street, P.O. Box 201, Williamsport, IN 47993. Watch the INCOLSA-L and INPUBLIB listservs for announcements about the timeline for donating materials and lists of what will be needed. To support WWTPL during this trying time, the Indiana State Library has already provided laptop computers, a printer, T1 line funding for one year, and the balance of the Gates Foundation 50/50 grant so that a server or additional computers may be purchased. We look forward to working together with Indiana libraries and WWTPL staff in the months to come to ensure that the vibrant and essential public library services the community of Williamsport has enjoyed in the past are re-established. A photo gallery of the fire and the damage done has been updated today on The Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) Web site and can be accessed at http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Avis=BY&Dato=20061009&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=610090801&Ref=PH.

For more information about the Library, please visit us in downtown Indianapolis or online at www.statelib.lib.in.us.

Update on Williamsport Public Library fire

2006-10-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

Click here for story and photos

Indiana public library fire

2006-10-10T19:06:00.000-05:00

Williamsport Washington Township Public Library fire was arson.

Ready for digital books???

2006-09-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

We've signed the contract and I'm looking for a few additional guinea pigs who have mp3 players. Myself and a few others have used the netlibrary.com service with great success, but as with anything new there is a learning curve. So if you'd like to participate, please contact me at sboggs@ncpl.info

Cool way to find characters in books!

2006-09-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

Let's say that you read a book about 20 years ago and you've long since forgotten the name of the author or title.

NOW THERE'S HELP

At Worldcat you can simply type in the name of one of the characters from the book and the system will search the database for that character's name and lead you to the author/title of the book.

PLUS

If you type in your zipcode it will search the holdings of libraries in your area to see if they happen to have that particular title!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately our library isn't associated with OCLC so you won't be seeing our holdings in the results, BUT, we can get the title for you for free via Inter-Library Loan.

Booklist links

2006-09-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Book Lists
Collection of adult fiction and nonfiction annotated reading lists with themes such as travel fiction, chick lit, baseball, Christian fiction, the U.S. Civil War, science fiction and fantasy, culinary mysteries, bread baking, and home repair. From the staff of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
URL: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/firstfloor/booklists/

The above was found at Librarian's Index to the Internet

Family History at the Indiana State Library

2006-09-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

CELEBRATING FAMILY HISTORY THIS FALL
By Shannon Bloomquist (sbloomquist@statelib.lib.in.us)

Even though September has just begun, it's not too early to start thinking ahead to October, which is Family History Month! The Indiana State Library is pleased to announce several programs scheduled throughout the month to educate and inspire librarians, state employees, and the general public to discover their roots and connect with the past! In addition, a press release and public service announcements will be issued during the last week in September to promote these exciting opportunities to the public. All programs take place at the Library at 140 North Senate Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. If you are interested in attending any of the programs listed below, please contact the Genealogy Division at 317.232.3689 to register.

*Family History Orientation Tours: The Library offers a wealth of genealogy-related materials for family history researchers, and our tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the Library's collection and learn about how things have changed since the last time you visited us! Tours will be held on Thursday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you cannot attend during those times, subsequent tours have been scheduled twice a month for the entire year. Visit http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/isl/indiana/genealogy/tours.html for the complete schedule.

*Uncovering the Secrets of Historic Homes: Are you curious about the history of your home and those who lived there before you? Join Suzanne Stanis, Director of Heritage Education at the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, on Thursday, October 12, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to explore the basics of historic house research. A staff member from the Library's Indiana Division will also be on hand to reveal tips and tricks for using the Library's collections to further your investigation!

*Genealogy After Hours: Take advantage of some extra research time on Thursday, October 12, when the Genealogy and Indiana Divisions of the Library will be open until 9 p.m.! This event also allows those who attend the Historic House Research Workshop until 8 p.m. access to the Library's extensive collections after the program.

*Researching Your Immigrant Ancestors: Journey with Charles Hill, a Senior Subject Specialist in the Genealogy Division, to a land where finding your immigrant ancestors is actually possible! On Thursday, October 26, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mr. Hill will share with you the tools and strategies you need to trace your ancestral roots across land and sea, highlighting many helpful resources available at the Library in the process.

*Capturing the Soul of Indiana: On Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., let Hoosier photographer John Bower of Studio Indiana take you on a memorable visual journey that illuminates Indiana's forgotten past. Mr. Bower will share poignant images of abandoned homes and farms, little-known stone carvings hidden throughout the state, and other rapidly disappearing examples of Indiana's cultural heritage. As an added bonus, several of Mr. Bower's fine art photography books will be available for purchase after the presentation-see www.studioindiana.com for details on these intriguing titles!

For more information about the Library, please visit us in downtown Indianapolis or online at www.statelib.lib.in.us.

More online photos with Flickr.com

2006-09-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Why should we post pictures of the library on the Internet? My response is, why not?? We established a Flickr account to post pictures of the library and some of the things happening here! ENJOY! Click here to go to our Flickr page.

Caveat emptor...Let the buyer beware!!!!!

2006-09-06T14:46:00.000-05:00

I am highlighting an article from The South Bend Tribune on Sunday, September 3, 2006. The article was entitled, "Let the (Web) buyer beware. What follows is a very short summary of the article:

...look for symbols on a seller's Web site that demonstrate the site is trustworthy. Examples include a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a Website that begins "https," which indicates the site is secure.

If you ever get an e-mail or pop-up message that asks for your financial information, don't reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via e-mail or pop-ups....

Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case they need to be in contact with the seller.

A good tool is the online Yellow Pages.

NEVER SEND CASH, use a credit card...under certain circumstances you have additional rights.

KEEP A PAPER TRAIL

The article will remain available for free up to two weeks at the South Bend Tribune's website.

If you cannot retrieve the article, come into the library and use one of our computers. We have full access to Tribune online archives.

Google and math

2006-09-06T14:29:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I was searching for information on the new Boeing 747 - 8 (it's the newer longer, better version of the 747). I went to Google.com and typed in 747-8. Guess what happened? I guess I ought to have typed in "Boeing 747-8" because the search came back with an answer from Google Calculator! YEP. Simply Google 747-8 or whatever math question you have and Google will return the answer.

More online information about books!

2006-09-06T10:42:00.000-05:00

Books? You mean that people still use books? YEP!

The library subscribes to a publication called "Bookpage." It's a monthly publication notifying readers about new releases, author information etc. Here's a link to their blog. REMEMBER THAT ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS REQUEST A TITLE FOR THE LIBRARY AND WE'LL GET IT FOR YOU! Bookpage Blog

Another calendar for NCPL

2006-09-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Our existing calendar of events is saved as a .PDF file on the website. I was wandering around Yahoo.com and found that I could make a public calendar online to go along with our regular calendar. One of the nice benefits is that patrons can go to this public calendar and request that it send an e-mail reminding them of an upcoming event. I'm sure it does more, but that was the part that struck me as the most interesting. Here's a link to our online calendar: http://calendar.yahoo.com/ncplat46552

Interesting note @ Wikipedia

2006-09-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

This was certainly a surprise to me. I had completed a bit of research and had scrollled to the bottom of the page at Wikipedia.org and found that there was yet more available! News, Quotes, articles about species, quotations and even more. Here's the link: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Main_Page

Windows Vista

2006-08-29T18:56:00.000-05:00

Saw there was a public release version of the new Windows Vista. Right now it's 33% downloaded, so if the connection doesn't crash I'll have information for you in future posts.

Survivor: The History of the Library (libraries in general, not NCPL)

2006-08-29T18:53:00.000-05:00

Click here to go to History Magazine for the article.

+++++++++++++++++++

Hot Library Smut!

MS Office vs. Open Office

2006-08-28T14:41:00.000-05:00

Granted, MS Office has alot going for it, but OY the price is really up there. Did you know that there is a choice? Read on...

Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org
Idealware does a head-to-head comparison of the two office suites

By: Brett Bonfield and Laura S. Quinn

March 28, 2006

This article courtesy of Idealware, which provides candid information to help nonprofits choose effective software. For more articles and reviews, go to www.idealware.org.

For a while, nonprofit organizations' choice of office suites was limited to Microsoft Office or...Microsoft Office. But in the last couple of years, a viable open-source option has emerged: OpenOffice.org. Should you consider OpenOffice? Will it make sense for your users and organization? What are the differences between these two office suites?

We will compare Microsoft Office 2003 Professional to OpenOffice.org 2.0 -- or at least some key parts of these suites. Unfortunately, comparing office suites isn't an exact science. The applications packaged together aren't completely analogous, so we will limit this article's comparisons to a couple of areas:

* We have to talk about Word Processors, of course, which means Microsoft's Word 2003 vs. OpenOffice's Writer.
* An office suite just isn't an office suite without a spreadsheet, so we'll look at Excel 2003 vs. OpenOffice's Calc.
* Email tools and calendaring are also a critical part of an office suite, but OpenOffice.org hasn't released any email or calendar software. We'll compare Outlook 2003 with Thunderbird (email) and Sunbird (calendar), made by the Mozilla Corporation. These tools are also free, open-source, and often used with OpenOffice, although they need to be installed separately.

There's more to both office suites, of course. OpenOffice's Base is similar to Access 2003. PowerPoint 2003 is matched with Impress. To correspond to Microsoft's Visio, there's OpenOffice's Draw. OpenOffice offers an equation editor called Math, while Microsoft Office offers Publisher 2003 for desktop publishing. Because we all have a limited amount of patience, we'll leave these comparisons for another article.
At a High Level

There's more to office suites than feature lists. In fact, OpenOffice and Microsoft Office are similar enough that actual feature differences are likely to be just one of many factors in your decision making. But philosophy, system requirements, support, usability...these are the things that keep us up nights.
Delusional Utopian Hippies vs. Cynical Corporate Greedheads

The Microsoft philosophy is very different from OpenOffice's or Mozilla's, which use an open-source model in which software is jointly created, often by volunteers, and freely distributed, allowing anyone to use, redistribute, adapt, or improve their code. Microsoft uses a much more tightly controlled commercial-license model, in which the sale of its software pays for professional programmers and project managers, testing, management, marketing and sales, and shareholder dividends.

There are a lot of strong feelings behind the great open-source-versus-commercial-license debate. Some people won't use any software tools that aren't freely distributed, while others refuse to buy generic medications because they want pharmaceutical companies to be rewarded for their research and development investments. If you have strongly held beliefs about the importance of private-sector research and development versus the desire to share information freely, we suspect that we're not going to be able to change your mind. So we'll limit our comments here to the tangible benefits of these models.

1. Open-Source Applications are Often Free, like Beer. You have to love getting software for free, and OpenOffice and Mozilla software are always free. However, if you're a U.S.-based nonprofit, Microsoft Office 2003 is also free or almost free (through or NPower or TechSoup Stock, for instance), with very few exceptions.
2. Updates to Open-Source Applications are Also Free, like Beer. It is very unlikely that OpenOffice or Mozilla will ever charge for any kind of program update, as they are free by philosophy and copyright. However, Microsoft gives away Office as part of a philanthropic program which could change, meaning you might have to pay to update the suite down the road.
3. Open-Source Code is Always Free, like Speech. You're allowed to do anything you want to with open-source code. You can study how the program works and adapt it to your needs. You can improve the program or build something completely new from it and release your improvements to the public so that the whole community benefits. If this is important to you, Microsoft doesn't offer anything like it.
4. Commercial Licensed Software Has a Company Behind the Code. Microsoft depends on sales of Office and its other software to remain profitable, so it has a strong interest in making sure Office has the features, support, and interface that will make it useful to people like you. Its success in these areas have provided Office with a large installed user and support base, and Microsoft has used its financial strength to help build a deep pool of talented developers, a mature platform, and polished user interfaces. While OpenOffice has a formal relationship with Sun Microsystems, the mandates for open-source applications like OpenOffice are a bit fuzzier and tend to be driven by tech-savvy programmers. In the past, this has resulted in a less polished interface and weaker documentation, but these elements have been substantially improved in OpenOffice.org 2.0.
5. Open-Source Has Code Beyond a Company. Because its source code is available for anyone who would like to improve it, OpenOffice and Mozilla are not dependent on its current crop of developers and the code won't disappear if the organization that created OpenOffice.org falters. In general, good open-source code does not disappear; the same is not always true for closed-source, commercial projects. That being said, it doesn't appear that Microsoft is in any danger of going bankrupt in the foreseeable future.
6. Open-Source Tends to Use Open Standards. OpenOffice.org's native files, called OpenDocument, adhere to publicly agreed-upon, readily available standards (though OpenOffice.org can also read and write Microsoft files like Word's .doc and Excel's .xls, these are not its default file types). Thus any other software that supports these standards can read and write OpenOffice documents. Popular open standards, like HTML, HTTP, and URL, tend to take on a life of their own; closed standards are in danger of going the way of the Betamax...though, again, the risk of Miscrosoft formats faltering seems minimal.

System Support: Typical or Criminally Old Computers

For most computers that you would actually want to use, both OpenOffice and Microsoft Windows will work fine. While OpenOffice is said to be a bit slower, particularly in opening up complex documents in Microsoft's proprietary formats, the difference is negligible if you've purchased your computer in the last couple of years. Both platforms also offer comparable support for the Mac.

OpenOffice offers better support for older computers than the latest version of Microsoft Office. Office 2003 says its minimum spec is a Pentium 450 MHz with 256 MB of RAM, while OpenOffice lists a Pentium 166 MHz processor with 128 MB of RAM. While Office 2003 requires Window 2000 or XP to run fully, OpenOffice will run on Windows 98. What's more, OpenOffice will run under Linux (as well as Solaris and BSD), and Linux runs much more effectively on old computers than Windows 2000 or XP. This makes Linux and OpenOffice a practical combination even for quite old computers, especially when few other applications are needed (in a computer lab setting, for instance).

As an interesting side note, OpenOffice.org, Thunderbird, and Sunbird are all available as portable applications, while Microsoft Office 2003 is not. For some people, being able to carry around their personally configured office suite on a USB thumbdrive, portable hard drive, or iPod is life altering. Others may think those people are crazy and need to get a life.
Usability, Training, and Support

Anyone who has used Word or Excel will feel comfortable in Write and Calc. While previous versions of OpenOffice had a less polished interface, version 2.0 has taken a page from Microsoft's book, instituting a polished and relatively familiar user interface. In fact, they've take a lot of pages from Microsoft's book: in most ways the interfaces are nearly identical, down to the formula syntax in Excel/Calc. You can think of moving from MS Office to OpenOffice as if you were moving from Office 2000 to Office 2003: there are small differences, and users who have learned things by rote may need to be trained in the new software, but the concepts are all the same.

More advanced features tend to differ between the two packages. The template documents are substantially different between the two suites, so those used to using pre-packaged layouts for documents or charts may need to make some adjustments.

The same is true of Thunderbird and Outlook: going back and forth is pretty seamless. But unfortunately, that's not true for Sunbird, Mozilla's calendaring tool. While Outlook is mature, stable, and easy to use, Sunbird is really not as of yet (Mozilla still lists it as Alpha). For now, none of the open-source calendar products, or those offered by the dozen or so Web 2.0 companies who have introduced calendars in the past year, can compete with Outlook for simplicity, usability, documentation, and support.

There's more support for Microsoft Office 2003 than anyone can possibly use: dozens of books, official support from Microsoft itself, sanctioned support from people who have earned Microsoft licenses, professional call centers, and a Web full of sites that contain tips and guides for modifying, configuring, and using Office 2003 software. OpenOffice.org's support is more community driven, and generally free, with a documentation project and discussion forums led by volunteers. It's easier to find Microsoft Office training and support, but it's likely to cost more. It depends what you prefer.

One final consideration for the IT staff types out there: because OpenOffice has much looser licensing requirements, you don't need to worry about installing unlimited copies around your office or for friends or partner organizations. When you buy or recieve a free version of Office 2003, you may only install it on a specified number of computers within your organization, so you'll need to keep track of exactly where it's been installed.
Sharing Documents with Friends and Neighbors

In general, both Office 2003 and OpenOffice can create files that can be read by pretty much everyone else. In the case of Office 2003, this is because Microsoft has established de facto formats such as .doc for Word documents and .xls for Excel. OpenOffice, on the other hand, uses open standards for its native files, but can both read and write files in Microsoft's formats. OpenOffice has invested a lot of effort in ensuring that Writer and Calc users can share documents with Microsoft users and has succeeded in all but a few specific cases mentioned below, like Excel pivot tables. OpenOffice users can even choose to automatically save out files in Microsoft formats by default.
Security

Just a brief word about security. MS Office, OpenOffice, Firebird, and Thunderbird are all reasonably secure as long as you follow standard procedures (install updates and patches as soon as they're released, maintain firewalls, antivirus, and antispyware, etc). They involve different philosophies, however: while open-source tools let everyone know about possible security issues (allowing users to protect themselves and hackers to potentially exploit issues), Microsoft keeps any issues close to the vest (thus possibly preventing hackers from finding out about them, but forestalling users' ability to take precautionary steps). It's like the dilemma that arises each time police officers are faced with a serial killer: should they alert people and possibly make the perp move on to another community, or should they keep their investigation quiet and zero in on the guy? There are strong arguments for both approaches.
Forecasting the Future

Of course, any commitment to a software package involves taking into account not just where they are now, but where they are going. Predicting the future is always an iffy business, but we'll tell you what we know. Microsoft has already announced some details of Office 2007, which will be released later this year. Major changes include a snazzy new and somewhat simplified interface to all their tools and substantial integration with two of their other products, Sharepoint and Microsoft CRM. OpenOffice continues to gain strong backing from large sponsors, primarily Sun, though Google has also formally committed resources and it looks as though they will continue to strengthen their relationship with OpenOffice. In addition, Mozilla (which guides the Thunderbird and Sunbird projects) announced that it had made around $70 Million in revenue last year. It seems very likely that Microsoft, OpenOffice, and Mozilla are going to be around for a while.
Delving Down

So let's get on with it: a head-to-head comparison of the feature differences between the two suites. Perhaps the most striking thing about this comparison is how fundamentally similar the applications are. Below, we've done our best to itemize all the major differences between each application, and you'll notice there's not a ton of them. You need to be doing pretty complex things before you find either suite lacking.
Word Processors
Word 2003 features and benefits that Writer doesn't have:

1. Grammar checking. Though there's some talk about the shortcomings of Word's grammar checker, it seems to find our mistakes far more often than we find its mistakes. Writer does not come with a grammar checker, though a plug-in, LanguageTool, is available. LanguageTool, an independent open-source project, is an impressive accomplishment, but its usefulness does not come close to approaching the resources built into Word.
2. Support of Word Macros. Automation fans can make extensive use of Word macros (sequences of commands that can be recorded and played back later). Some users depend on macros in order to work efficiently, while others have never heard of them. Writer does not support Word macros.
3. Advanced Features. According to PCMag.com, Word supports online collaboration, Smart Tags, highly flexible outlining, smart table formatting, and a research task pane. Writer doesn't. PCMag also reports that Word is better than Writer at finding (and replacing) special characters, like dashes. It's important to remember the potential for downside in Word's (and Excel's and PowerPoint's) features: if you aren't careful, all of your edits and personal metadata can be made available to anyone with whom you share your documents.
4. Animated Text. Word can create animated text. Writer can't. (Some might view this as a point in Writer's favor.)

Writer features and benefits that Word 2003 doesn't have:

1. Creating PDFs. Writer has built in support for exporting documents as PDF (Acrobat format), a useful resource. In the current release of Word, you need a third-party application like Adobe Acrobat or the open-source PDFCreator. (Microsoft has announced that it plans to include this feature in the upcoming Office 2007.)
2. Simplicity. For those who feel that Word is overly complex, Writer offers all the basic and mid-level functions in an environment which feels familiar but simplified.
3. HTML Production. HTML purists tend to favor Writer's markup to Word's, though few people with knowledge of HTML use either editor in producing web pages. For simple tasks, theWeb Wizard makes it incredibly easy to produce pages with HTML, PDF, and images.
4. Writer Macros. Writer has it's own macro and scripting feature that organizes your macros in a tree-structured display.
5. Usability of Find-and-Replace. According to PCMag.com, $quot;Advanced find-and-replace operations (such as those involving fonts and attributes like italics) are easier to manage in Writer than in Word's confusing Find dialog.$quot;
6. File Size. Writer's native format generally creates smaller files than Microsoft Word's.

Spreadsheets
Excel 2003 features and benefits that Calc doesn't have:

1. Support of Excel Macros and Pivot Tables. As with Word users, Excel users often make extensive use of macros. Calc does not support Excel macros. A similar situation applies to Excel's use of Pivot Tables; there's no support for Excel Pivot Tables in Calc. Calc offers its own pivot-table-like feature called Data Pilot, as well as its own macro functionality, but Excel users will not be able to port this kind of data into Calc or open the data created in Calc.
2. Support of Excel Charts and Graphs. There are reports that Calc has trouble translating some Excel-generated charts and graphs.

Calc features and benefits that Excel 2003 doesn't have:

1. Creating PDFs. Calc, like Writer, has native support for exporting documents as PDF (Acrobat format).
2. Interface Details. PCMag.com found $quot;Calc's menus and dialogs easier to navigate than the corresponding dialogs in Excel.$quot;

Email Clients
Outlook 2003 features and benefits that Thunderbird doesn't have:

1. Integration with a Calendar. For many of us, it makes sense to combine an email client with a calendar application and a to do list, and Outlook does it well. There's a reason that Outlook is many people's tool of choice.
2. Spell and Grammer checking. Integration with Word leverages Microsoft's spelling- and grammar-checking prowess.

Thunderbird features and benefits that Outlook 2003 doesn't have:

1. Keyword Searching. Thurderbird's search is much better than Outlook's, although the oft-overlooked Lookout, a Microsoft acquisition, ably addresses this Outlook deficiency.
2. RSS Support. Thunderbird has native support for RSS. To get RSS feeds in Outlook 2003, you can use one of the great, free, open-source services like RSSFwd.
3. Plain-Text Email. Thunderbird makes it easy to send and receive plain text. If you want to ensure that you receive all your email in plain text format through Outlook, you'll have to edit your registry.

Calendars
Outlook 2003 features and benefits that Sunbird doesn't have:

1. Shared Calendaring. Exchange may not be a joy to administer, but once you've worked in an office where sharing calendars, meeting invitations, and contacts is as simple as the Exchange/Outlook combination makes it, you will never want to be without this ability. There is not currently a Windows-based, open-source program that offers the groupware features available to staff members whose employers offer Exchange/Outlook.
2. Palm Integration. Outlook 2003 easily synchs with Palm calendars.
3. Stability and Ease of Use. As discussed above, Outlook is stable and easy to use, while Sunbird is not as mature.

Sunbird features and benefits that Outlook 2003 doesn't have:

1. iCal Support. Native support for the open iCal format, meaning you can access your calendar or exchange appointments via email with any of the dozens of software packages that support iCal.

Exit, Pursued By Bear

What do we recommend? Frankly, that depends on you. Software is like food: some of it is unfit for human consumption, but most is a matter of taste and what you're looking for. We'll take a look, though, at a few core scenarios.

* Your office is happily using free Office 2003 licenses. Are you able to get Office 2003 for free? Is your staff happy with it and comfortable using it to get your work done? Then we don't see a lot of upside in changing for the sake of change.
* You have a small, technically comfortable staff, philosophically aligned with open-source tools. If your staff would prefer open-source over Microsoft for philosophical reasons, and can roll with small changes in interface and less formal support, OpenOffice is a completely viable alternative that doesn't require the sacrifice of productivity.
* Your staff depends on Outlook's shared calendaring or complex Excel functionality. Do you schedule a lot of meetings via Outlook's integrated calendaring and email functionality? Then Sunbird and Firebird likely won't meet your needs. Do you rely on Excel pivot tables or share a lot of complex Excel spreadsheets with external organizations? Then it may not make sense to move to OpenOffice.
* You need to provide basic office software on old computers. If you are looking to support only basic functionality and need to use older computers -- for a computer lab, for instance -- then a Linux/OpenOffice combination is hard to beat.

Personally, we like and use just about every piece of software mentioned in this article. You might want to consider installing both office suites to allow your users a choice. Personally, we like having choices. If you've read this far, the same may apply to you.
Additional Reading/Extra Credit
Vendor Lock In, anti-Microsoft, and pro-Open Source

* Open Office 2.0 Kicks MS Office Around the Block
* Why and When Open-Source Products Best Microsoft
* Review Checks Microsoft License $quot;Lock In$quot; Risk for Schools
* Wikipedia: OpenDocument, Public Policy Implications

Critiques of Open Source and OpenOffice.org

* If This Suite's a Success, Why Is It So Buggy?
* Fundamental Issues with Open-Source Software Development
* Why Free Software Usability Tends to Suck
* Why Free Software Usability Tends to Suck Even More

Interesting, open-source, PC-based alternatives to Microsoft Office 2003 and OpenOffice.org 2.0

* Databases: MySQL (and Query Browser) and PostgreSQL (and pgAdmin)
* Spreadsheet: Gnumeric
* Calendar: Chandler
* Presentation: S5
* Drawing/Diagramming: Inkscape
* Publishing: Scribus
* Word Processing: AbiWord

Interesting, free, web-based alternatives to Microsoft Office 2003 and OpenOffice.org 2.0.2

* Office Suite: ThinkFree
* Spreadsheet: iRows, Numbler (Beta), and NumSum (Alpha)
* Email: Gmail (by invitation only)
* Calendar: Airset, CalendarHub, Planzo (Beta), and a dozen or so others
* Drawing/Diagramming: Gliffy (invitation-only Beta)
* To-Do Lists: Voo2do, Remember The Milk (Beta), and Ta Da Lists
* Word Processing: Writely (Beta)

About the Authors:

Brett Bonfield is Director of Fundraising and Communications for NPower Pennsylvania http://www.npowerpa.org/.

Laura S. Quinn is Founder and Director of Idealware http://www.idealware.org.

Creative Commons Logo, Some Rights Reserved Copyright ©2006 Idealware. This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 License.

Write for TechSoup
Have an article idea? Find out how to contribute to TechSoup.

A few new things at your library!

2006-08-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

Has been quite some time since I last posted, sorry, but work happens.

We've added four new Gateway computers for the children's department. Old ones didn't have enough memory etc. for the games! Quite nice computers and the price was excellent!!!!!!!!!!!! Each Profile P-6 was @ $1,300, so we saved about a thousand dollars on the project!

AND

The contract has been signed with Netlibrary.com for the downloadable digital audiobooks. Service should be available to patrons mid-late September.

AND

Believe it or not we have been in the new building for a bit over four years already. This year we are repainting the interior of the building and we just had the parking lot re-sealed so we should be looking good; for a while at least!

SO

Have you noticed how nice the landscaping is looking! Do be sure to say hello and thanks to Bonnie for the hard work that she does keeping the library looking brand new!!!!!!!!! Believe me, there are many libraries that don't look nearly as nice as ours, inside or out!

All The Best

sb

National Do Not Call List

2006-06-26T08:37:00.000-05:00

Click here or copy and paste this: http://www.ftc.gov/donotcall/

Best Books in Indiana

2006-06-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

Indiana is known for more than our stupendous corn crops. We have some darn good writers, as was evidenced at the Best Books of Indiana competition awards ceremony held at the Indiana State Library on June 15, 2006. The Best Books competition is sponsored by the Indiana Center for the Book, a program of the Indiana State Library and an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. This program was established to stimulate interest in books and reading and to highlight Indiana's most talented authors. This year's winners include: Fiction-Ian Woollen, Stakeout on Millennium Drive (Shreveport, La.: Ramble House Press, 2005); Children's Literature-Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Abuelita's Secret Matzahs (Cincinnati, Ohio: Emmis Books, 2005); Poetry-Karen Kovacik, Metropolis Burning (Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland State University Poetry Center, 2005), and Non-fiction-Bruce Smith, The War Comes to Plum Street (Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Press, 2005). Our congratulations to some of Indiana's finest authors. If you would like to know more about the Best Books of Indiana Competition, please visit our website at http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/isl/incb/icb.html

IM with no downloaded software!

2006-05-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

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?

2006-05-22T16:20:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-10T08:23:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

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?

2006-05-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

Not quite. Read on.

Indiana Genealogy

2006-05-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-10T07:41:00.000-05:00

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

COOL new magazine at the New Carlisle Public Library

2006-05-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

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

2006-05-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

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!

Libraryspot.com

2006-03-13T15:56:00.000-05:00

Simplifying the Search for the Best Library and Reference Resources on the Web

Welcome to LibrarySpot.com, a free virtual library resource center for educators and students, librarians and their patrons, families, businesses and just about anyone exploring the Web for valuable research information. Thanks for stopping by! We hope that you find LibrarySpot.com to be a useful, engaging and invaluable resource for online research.

Click here to give the site a try.

Free magazine searches for kids

2006-03-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

An improvement in INSPIRE searching for students in grades K-5 is now available
on the INSPIRE website. The new INSPIRE Kids interface is available on the
INSPIRE database/topic search page. The new interface will replace the current
INSPIRE Kids (aka Searchasaurus) in July 2006. Until then both interfaces will
be available.

Click here to access INSPIRE.NET for kids

Improvements in the new interface:

- Based on the Student Research Center interface for easy transition between
interfaces

- Searches are limited to Primary Search, Newspaper Source, EBSCO Animals,
Images, and Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia

- All five databases are searched together in the default search

- Funk & Wagnalls and the Image database can be searched individually

- Search results returned in relevance order

- EBSCO folder allows for printing or emailing multiple articles

- Teachers and librarians can search ERIC and the Professional Development
Collection from within the interface

- Topics can be used to narrow searches or for browsing articles

- Unique INSPIRE Kids branding includes a link to the Kids Links on the INSPIRE
website

Eat and be healthy

2006-03-13T15:49:00.000-05:00

With rising medical costs, people are encouraged to do everything
possible to maintain good health. To find information on the nutritious
foods that help maintain the body, see:

http://www.whfoods.com

Put together by the George Mateljan Foundation to promote proper
nutrition and well being, it contains recipes and dietary pointers.
Especially interesting is the list of the "World's Healthiest Foods A-Z"
(see the link under the /Eating Healthy/ tab) which lists a wealth of
information for each food selected.

This site can help dieters, students, or anyone interested in good
nutrition. Have a look today!

From London with ??love??

2006-03-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

Well not quite.

Nick is a former employee who is currently studying in London. Check out his blog here: http://dragonfyrelondon.blogspot.com/

More from Librarian's Internet Index

2006-03-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Librarians' Internet Index
Websites you can trust!

NEW THIS WEEK, February 23, 2006

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------

[ SUBSCRIBER SERVICES ]

Read This Online : http://lii.org/cs/lii/print/news/29
Subscribe to our RSS Feed : http://lii.org/pub/htdocs/understandingrss.htm
Manage Your Email Subscription : http://lii.org/pub/htdocs/subscribe.htm
Browse the New This Week Archive : http://lii.org/cs/lii/query/q/54

[ TIP OF THE WEEK ]

http://lii.org/pub/topic/plants
Our friends in other areas may get envious, but on much of the West Coast it's already planting season. Our collection about plants is useful if you're planning additions to your garden--or just daydreaming about warmer weather.

[ THE BLURB ]

This week read up on gadgets, gardening, kite-flying, forensic science, high-efficiency vehicles, acronyms, Acropolis, tropical fruits, mortgage deductions, and--for those of you wondering if you can catch HDTV from shaking hands--several good sites on home entertainment systems. Bon appetit from the LII team: Karen, Wendy, Pat, Maria, Jennifer, Charlotte, and Tom.

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Arts and Humanities
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Artopia
A website for middle school students about the visual and performing arts. "Students can closely examine important works of art and take part in activities that teach about styles, principles and processes of each art form." Topics include dance, theater, media arts, music, painting, and sculpture. Provides lesson plans and classroom materials. From the South Carolina Educational Television Commission (ETV).
URL: http://cfmedia.scetv.org/artopia/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20474

----------------------------------------------------------------
James River Plantations: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary
This website explores the historic plantations located on the banks of the James River in Virginia. It offers an interactive map, background narratives on the Colonial lifestyle, and details about the architecture and history of the plantations (such as the John Tyler House and Appomattox Manor). Includes a section for related print and online resources. From the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service.
URL: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/jamesriver/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20490

----------------------------------------------------------------
Jewish Mysteries
This site features an annotated bibliography of American Jewish mystery and detective fiction. The mysteries are divided into three categories "based on Jewish identity and the role of Judaism in each mystery": assimilation, acculturation, and affirmation. Also includes an introductory essay. From a rabbi who is the editor of anthologies of Jewish mystery stories.
URL: http://www.jewishmysteries.net
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20626

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Business
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
PC World: Financial & Tax Software
Collection of reviews of personal finance, tax, and accounting software packages. Also includes how-to pieces and news items (such as bugs and fixes) related to financial and tax software. From the website for PC World magazine.
URL: http://www.pcworld.com/resource/browse/0,cat,1262,sortIdx,1,pg,1,00.as...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20692

----------------------------------------------------------------
TVs: Decision Guide
Step-by-step guide to buying a TV. Topics include TV types (such as LCD, plasma HDTV, rear-projection, and front projectors), image quality (high definition versus standard definition), screen size, screen shape (regular or wide screen), connections for devices such as DVD players and cable boxes, and other features such as flat screens and aspect ratio controls. Note: product reviews and ratings require paid subscription. From Consumer Reports.
URL: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20702

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Computers
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Blogossary: The Blogosphere's Dictionary
This informal site includes dozens of definitions for terms used in the blogosphere ("the entirety of the blogging community"), such as troll, pingback, permalink, and link love. Updated at least weekly. From Telian Adlam, a blogger who maintains a variety of blogs.
URL: http://www.blogossary.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20719

----------------------------------------------------------------
Reports: Online Activities & Pursuits: Growing Numbers Surf the Web Just for Fun
February 2006 report about how "nearly a third of internet users go online on a typical day for no particular reason, just for fun or to pass the time. Two-thirds of all internet users have tried surfing the Web just to pass the time, according to a survey ... conducted in December 2005." From the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
URL: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/175/report_display.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20670

----------------------------------------------------------------
Rocketboom: Daily Vlog With Amanda Congdon
"Rocketboom is a three minute daily videoblog [vlog, a blog that primarily uses video for its content]. ... We cover and create a wide range of information and commentary from top news stories to quirky internet culture." View on the website, or download to MP3 players, iPods, and other portable devices.
URL: http://www.rocketboom.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20696

----------------------------------------------------------------
Searchtools.com: Background Topics: Faceted Metadata Search and Browse
A brief but thorough explanation of faceted search, in which users can easily switch between searching and browsing "using their own terminology for search while recognizing the organization and vocabulary of the data." Includes a comparison with traditional parametric search engines, examples of faceted search, and key features of major faceted-search engines. From Searchtools.com, a website maintained by web search guru and consultant Avi Rappoport.
URL: http://www.searchtools.com/info/faceted-metadata.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20709

----------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Software Review
A side-by-side comparison of 10 tax preparation software programs and electronic filing (e-filing) services. Factors include price, basic features, e-filing options, tax assistance support, and technical requirements. Also includes details about ratings for each program. From a publisher of product reviews for software and web services.
URL: http://tax-software-review.toptenreviews.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20625

----------------------------------------------------------------
Web 2.0 for Designers
This May 2005 article explores the differences between so-called Web 1.0 (in which "a small number of writers created Web pages for a large number of readers") and Web 2.0, in which Web users are able to easily contribute and create content. Includes examples of Web 2.0 technologies, such as Flickr, RSS aggregators, and Google Maps. From Digital Web Magazine, "an online magazine intended for professional web designers."
URL: http://www.digital-web.com/articles/web_2_for_designers/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20682

----------------------------------------------------------------
What is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software
This September 2005 article by some of the pioneers of the term "Web 2.0" attempts to clarify its meaning. The article notes that "in the year and a half since the term 'Web 2.0' [was coined]. ... there's still a huge amount of disagreement about just what Web 2.0 means, with some people decrying it as a meaningless marketing buzzword, and others accepting it as the new conventional wisdom." From O'Reilly Media.
URL: TOO LONG, SEE LII ITEM
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20679

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Government
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Frequently Asked Tax Questions and Answers: Mortgage Interest Deduction
This FAQ covers topics related to the mortgage interest federal tax deduction on personal income tax returns. Topics include home equity loans, points paid to refinance a home, and mortgage interest and property tax on a second residence. Includes links to relevant IRS forms and publications. From the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
URL: http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq-kw122.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20698

----------------------------------------------------------------
M.A.S.H./Medevac Helicopters
Essay about the use of medevac and mobile Army surgical hospital (MASH) helicopters to transport wounded troops during wars. Helicopters discussed include the Bell 47 (which appeared in the television show M.A.S.H.), the Sikorsky S-51, Bell Model 204 (the "Huey"), and others. From the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission.
URL: http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Rotary/MASH/HE12.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20678

----------------------------------------------------------------
The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH): A Military and Surgical Legacy
A history of the use of the mobile Army surgical hospital (MASH), during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Discusses the 212th MASH, which was the final MASH in operation and was "due to be decommissioned in the latter part of 2006." Opens directly into a PDF document. From the Journal of the National Medical Association.
URL: http://www.nmanet.org/JMNA_Journal_Articles/May-JNMA/Hist648.pdf
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20677

----------------------------------------------------------------
Situation of Detainees at Guantánamo Bay
February 2006 report in which "five independent investigators of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights are calling on the United States to close immediately the detention centre in Guantánamo Bay and bring all detainees before an independent and competent tribunal or release them." Opens directly into a PDF document.
URL: TOO LONG, SEE LII ITEM
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20673

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Health
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
FDA Centennial, 1906-2006
Historical articles and other material gathered for the 2006 centennial of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Features historical images, "This Week in FDA History," a quiz, and event listings. Includes a link to the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health's centennial page, with a timeline of milestones in the history of that center.
URL: http://www.fda.gov/centennial/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20683

----------------------------------------------------------------
kidsnutrition.org
Official website for the federally funded Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), which conducts research on "the role of maternal, infant and child nutrition in optimal health, development, and growth." The site provides an overview of research, and offers hundreds of articles covering nutrition for children from infancy through adolescence. Also includes interactive nutrition calculators, posters, and links to related sites. From the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.
URL: http://www.kidsnutrition.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20447

----------------------------------------------------------------
WebMD: The Sonoma Diet: Promoting a Lifestyle
January 2006 overview and analysis of a "weight loss plan that promotes the healthy and flavorful eating style of the Mediterranean and Sonoma Valley [California]." This diet favors "top 10 power foods: almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, and whole grains."
URL: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/118/112845.htm?pagenumber=1
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20624

----------------------------------------------------------------
Women's Health Initiative: Dietary Modification Trial
February 2006 results from a clinical trial that concluded "following an eating pattern lower in total fat did not significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke, and did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in healthy postmenopausal women." Includes a press release and links to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). From the National Institutes of Health's Women's Health Initiative (WHI).
URL: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/diet_mod.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20622

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Home & Housing
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Backyard Conservation Tip Sheet: Tree Planting
This fact sheet contains points to consider when planting a backyard tree, including tree choice (size, life expectancy, foliage and fruit, and other factors), placement, planting (of container grown, balled and burlapped, and bare root trees), and pruning. From the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
URL: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/TreePtg.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20689

----------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Home DIY
Collection of do-it-yourself home technology projects, such as archiving VHS video to DVD, turning a computer monitor into a TV, choosing an HDTV (high-definition television) provider, setting up a wireless computer network, and connecting an iPod to speakers. Includes product reviews, instructional videos, examples, and related resources. Note: Includes links to product vendors. From CNET.
URL: http://www.cnet.com/4520-7381_1-6222935-1.html?tag=lnav
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20699

----------------------------------------------------------------
EcoKids: Tree Planting Tips
Tree planting tips and related activities for children. Covers reasons for planting a tree, the basics of tree planting, planting seedlings, and tree care. Other projects include papermaking, a forest fundraiser, and tree adoption. From the website for Earth Day Canada.
URL: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/climate/tree_planting/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20690

----------------------------------------------------------------
Florida Tropical Fruits
Brief illustrated descriptions of tropical fruits grown in Florida, such as the carambola, dragon fruit, guava, jackfruit, lychee, mango, papaya, and sapote. Includes links to related material on some of the fruit varieties, such as where the fruits are grown and when they are in season. From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service, Division of Marketing and Development.
URL: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/tropical/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20685

----------------------------------------------------------------
Home Theater
The website for this print magazine features equipment reviews, shopping tips, news briefs, blogs, and other home theater content. The shopping tips section provides articles on shopping for a television (with discussion of HDTV and flat-panel TVs), portable DVD player, digital video recorder (DVR), and surround-sound speaker system. Note: "AV Marketplace" section includes commercial content.
URL: http://www.hometheatermag.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20700

----------------------------------------------------------------
A Houseplant Harvest: Tropical Trees That Really Do Fruit Indoors
Profiles of fruit-bearing tropical trees that can be grown indoors, including the Natal plum, Surinam cherry, Barbados cherry, rumberry (or guavaberry), Barbados gooseberry, and dwarf pomegranate. From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
URL: http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/indoor/2004fa_tropical.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20686

----------------------------------------------------------------
Save Your Pineapple Top
Illustrated instructions for growing a new pineapple plant from a pineapple top. Discusses conditions for growing the plant indoors and tips for forcing this tropical plant to bear fruit. From the website companion to the gardening book "You Grow Girl."
URL: http://www.yougrowgirl.com/grow/save_pineapple.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20687

----------------------------------------------------------------
What to Cook Now: Tropical Fruit
Collection of recipes for dishes using tropical fruit. Dishes include sticky rice with mango, papaya salsa, roasted pineapple tartlets, and tropical fruit compote. Also includes cooking tips for mangoes and pineapples. From Epicurious.
URL: http://www.epicurious.com/cooking/menus/cooknow/tropicalfruit
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20688

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Law
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright Information & Education: Fair Use
Overview of the fair use doctrine "which allows users of copyrighted works to exercise some rights under certain circumstances without seeking permission or paying royalties." It is "probably the most important exemption to copyright protections for educational settings, allowing many uses of copyrighted works for the purposes of teaching and research." Includes a description of the four fair use factors and tools for evaluating the applicability of the doctrine. From the University of Minnesota Libraries.
URL: http://www.lib.umn.edu/copyright/fairuse.phtml
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20628

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
People
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Scholar & Feminist Online
Archive of issues of a "triannual, multimedia, online-only journal of feminist theories and women's movements." Topics of some of the issues include feminist television studies, Zora Neale Hurston, feminism and violence, the legacy of Margaret Mead, and feminist views of the family. Includes photos, videos of conference proceedings, and other material from the collection of the Barnard Center for Research on Women. From Barnard College.
URL: http://www.barnard.edu/sfonline/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20521

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Ready Reference & Quick Facts
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Acronym Finder
Millions of acronyms across a wide range of topics, carefully edited and maintained by item editors. Thousands of acronyms added monthly. Includes a blog and free toolbars. Maintained in various forms since 1985 by an entrepreneur specializing in acronyms.
URL: http://www.acronymfinder.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/293

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Recreation
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
National Garden Month
"April is National Garden Month, a time to celebrate making our lives greener." The site features materials to help commemorate this event in your community. Includes instructions for activities (such as growing herbs in pots and making plant-based dyes), a calendar of garden-related events, and articles on topics such as community gardens, eating well, and security of our food supply. From the National Gardening Association (NGA).
URL: http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20675

----------------------------------------------------------------
National Kite Month
National Kite Month in April is "a month-long celebration of those things at the end of the strings." The site features a calendar of events, materials for organizing an event, an overview and timeline of kite history, materials for teachers (including four simple kite plans and images of kites from around the world), and games and activities for children. From a nonprofit venture co-founded by the American Kitefliers Association and the Kite Trade Association International.
URL: http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20676

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Regional: California
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
CalFile
Official material about the free program for California residents in which personal income tax returns can be filed online. Includes a description of eligibility requirements, a FAQ, links to California tax-preparation companies that offer online tax filing, and an option to begin the California e-file process. From the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
URL: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/online/calfile/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20619

----------------------------------------------------------------
California Energy Commission: Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and High-Efficiency Vehicles
Fact sheets, reports, and other documents about California alternative fuel vehicle programs and alternative transportation fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. Includes details about California initiatives and programs (such as Drive Clean California and California Hydrogen Highway) and links to general material about alternative fuel vehicles.
URL: http://www.energy.ca.gov/afvs/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/19902

----------------------------------------------------------------
California Hunter Education Program
"The State of California requires all first-time resident hunters, regardless of age, to complete hunter education training or pass a comprehensive equivalency test before purchasing a hunting license." This site provides a FAQ about the requirements, a class schedule (including information about online courses), accident statistics, and materials for instructors. From the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
URL: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20631

----------------------------------------------------------------
California Integrated Waste Management Board: Batteries
As of February 2006 "all batteries are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded. ... All batteries must be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility." Includes links to databases with battery drop-off locations, country household hazardous waste sites, and related sites about rechargeable batteries and alternative power products.
URL: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WPIE/Batteries/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20618

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Regional: Washington State
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Information Resources for Gardening in the Pacific Northwest
List of books about gardening in the Pacific Northwest, covering topics such as native plants, trees, fruits and berries, winter gardening, landscaping and garden design, and plant choices. Also includes a few periodicals and websites. Opens directly into a PDF file. From the Elisabeth C. Miller Library of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens.
URL: TOO LONG, SEE LII ITEM
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20706

----------------------------------------------------------------
Washington State Department of Health: Center for Health Statistics: Abortion/Pregnancy Data
Statistics back to the 1980s from Washington state on general topics such as abortions, live births, abortion ratios, fetal deaths, and teenage pregnancy. Also includes more specific data, such as "Repeat Abortions by Woman's Age and County of Residence," and "Abortions in Second Trimester or Later by Woman's Age and County of Residence." From the Washington State Department of Health.
URL: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/chs-data/abortion/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20612

----------------------------------------------------------------
Washington State Office of the Attorney General: Seniors
Consumer alerts and other publications about issues of concern to seniors in Washington state. Some topics covered include "con games that target older adults," making decisions before and after a death, Medicaid fraud, and prescription drug prices. From the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
URL: http://www.atg.wa.gov/seniors/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20705

----------------------------------------------------------------
WSU Extension Bamboo Research
Collection of publications on "bamboo varieties for shoot and pole production in the maritime Pacific Northwest." Features a list of Pacific Northwest bamboo nurseries, brochures on bamboo shoots, a bamboo research report, photos, and related resources. From Washington State University (WSU) Extension.
URL: http://agsyst.wsu.edu/bamboo.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20707

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Regions of the World
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Acropolis Restoration Project
This website describes efforts to preserve the monuments of the Athenian Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, and temple of Athena Nike. Discussions include the causes for the need for restoration history of and earlier interventions. Also find photos and reports about current restoration activities. The project is financed by the European Union and the Greek State. In English and Greek.
URL: http://ysma.culture.gr/english/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20419

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Science
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of the Body
Companion to a 2006-2008 exhibition that teaches about the history of forensic medicine, items in a forensic laboratory, and recent developments in forensic science. Features galleries of significant cases (such as the autopsy of President Lincoln), technologies, biographies of prominent scientists, and artifacts. Also includes lesson plans and other material for educators. Many of the descriptions are not for the faint-hearted. From the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20697

----------------------------------------------------------------
Wired: Gadget Lab
Weekly reviews of new "tech toys," such as game controllers, iPod accessories, MP3 players, PDAs (personal digital assistants), cell phones, DVD burners, headphones, and digital cameras. Includes unique items such as a home weather station and a "spot-free" car wash system. Archives go back to 2003. From Wired Magazine.
URL: http://wired.com/wired/archive/gadgetlab/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20703

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Society & Social Science
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Face of the Prophet: Cartoon & Chasm
This February 2006 public radio show features an interview with Dr. Vincent Cornell about the unrest that followed the publication in Danish newspapers of editorial cartoons critical of the Prophet Muhammad. Includes an annotated guide to the radio program, program transcript, audio (available as streaming audio and a podcast), and related links. From "Speaking of Faith," a radio program produced by American Public Media.
URL: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/faceoftheprophet/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20695

----------------------------------------------------------------
Intelligent Designs on Evolution
This 2006 documentary looks at the concept of intelligent design, "which argues certain aspects of the natural world are so complex they must have been the work of a designer." The companion website features articles on intelligent design in the classroom and religion in schools, interviews, audio and transcript of the program, and related links and readings on evolution and creationism. From American RadioWorks.
URL: http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/inteldesign/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20285

----------------------------------------------------------------
Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California
This 80-page report should be required reading for every librarian. After making the case that "the current Library catalog is poorly designed for the tasks of finding, discovering, and selecting the growing set of resources available in our libraries," the report points out areas where libraries over-invest money and time, and describes lost opportunities to make our databases easier to use. Includes a concise but thorough executive summary. From the University of California Libraries.
URL: http://libraries.universityofcalifornia.edu/sopag/BSTF/Final.pdf
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20710

----------------------------------------------------------------
The Ritchie Boys
This site is a companion to a film and a 2005 book about a group of young men known as The Ritchie Boys, "who fled Nazi Germany and returned to Europe [during World War II] as soldiers in US-uniforms. ... In Camp Ritchie, Maryland, they were trained in intelligence and psychological warfare." Includes brief biographies of the men involved, vintage postcards of the camp, and a discussion forum. In English and German.
URL: http://www.ritchieboys.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/19873

----------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Faith
"'Speaking of Faith,' hosted by Krista Tippett, is public radio's weekly conversation about religion, meaning, ethics, and ideas. ... [It] does not always have 'religion' itself as a subject. Week after week, it grapples with themes of American life -- asking how perspectives of faith might distinctively inform and illuminate our public reflection." Archive goes back to 2001. Listen online or download podcasts. RSS feed available. From American Public Media.
URL: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20694

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for using Librarians' Internet Index.

Karen G. Schneider, kgs@lii.org
LII New This Week Listowner, and
Director, Librarians' Internet Index
Websites You Can Trust!
http://lii.org/

----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------

Primary funding for LII from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Other funders include the Washington State Library.

[ Copyright Notice ]
Use of the annotations from this list must be accompanied by:

Copyright 2006 by Librarians' Internet Index.

We encourage you to cite our records, to forward all or part of New This Week to colleagues and other discussion or announcement lists, to include citations to our resources in your pathfinders and training materials, and to otherwise leverage this publicly-funded resource.

--~----------------------------------------------------------------

Safe places in your home

2006-03-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

Creating a Safe Room in Your Home
Discussion about creating a so-called "safe" or "panic" room. Homeowners can use such rooms to protect themselves from intruders or from major storms. Topics include location of the room, access, communication when in the room, and secure doors. The article notes that windowless bathrooms and closets usually make the best safe rooms. From Bankrate, a site that provides financial interest rate information and stories about personal finance.
URL: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/home-improvement/saferoom1.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20764

Longshore and Warehouse Union

2006-03-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

International Longshore and Warehouse Union: ILWU Historical Information
History of this labor union whose origins "lie in the longshore industry of the Pacific Coast -- the work of loading and unloading ships' cargoes." Discusses key events in the union's history, involving both the longshoremen (who load and unload cargo) and the warehouse division (which stores, processes, and distributes cargo). Features several oral histories, including Harry Bridges, founding president and labor leader, and Bill Chester, the first black international officer. From the ILWU.
URL: http://www.ilwu.org/history/

from : LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20758

United States ports

2006-03-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

Documents about ports and the port industry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Latin America. Features an overview and data on U.S. ports, statistics (such as container traffic), port images, a glossary of maritime terms, and material about port industry issues, activities and functions, and trade. From the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), "a trade association which represents more than 150 public port authorities in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America."
URL: http://www.aapa-ports.org/industryinfo/

from Librarian's Index to the Internet