New & Noteworthy @ WHPLibrary

The sights and sounds of our "National Jukebox" are great fun, but how many websites also give you a behind the scenes look at the technology and talent that make it all possible? How did they take a huge pile of dusty old 78 rpm acoustical discs and transform them into a digitized collection of recordings, easily available to anyone with an internet connection?

When you go to www.loc.gov/jukebox, scroll down until you find the "How'd They Do That?" heading, under which you will see three clickable links. The first takes you to a fascinating, extensively captioned slide show. After starting the show, you can enlarge the photos by clicking on any one of them. This will make it necessary to scroll down for the captions, but will enable a closer, clearer image of the equipment. For a deeper understanding of "acoustical recordings" and "takes," return to the list for links to pages giving expanded explanations of these key terms.

What next? We'll be heading in a whole new direction. See you soon!

This is the 4th installment of a series of articles about the early sound recordings preserved and presented on the Library of Congress website. These reports were written by M.Cole, Reference Librarian

As of today, Kindle owners can browse, search, and checkout free eBook titles on our library's Nassau Digital Doorway website.

When you check out a Kindle Book, a "Get for Kindle" link will be presented that opens a new window (or tab) at Amazon prompting you to login to your Amazon account. Fulfillment will occur at Amazon's website, so you must have an Amazon account. No purchase or credit card is required to create an Amazon Kindle account; users only need to provide an email address.

Once signed in to your Amazon account, you will select which Kindle device or free Kindle app to deliver the eBook to for reading. Browse, check out, and fulfillment of Kindle eBooks from your library can be completed from web browsers on PC and Mac, iPad, and numerous other tablet devices. As with other titles from our Overdrive digital collection, the eBook will expire at the end of the lending period.

Click here for Amazon's Help Page.

You can browse through the book, zoom in and out AND listen to the music!

Click on the image on the left to launch the interactive book.

Now you are ready to explore the book, read plot summaries, enjoy the wonderful period illustrations and listen to historic recordings. To make your musical selections, click on any of the little blue arrows that will appear next to the available pieces. The screen will change to one that provides complete recording information and the music will begin.

Have a great ride!

(This article was written by M.Cole)

Where would we be today without the IBM PC?

IBM introduced its first PC (Model 5150) on August 12, 1981. Its secret code name was 'Acorn" and it used a processor from Intel and an operating system from Microsoft.

Time Magazine that year named the computer "Man of the Year".

Come to the library to read more about computers.

West Hempstead Public Library patrons who are travelers or appreciate history, architecture, and libraries should read the Sunday 7/31 NY Times article describing libraries in Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Prague, Seville and Vienna as great European sanctuaries.

History buffs will appreciate the nearly 900 year old Prague Strahov Monastery and Library

and the Paris Bibliotheque de France which was created in 1368 for Charles V's manuscripts. Travelers interested in the history of the discovery of the Americas will find the Seville Archivo General de Indias fascinating. Nearby in Seville they can also visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Each library's architecture is worth a visit. The Austrian National Library in Vienna includes frescoed ceilings, marble statues and ornate bookcases while the Amsterdam Centrale Biblioteek is a beautiful 10 story structure built in 2007. The National Library of Ireland in Dublin has a domed ceiling and a floor mosaic with the motto "Sapientia", Latin for wisdom.

Libraries are always great places to visit while traveling, and as the article suggests, they are often free of crowds. So if you visit any beautiful libraries in Europe or elsewhere, be sure to take a few pictures where permitted and share them on our Facebook fan page.

This article was reported on by B.Koehler, with weblinks added by L.Joe.

Family Service League is offering a FREE
12-week computer literacy class to Nassau County Veterans. There are NO geographical or income restrictions associated with this class.

Students will be given instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, keyboarding, and basic Internet applications that can be utilized in office positions. Whether you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student, do not hesitate to apply - your current skill level will help to determine the instructional level of the classes!

The classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from September through December from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kornreich Adult Computer Literacy Center in Roslyn. Upon successful completion of the class, students will receive a certificate of completion for the specified training course of study.

To register, or for more information, please call Lori Brennan at 631-427-3700, extension 302.

Of the numerous tempting offerings on the Library of Congress's list of Digital Collections, a favorite of ours is "The National Jukebox" featured under the listing "Early Sound Recordings."

This ever expanding collection rests on its original foundation of 10,000 recordings made between 1901 and 1925. As you ready yourself for a journey back in time, be sure to turn up the volume on your computer! Sounds of the past are at your disposal as you make your selections from lists of music, comedy routines, historic speeches, dramatic scenes, monologues and more.

What a great way to imagine what it felt like to be alive in America 100 years ago! For example, you can hear the actual voice of William Howard Taft discussing the important political issues of his presidency. Waste no time. Go to www.loc.gov/jukebox/ and dive into history the fun way.

We'll be back next month with more on this subject.

(This article was written by M.Cole)

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to always choose a secure password for your online accounts. Here are some tips offered as a public service by Mozilla: STRONG PASSWORDS PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT!
(Print the brochure for the details, or pickup a copy at the Reference Desk!)

GOOD PASSWORDS HAVE A SIMPLE SET OF PROPERTIES:
• They have both upper and lower case letters
• They have digits and/or punctuation characters as well as letters
• They are easy to remember, so they do not have to be written down
• They are at least seven or eight characters long, but the longer the better.
• They can be typed quickly, so someone else cannot easily look over your shoulder

The best way to fight internet fraud is to learn how to AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM. However, if you become a victim, there is help available. Click here for a list of official government web resources to help you report and learn about internet fraud.

Did you know that you can visit the Library of Congress online? And we're not just talking about searching the catalog. Since 1994, the library has been developing a collection of digitized photographs, manuscripts, maps, motion pictures, books and sound recordings! Yes, there is plenty to see and to read, but you can also listen to rare, historic recordings of music and the spoken word.

Explore this amazing resource by accessing the Library of Congress home page at www.loc.gov, then click on "DIGITAL COLLECTIONS" at the top of the page. Or watch this spot for future tidbits about this oasis that belongs to you, the people!

(This article was written by M.Cole)

If you live by your text messages, you may want to opt-in to this supplementary feature, built into our library catalog.

When you activate this optional feature, you will receive short text messages alerting you to holds ready for pickup, items about to become due, and items overdue. Be aware that messaging charges may apply based on your mobile carrier terms. Read the "Terms and Conditions" page.

You may opt in, and opt out at any time by logging in to your library account (using your barcode and PIN number) and entering your mobile number into a special Mobile Phone record field.

The SMS alerts you receive are NOT item-specific (not the entire notice); therefore, patrons who request SMS alerts will also receive the corresponding circulation notices, either printed or via email.

E-Commerce is coming!...on or about JUNE 21.

Patrons who perform their own transactions using the MY ACCOUNT feature of the online (Alisweb) catalog will have the added ability to use Visa or Mastercard to pay fines/fees. The minimum payment amount will be $5. (No debit cards, American Express, or Discover cards may be used in the initial offering.)

We are pleased to offer this service and hope it enhances your library experience. If you need help creating or accessing your account, call the Reference Desk, 481-6591.

Many people find themselves lacking the computer skills that every day become more necessary for work, recreation, or general information needs. Check out these resources to learn vital skills at your own pace and at your convenience.

The Digital Literacy website, www.digitalliteracy.gov offers assistance to learners of all levels from beginner to advanced.

At this web portal the U.S. Department of Commerce (NTIA) has assembled a vast array of linked materials that will allow you to learn or enhance skills through online tutorials, many in video format.

The "Learn the Basics" section can connect you to a variety of free websites that will teach you:

-- Basic computer and mobile device skills (using a mouse, keyboard, the desktop)
-- Software and applications (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
-- Internet skills (email, website registration, etc.)
-- Internet communications (share photos and video, use social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Skype)
-- Online Protection for Children

The "Learn Job Skills" area leads you to websites to help you find job openings, explore career options, create a resume, and connect to business and employer resources.
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And don't forget about the online resources available to all West Hempstead Public Library patrons through our WHPLIBRARY website. (You will need to enter your library barcode.)

Click on this link to go directly to our career resources or bookmark our eResources page www.whplibrary.org/research and click on "Careers/TestPreparation" in the Database Subject Listing on the right to find job and career resources that include:

Learning Express: On the left side of the screen among the Learning Centers, find
-- Popular Software Tutorials ( Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, Powerpoint, etc.)
-- Job Search and Workplace Skills (job search, resumes, interviewing)
-- Skill Building for Adults (math, personal finance, public speaking, etc.)
-- College Preparation (ACT, AP, CLEP, PSAT, SAT etc.)

Also Tutor.com has self-help subject resources in the Adult Education and Career Center, where you can search for a job, learn to write an effective resume, and prepare for an interview with a career tutor. Or get help to pass the Citizenship test or study for the GED with assistance from an academic tutor.

Take advantage of these FREE resources!

        It's HERE!
OverDrive's app for iPhone® & Android™ allows you to download both EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks directly to your phone. eBooks and audiobooks are combined into a single app that enables over-the-air downloads and streamlines your browse, checkout, and download experience using our library's Nassau Digital Doorway!

Get the mobile app today, then use your library card to download library books for free directly to your portable device! Got questions? Call your friendly librarian at 481-6591 or review these FAQ's.

New York participates in Federal/State e-file, which allows taxpayers to file their Federal and NY State returns electronically at the same time. It is available to you through tax professionals or by filing from your home computer.

Eligible New Yorkers may also qualify for Free File which offers no-fee tax preparation and e-filing if your adjusted gross income is $58,000 or less in 2010. You must use one of the approved Free File companies listed on the NY State Tax site. Each software company has different rules that you should carefully review before starting your return.

If you do not qualify for Traditional Free File, you may still use Free File Fillable Forms - There are no income limitations, but you must fill in the tax forms and file them online without tax software. These look like blank IRS forms that you select, self-prepare, and e-file to complete your 1040, 1040 A and 1040 EZ return.

For help, check the NY State E-file resource page which offers a list of approved software developers who will format and submit your information to NY State with varying fees.

For more information, and links to forms and publications check the IRS website and NY State Dept of Taxation website.

If you usually handle your renewals from home, please be aware that on Tuesday June 29, the online catalog for the entire Nassau Library System will be unavailable for 24 hours for a major system upgrade. In the library, we will use a manual system to handle CHECKOUTS ONLY. We will NOT be able to checkin or renew materials on June 29, so you will not incur late fees for books or other materials due on that day.

We expect the catalog to be available again starting Wednesday June 30. Thank you, in advance, for your patience and support.

Thirty four patrons answered our question about their use of Social Media websites for our February 2010 survey. This was a much smaller set of responses compared to the 77 who answered our January survey, so it's apparent that there was some self-selection based on interest in or familiarity with the subject.

Question: How often do you use Social Media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube , Flickr, Shelfari, Kaboodle? Here are the results in rank order:

17 = Use at least one site as often as I can
12 = Use at least one site a few times a month
4 = Never heard of them or Never use them
3 = Try them out, but don't like them much

An overwhelming number of our respondents (80%) indicate that they use at least one site, "as often as I can" or "a few times a month". The most favorite social site is Facebook (18), followed by YouTube (10), with only a passing nod to Twitter (1), MySpace (1) and LinkedIn (1). One vote was cast for music sites, although no particular site was specified.

Interest in learning more about social media was directed mostly about Twitter (5) and Facebook (4). The West Hempstead Public Library has a presence on both Twitter and Facebook, but so far we have focused mainly on Facebook where we maintain Fan Sites for the Children's Room, the Teens, and the Main Library/Reference Desk. This is part of our effort to bring our products and services closer to our public and to interact with our patrons when and where they are most comfortable. Become a Fan, and let us know how we are doing!

Here are links to some other popular social media sites:
LinkedIn: a professional networking site used by jobseekers and human resource personnel. (example: search on "Bill Gates")
Shelfari: a social network for people who love books and sharing reviews about what they are reading and getting suggestions about what to read next. (example: Shelfari community). See also GoodReads.com, LibraryThing.com
Kaboodle: this social shopping site has been redesigned lately to allow online shoppers to search and discover products according to popularity among other shoppers in the Kaboodle community and consumers in general.
And finally, here's a guide to social media music sites.

The West Hempstead Public Library is proud to be part of the Nassau Digital Doorway (NDD) service which provides online access to best-selling and classic audiobooks for your listening pleasure.
Download and listen to content from your home computer, transfer the digital media to your compatible MP3 player, or burn them onto a CD (when allowed by the publisher). Patrons may check out up to five titles at a time, and at the end of the seven day lending period, the audiobooks will expire from the PC and automatically be returned to the digital collection, so you never have to worry about late fees.

To access the West Hempstead Public Library digital audiobook collection you will need:
      1. A valid West Hempstead Public library card in good standing
      2. Access to the Internet (high-speed connection preferred)
      3. Free downloadable software that transfers audiobooks to your computer

Please note that digital downloads can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when you travel, but are generally not for use on the computers in your library.

Before you get started, be sure to read the Quickstart Guide and the Digital Help-FAQ found in the upper right corner of the Nassau Digital Doorway's homepage. If you have the time, and a high speed connection, view the Guided Tour for an easy introduction to this convenient new service!

What if you could have fun, educate yourself, and help feed the hungry...? Would you try it?"

Here's your chance to play a game to fight World Hunger. For each answer you get right, sponsors of the website, Free Rice, donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

The English vocabulary game on the homepage is designed to help you think, write, and speak more effectively. (And maybe score higher on tests like the SAT, GRE, LSAT and GMAT?) If your computer has speakers, you can even hear how the words are pronounced. But you don't have to stop there. If you click on the Subjects link, you can choose math, science, geography, art history, other languages and more.

Anyone can play this game, young or old. The computer will adjust to your skill level and keep it challenging. Give it a minute, and you may come back for more.

FreeRice began on October 7, 2007. Over 66 billion grains of rice have been donated as of August 9, 2009.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 is the date when our new service begins.

Email reminders with the subject line "LIBRARY COURTESY NOTICE" will be generated automatically from the Nassau Library System catalog to help you manage your library transactions and avoid fines! Notices will be sent 3 days before an item is due. Don't worry, we won't annoy you with reminders for any items lent for 3 days or less.

If you would like this service, make sure that your email id has been entered as part of your contact information. You may add, update, or delete your email address in your personal account by using the "My Library Account" page in the library catalog. Click on the icon that says "Modify Personal Info".

Have you heard about our new Book-a-Librarian service?

Whether you need help tracking down consumer information, tracing your family roots, or exploring ideas on what to read next, we can help.

With our Book-a-Librarian service you may reserve a free 30-minute session with a professional reference librarian to help you navigate through the many informational resources available to you in the library, through our catalog, in our databases and on the internet.

Just fill out a Book-a-Librarian Request Form in the library or email or call the Reference Desk at 516-481-6591 to request the service. Each request will be given to a Reference Librarian who will schedule your personal appointment at a mutually convenient time

Book-a-Librarian appointments must be scheduled in advance and are restricted to West Hempstead Public Library cardholders.

Here is an excellent opportunity to get help researching your family history.

Our workshop on Wednesday, April 9 from 10-11:30 am, will focus on the valuable resources your library provides to help you dig through the myriad records that exist scattered in bits and pieces in various hard-to-access records. The Ancestry Library Edition provides a wealth of information in one convenient place and is available only in the library.

Bring your genealogy questions and our experienced reference librarian will help you find the answers to help you identify your kin.

If you can't make it to the workshop, you might consider using our new Book-a-Librarian Service, which allows West Hempstead patrons to reserve a free 30-minute session with a professional librarian to focus on your research interests.

Call the library 481-6591 or email us for more information.

February 29, 2008 is a Leap Day, also known as Leap Year Day.

(photo downloaded from Leapzine.com)

Browsing the Internet is a great way to learn about both the science and the traditions associated with Leap Year. Using a search engine, like Google, when you enter the words "Leap Year" you get approximately 2,180,000 results, far more than most people would have the time to research. A quick review of the ten on the first page and a cursory look at the ten on the second page gives a taste of what can be found on the subject.

To help you focus your research, Google has included additional search terms at the bottom of the results page under the heading "Searches related to: Leap Year". Use these hints to modify your own search terms, based on your specific interests. For example, adding "trivia" to your search, reveals a set of appproximately 110,000 results or adding "traditions" reveals another 138,000 results.

The Yahoo search engine also provides related searches under the heading "Also try:..."

These are some of my favorite picks:

Leap Year 101 for an overview.
If you were born on a Leap Day, check out the Leapzine website and Leap Year Capital of the World.
Sadie Hawkins Day which is actually celebrated in November.
Online Conversion Calculator for figuring out which years are Leap Years.

Check out the visual cues included in our Online Catalog to help you make sense of the different types of materials you may find in our Library System or from our Online Library Resources.

When you do a title, author, keyword or any search that brings up a list of items, in the rightmost column you will see icons that indicate that we offer much more than just books. Take a look, and see!

Icon for books and magazines in the library

Icon for audiobooks - sound recordings in audiocassette or CD formats

Icon for electronic resources linking directly to full-text online books
HINT: Try a Keyword/Simple Boolean search on "Gale Virtual"

Icon for musical recordings - cassette or CD formats

Icon for videorecordings - movies or tv shows in videocassette or DVD formats

Icon for special combination kits, such as "Bookclub in a Bag" or children's multimedia packages

Our new website name www.whplibrary.org is now operational and identifies us as a unique entity, rather than an appendage of the Nassau Library System. Email names associated with our new website have been assigned, to make it easier for patrons to communicate with us. We will be making improvements to the website as the year progresses. Watch for changes!

Our first blog is just the start of what's new at the West Hempstead Public Library. We'll use this new communications tool to update the library community about what we do in our respective departments and to share our plans and preparations for the changes that the new building will bring.