The last few days have been filled with exciting technology issues. The Library was recently awarded an LSTA Grant in the amount of $2,794 to provide wireless Internet access to library patrons. If you have a laptop computer with a wireless card installed, you can now bring it to the Library and access our high speed Internet connection. The signal covers our entire building, so it doesn't matter if you are in the Meeting Room or sitting in the greenhouse window – you can still access our wireless Internet.
This grant project is supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library. As a little background, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success.
When I began working in the Library field in 1989, we hardly knew what to do with a computer. Now, they are an essential part of they way we deliver information to you, our library patrons. Bring your laptop into the library and give our new wireless access a try!
We recently added a new database to help students and adults who would like to return to school. The "Learning Express" database provides access to over 300 practice exams. It includes the old standards such as SAT and ACT, but also features many specialized exams perfect for those who are considering furthering their education or changing jobs. Examples of the wide variety of exams in "Learning Express" are Civil Service exams, Postal Worker exams, ASVAB (military entrance), Real Estate exams, Nursing School Entrance exams, and much more. The exams are instantly scored and you are given feedback to help improve your score for the next time.
"Ancestry Library" is another popular database offered by the Greensburg Library and it is designed for genealogy research. "Ancestry Library" is actually a collection of approximately 4,000 databases. Just a few of the informational sources it includes are U.S. Census records, historical maps, DAR Lineage books, Social Security Death Index, and a strong Civil War collection. So, if you are researching your family tree, visit the library and ask about "Ancestry Library."
"Tumble Book Library" is a fun and educational online program for kids. It features a collection of animated, talking picture books. You can choose the automatic mode and the story pages turn by themselves and are read to your child. Or you can choose manual mode and your child can turn the pages and read at their own speed. The "Tumble Book Library" also includes quizzes, games, language learning, and life learning. The Language Learning section has a growing collection of books in foreign languages. The Life Learning section features stories that teach valuable life lessons to children.
The Library also features "Online Book Clubs" and "Book News." The "Online Book Club" offers several genres of books to which you can subscribe. Once you subscribe you will receive in your email a five-minute selection from a book. You will have read 2 – 3 chapters by the end of the week. If you want to finish the book, ask at the library about getting a copy. Every Monday a new book selection begins. "Book News" features a monthly book newsletter to help you find out what is new and popular at the library. Visit the library website to sign up for either the "Online Book Club" or "Book News."
"Newsbank" is a great resource for a student or researcher. It provides the full text of hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles. "Newsbank" offers various search methods and even includes a "Current Events" section with articles on "Hot Topics." The Map Section provides up-to-date world maps in color or black/white which are perfect for students to print out.
These are just a few of the many informational technologies featured at the Greensburg Public Library. Many of the databases I have mentioned can actually be accessed through your home computer via the Library's website at www.greensburglibrary.org. Visit our website and see what we have to offer. If you don't have a computer at home, then simply come to the Library and use one of our free public access computers. Hope to see you soon at the Greensburg Public Library!