Office 2007 loaded

Jeff has been busy loading Office 2007 onto all the computers in the Technology Center at the New Canaan Library. The look and feel of Office 2007 is quite different: there are ribbons instead of toolbars. The commands are all under tabs and actually are better organized once you get used to it. The Reference Staff will be offering classes in Word 2007, Excel 2007, and PowerPoint 2007 during March, April and May. Go to the computer class list on the website to see dates and times. Register online. Or give us a call at 203-594-5003. The staff is always available to help when you are using the Office suite and have a question or a problem.

New e-screen and software!

New at the Library is our e-screen.
Now when you enter the Library through the West Plaza Entrance (otherwise known as the sliding glass doors) be sure to look up at our new e-screen which shows all the programs happening at the Library, today and upcoming.
The e-screen is connected to a PowerPoint program running on a computer. PowerPoint programs can be edited and added to quickly and easily, and they can be set to run in a loop, continuously with set time intervals for viewing.

Also new are 2 software programs on the public computers: Photoshop Elements and PDF Creator. Adobe Photoshop Elements is a photo editing program which allows the user to maximize color, remove red eye, crop and edit photos. PDF Creator allows the user to take any Internet file or word document and turn it into a PDF file. The file can then be printed or emailed with ease.

Going Green with Print Management on October 27-28

In an effort to join the Green movement the Library will be changing its print system to Envisionware Print Management. We hope to reduce the amount of wasted and abandoned printouts and thereby reduce the amount of paper and toner used. Print management is a system that many libraries in the area use to management the printing of pages from the Internet and other computer programs. When you want to print you put in a password and send the print job to one of the brand new Kyocera printers. There is a black and white printer as well as a new color printer. Both printers are Ecosys printers which mean they to are going green, using less toner and fewer plastics. The cost of the prints will remain the same, 10 cents for black and white, 50 cents for color prints. Look for the installation on Monday and Tuesday October 27 and 28. Unfortunately we will have to close off all the public pcs on those two days for the installation.

Online Blunders

Consumer Reports recently featured an article about common mistakes that computer users make that can invite identity theft. They mention things like using the same password for multiple accounts or webpages, clicking on that ad that says your computer is not secure, downloading free screensavers and other software, and bragging that your mac computer doesn't get viruses.
Click here to read all 7 of the mistakes users make.

Self-checkout

You do it at the Grocery Store, you do it at the Home Depot, now you will be able to do it at the Library. Self-checkout! Coming in August is a fancy new workstation. Swipe your Library Card, and the items you want to check out. Take your printed receipt and go! Please come and check it out.

Screen savers and Going Green

Don Willmott on his Livewire blog for June 11, 2008 decries the continued use of screen savers! Screen savers were useful on the older monitors, but they are not on the new LCD monitors as there is no "burn-in," a permanent shadow branded onto the screen when static images were left on the screen for long periods of time.
Willmott says that if you are not sitting in front of your computer turn the monitor off. Or put the computer to sleep. And you will save money and energy.
Read Willmotts blog here.

Assistive Technology

We now have 2 Assistive Technology workstations, one in the Technology Center and one in the Children's Room. There are touch screen monitors, big key keyboards, trackballs and an ergonomic mouse. Noise reducing headphones are available as well as a scanner with document feed. The workstation can be adjusted up or down to allow wheelchair access, or for more comfort with the ergonomic chair.
Software available includes games--Teen Tunes, Switch games, and Sammy's Science House.
Word Q is an amazing software program which can prompt a person as words are typed on the screen, and can read aloud what has been written. It can also be used to read sections of the Internet or other documents on the screen.
BrainPop has curriculum based movies and quizzes to aid in understanding and learning lessons. I watched a movie on ants and then answered the questions.
This new equipment and software is part of our Webster's Bridge initiative: materials, programs, and services for special needs students, parents, siblings, friends, and educators. Webster's Bridge is a gift to the community from the Domino Family and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Connecticut State Library.

Freezing Reserves

Going on vacation and want to be sure you don't lose the holds you placed at the Library? Well, you can now put your oustanding reserves "On Ice." Just follow the directions below to freeze your holds:

1. Click on MY ACCOUNT from the New Canaan Library's Website.
2. Enter you name, barcode number and press submit.
3. On the side click REQUESTS to display the items you have on hold
4. Click the radio button in the FREEZE column next to the item you wish to freeze.
5. Scroll to top and click UPDATE LIST.

When you return from vacation, repeat the steps above, uncheck the items you froze and click UPDATE LIST. You will returned to the active queue.

Spammers and Greeting Cards

A recent article in USA Today talked about the new ways that Spammers are using to slip through the most up-to-date email blocks.

Spammers are now using PDF email attachments and electronic greeting cards to get their messages and viruses through. If you have received a greeting card through your email which says "from a family member," you have been attacked. Legitimate greeting cards always give a specific name and email from which the card has been sent. If you have any doubts as to the authenticity of an electronic greeting card, just delete it. Better to be safe than sorry.

Spammers have had to change their methods of attack on email because spam filters have gotten stronger and better. Besides PDF files, spammers are also beginning to use excel and zip files to transmit viruses and annoying junk mail. Remember, if in doubt, delete before opening.

Click here for the entire USA Today article on August 16, 2007.

When Are My Books Due?

Lost your date due receipt and can't remember when your books are due back? Not to worry, just go to the Library's website, navigate to the online catalog page and log on to Your Account Information. You will be prompted to enter you name and library barcode number (the 14-digit number on the back of your card). Once logged on you will be able to review the items you have checked out and see when they are due back. You can also renew books that are due to expire and place items on hold that are not currently on the shelf. If you have any problems you can always contact the information desk at 594-5003.

More Plugs

More and more of our Library users are bringing their own laptops into the Library. We provide wireless access to the Internet from almost every place in the building. Find a comfy chair and put your feet up on a stool and surf away. But then we noticed, and you asked, that you needed a plug. Wireless is great, but most people do not want to run their computers on the batteries. So we have added electrical outlets all along the east side of the Main Library where the windows and the periodicals are. And we rewired the carrels in the back too. So come and plug in!

MyLibraryDV

WHAT IS MYLIBRARYDV?

MyLibraryDV is a unique video-on-demand service created by Recorded Books and available to New Canaan Library registered card-holders. Patrons can access hundred of hours of DVD-quality programming such as cooking, travel, health programs, classic movies as well as local content.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO VIEW MYLIBRARYDV?

• Navigate to the Library's website.
• Click on the MyLibraryDV logo.
• Install the download manager (this is a one-time requirement that takes 2 to 4 minutes).
• Choose your program from the menu.
• Follow the instructions to log on. The download manager remembers you even when you close the connection. You will not have to repeat this step as long as you do not sign out.

WHAT SOFTWARE IS REQUIRED?

• A broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, etc).
• The most recent version of your browser (Firefox and Internet Explorer provide optimal results).
• Microsoft Windows XP with SP2 or Windows 2000 with SP4.
• Flashplayer 9 and Windows Media Player 9 or higher with the most recent security update.
• 1 gigabyte of available hard-drive space.
• 1 GHz processor or greater

MyLibraryDV's software will automatically detect and alert you to any necessary upgrades and will aid in their installation.

CAN I USE A MAC WITH THIS SERVICE?

MyLibraryDV will run on a Mac as long as Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Media Player 9 are installed although most Macs currently do not have the ability to install this software.

Downloadable Audio Books Are Back ~ Just Download And Go!

This holiday season audio book lovers will want to explore the Library’s digital audio books service which allows subscribers to download audio files to their computer from the convenience of their home. Holiday travelers and commuters will appreciate the ability to easily and conveniently transfer the files to their portable MP3 devices and with the proper adapter – available for loan at the library- play them through the car’s FM receiver. Digital audio books can be checked-out for three weeks and automatically expire when the item is due, so there are never any late charges. The collection currently offers access to over 1000 titles, including current, popular fiction and non-fiction, the bible, the Pimsleur foreign language instruction series, as well as over 350 children and young adult titles. All titles are searchable through the Library’s online catalog.

Advances in library technology make it possible to offer services which are instantly available at all times, providing a rich array of content delivered electronically whenever and wherever a user needs it. And digital content offers distinct advantages over traditional CDs and Books-on-tape. For one thing, it’s no longer necessary to fumble with multiple discs or tapes. Now the entire book can be transferred to a device no bigger than a deck of cards. With downloadable audio books every title is always available – no holds or reserves, and you can’t lose or damage a digital file.

To get started using the collection and create an account click here. After you setup your account with Netlibrary you will see the New Canaan Library’s collection. At this point you may begin searching the collection and downloading your audio book titles.

You can checkout up to six titles at a time. The loan period is 21 days after which time the license will expire and the file will become inactive. At this point you can simply drag the file to the recycle bin on your computer to discard. Titles may be renewed once for an additional 21 days. Audio books which are checked out cannot be checked back in.

Once the titles are downloaded, they can then be played on your computer or transferred to a total of two compatible MP3 devices, with the exception of the Apple IPOD which currently is not supported by this service. The Library also loans compatible MP3 devices and wireless adapters for the car.

You can stay abreast of these developments and other trends by subscribing to the library’s e-newsletter – visit http://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/ to subscribe or call the Library at 203-594-5003 for more information.

Playaway Audio Books

Have you tried the newest electronic gadget at the Library? It is an audio book in one little box. You do not have to wrestle with 6 - 24 cassettes, or try to read the numbers on the different discs that come in Books on Tape or Books on CD. You can not misplace a tape or disc. It is all contained in one little box measuring 2" by 3 1/2 ". We have provided lanyards so they can be worn around your neck. Add your headphones (or buy earbuds from us for $1) and off you go on your errands or for a walk or just around the house. We even provide a spare battery. There are classic titles from Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as current best sellers like Marley & Me, Patterson's Beach Road, and Tyler's Digging to America. There are also Playaways to help you learn French, Spanish, German or Italian. Currently there are 56 titles with more arriving each month. These definitely rank high on the "cool" factor scale! Click here for a complete list: Playaway.

Cyber Security: Make it a habit

There are lots of ways to protect yourself and your computer from cyber threats. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) found in a recent survey that 80% of U.S. consumers do not secure their computers properly, leaving themselves vulnerable to identity thieves and hackers. At the very minimum everyone needs to have a firewall installed on their computer and anti-spyware and adware programs. These programs must be updated regularly. Wireless computer users need to secure their computers to prevent other persons from using their wireless access and their information. More information about securing your computer can be found on the Microsoft website at microsoft.com/issues and on the National Cyber Security Alliance website.
Stay safe and make it a habit!

New: printers, classes, election websites

New at the Library is a Dell color Laser printer for printing color photos and pictures, powerpoint presentations, reports and publisher brochures. Prints are $.50 each. To use the color printer click File, then Print. Change the printer to Dell Color, and print. The printer is located on the Reference Desk and prints must be paid for at the time of printing.

With Election season upon us, the Library has created a list of useful websites for those wishing to learn more about candidates and the statements they make. Click on Research and then Law, Government and Politics to find websites like Factcheck.org which investigates statements made by candidates on various issues. Votesmart, Politics1 and All politics are full of information about candidates all across the nation. There are also links to State party websites, representatives and to the Gallup and Quinnipiac Polls. Be an informed voter.

The Library is offering 2 new classes on Buying and Selling on eBay. Classes will be taught by Tom Greenbaum of Con$ign-net on Saturdays October 28 and November 4 from 10 a.m.- 12.
For a complete list of November and December computer classes and to register click here.

Computer & Internet Classes Begin in September

The Library will resume its very popular Computer and Internet classes after a brief summer hiatus. Classes range from basic mouse skills to advanced searching, blogging and email. We will offer two new classes this fall: Dive into the Web ~ Morningstar stocks & Mutual Funds, an in-depth look at how you can use this powerful database to find information about specific stocks or mutual funds, create your own portfolio or choose investments; and Dive into the Web ~ D&B Million Dollar Business Directory: Total U.S., where you will learn how to locate a company, create lists of companies by location, size or type or sort to find human resources or other personnel.

Click here to view the September/October schedule of classes. To reserve a seat please call the Information Department at 203-594-5003 or click here to register online. All classes take place in the Library's Tech Center, begin at 9:30 am, and are free and open to the public.

And Please Lets Hear From You
Have you taken a class with us? If yes, let us know what you thought or how we might have improved the experience. And we would really like to know what classes you would like to see at the Library (e.g. How to Choose a New Computer, Digital Photography, Designing a Website, etc).

The Library's Wireless Network

General Information

• The Library offers wireless access through out the building
• The wireless network is free and open to all visitors
• The network uses the WI-FI standard known as 802.11G at speeds up to 54/mbps (speeds may vary depending on location and number of users connected to the network
• Users must abide by the Library's Policy for Internet & Computer Use
• Printers are not available on the wireless network at this time

Security

• Since the Library's wireless network is not secured, users are advised to use caution when transmitting sensitive information as the potential exists for data to be captured, altered or monitored
• It is the sole responsibility of the user to provide up-to-date antivirus protection and other appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and on the Internet itself
• Wireless access in the Children's room is filtered

Welcome to the Library's Technology Blog

Technology abounds at the New Canaan Library. Our Tech Center with 17 PC workstations offers high-speed fiberoptic access to the Internet as well as laser and color printing, scanning, and a full array of software applications including Microsoft Office and Publisher. But did you know that we also have a wireless network, that we loan a laptop computer, wireless adapters, MP3 players and jump drives? Well we do.

We hope you will use this blog as a way to stay current and informed about all the new technology the Library offers. So visit us often and by all means lets us know your thoughts and suggestions.