Forecasting!

The forecast from the Ellsworth Public Library has been progressively bright. Since the library was built in 1817 and listed on the National Register of Historical Houses it has been through many changes. A wonderful 3 story addition was constructed in 1991 housing the libraries fiction, non-fiction, periodicals, reference, kitchen, meeting room and of course the genealogy section.

Questions Asked/Answers Given

• Name & location  of library and URL:  Ellsworth Public Library

• What types of technology are available for patron & staff use in the library? The types of technology available for patron and staff use are: 

1. 13 Internet Computers available to patrons
2. 1 Word Processing Computer available to patrons
3. 2 OPAC Computers available to patrons     
4. 9 Internet Computers available for staff along with 3 scanner, printer, copiers.    

• Who on the library staff manages the technology? The Assistant Director manages the technology. This library employs 12 people including a custodian. Most technology issues are handled by the Assistant Director but the library has access to an outside tech person with a yearly contract who comes in, but if that fails the computers are sent out.

• How much is spent proportionately on technology, databases, CD's, Video & DVD software? A total of 5% of the operating budget is spent on technologies. 2% is spent on computers and databases. 3% is spent on CD's, DVD's, software.

• What types of systems are employed? This library has a Windows XP system but it is not up-to-date. Updating is in progress.

• Are your computers networked, wired, or wireless?  All but 2 computers are networked. This library has both wired and wireless. Patrons have WiFi access 24/7 - around the clock!

• What is your Internet access & type of connection? This library has Internet access and two T1 connections.

• Do you have a website at this library and who maintains it? Yes, this library has a website Ellsworth Public Library. It is maintained by the host which is the MSLN (Maine State Library Network). The Assistant Director does the updates.

• Is your system automated? This library uses what is called Apollo Automation by Bibilonix. 

• Do you have any policies associated with library technology? This libraries policies are in the process of be re-written. You may check out the existing policies on the Ellsworth Public Library Policies website. The library has an acceptable use policy (Internet Policy) but it is not on the library website. It was adopted by the Ellsworth Public Library Board of trustees July 15, 1996 and reviewed and approved by the Trustees on January 16, 2001. It is currently in the process of being re-written. 

•  How do you control how much time a patron can spend on a computer? This library uses Cassie a computer and management software system by Librarica. This software allows the library staff to set time limits on patron computer use. Currently it allows patrons to use the computer 1 hour per day and can be used in 15 minute increments. Patrons are O.K. with this time limit. The Assistant Director is VERY happy with this software!

• How does your technology get repaired? It depends on the problem. Small issues are repaired in-house  by the tech person with the yearly contract- big issues are sent out.

• Is the community and/or patrons able to use your facilities and what types of equipment do you provide for their use?  Absolutely, community and patrons are encouraged and able to use the library facilities. However, none of the technology can removed from the library. It is for use in the library only. The library provides DVDs, a TV combo, LCD projector (for mostly employees and programming). Art show exhibits, community meetings, visiting authors, children's programming and meetings of the library board of trustees are held in the lower level meeting room and the Ellsworth Public Library Meeting Room Policy addresses its use.

• Would you say that your library has sufficient space, electrical outlets and data ports for  network/Internet? Space is not sufficient! And that is with a big exclamation point. The library has been in the process of discussing ways to expand the library to meet the growing needs of the patrons and the community. Hopefully this library will see an expansion in the near future. No problem with electrical outlets. This library has adequate electrical outlets available. Same for data ports and network/Internet, but would like to have more space so that the library can provide more computer stations to its patrons.

•  What kind of furniture do you have for technology? The library has a wonderful kiosk located in front of the Circulation Desk that provides a home for 4 computers. Patrons are able to use these computers to search the OPAC. The library recently purchased 2 new computer desks for the Children's Dept. Long tables line the wall of the Reference Center providing space for 6 computers. The Assistant Director said that the patrons prefer wooden chairs over newer ergonomic chairs. When you go into this library you will see more wooden chairs than fancy computer chairs that are ergonomically correct. Most of the computer tables appear to be of an appropriate height for computer use. Going up to the Genealogy Section on the third floor of the new addition you will find 2 computers for Genealogy Use Only and they have a home on wooden tables as well, with wooden chairs. You will find 1 ergonomically correct chair located at the Microfilm/Fiche machine. And of course, let us not forget the Rocking Chair. It may be of old technology but it is preferred by many.

• What kind of assistive technologies does your library have? Do you offer any computer based assistiveXerox Low Vision Magnifier for the visually impaired. Magnifiers that are placed over the computer are also offered. Audio books are available for the visually impaired. This library will make every attempt to provide an assistive technology if requested by a patron. You will find an elevator conveniently located on the bottom floor and provides a ride to the second and third floor.

•  How are you doing with providing ergonomically correct technologies? The library has wrist pads located throughout the library. The wrist pads are intended to help prevent problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other overuse problems. Various mouse styles were noted at each computer station.  The Dell Mouse had a good feel and the scroll feature is nice. The library does not use plastic mats under their chairs at the computer stations. Firstly, they don't need them with the wooden chairs. The Assistive Director shared with me a not so funny story, but really you had to laugh. One of the employees went to sit on her computer chair but because the plastic mat was so slippery the chair went right out from under her and down she went. Well I have had the same experience! Its funny but not.  The computer keyboards are of various names and all are of standard quality.

• What works and what doesn't work? What technology needs revamping should be rethought for optimal patron use? CASSIE by Librarica  works - the computer and printer  management software. Once the bugs were worked out the staff just adores it.  What doesn't work is the layout of the computers. Would be nice to have them all centrally located rather than spread out. Makes it difficult to manage when you don't have enough employees around. This library had trouble with WiFi and it was not working well. Installing another router solved the problem.

• Does you library sign out equipment and software? The answer is NO. Video's, CD's and DVD's can be signed out by the patrons. 

• Does the library offer downloads of eBooks, iFlicks, MP3, books on tape, etc.? This library does not offer e-books, iFlicks, and MP3 downloads. Books on tape are offered for take home.

• How does the library sign out equipment/software or eBooks, iFlicks, MP3 or books on tape? The library offers sign out of books on tape only and this is done by using your library card at the circulation desk.

• How do you store and shelve your hardware, software,  DVD's, Videos, CD's? Hardware and software are stored in the Office for library use only. CD's, Videos and  DVD's are stored on shelves in the Reference Section and the Youth Service section. All are enclosed in plastic cases.

•  What type of security measures are taken to prevent theft of hardware, software and viruses? This library uses ZoneAlarm, Smart Shield and  has AVG Protection.

• Do you have any unique services to offer to your patrons? Absolutely! This library is very proud of their Genealogy Section. Two computers and 2 Micro Film/Fiche machines are available to patrons. Numerous shelves are loaded with local historical facts. The libraries website provides links to numerous national and local sites for those interested in researching their heritage. New to this library is FaceBook which was created to promote communication. This is not unique but it is to this small library.

Marlene