New databases at PCPL

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

By MARIBETH WARD, Staff Writer

Putnam County library patrons will soon have the opportunity to access two new online databases which allows them to log onto the same encyclopedia information as Greencastle School Corporation students.

And, if they are a library card holder they can access the databases from their home computers. Board members of the Putnam County Public Library Board agreed to purchase two Grolier Online databases.

Grolier Online is a multimedia online encyclopedia which offers eight databases. The two being purchased by the library are the Grolier "Multimedia Encyclopedia" which is a quick reference for middle and high school and the "Lands and Peoples" which offers up-to-date information for country and state reports. The cost for the two databases is $26,076. Money for the purchase will come out of the capital budget.

The board also approved the first reading of a change in the library's meeting room policy. This policy that will allow the library to charge a $25 fee for up to 2 hours use for groups or individuals to use the meeting room. There is a maximum fee of $100 per day. The policy requires a 24 hour cancellation notice and payment at time of reservation.

A second reading of the Patron's Code of Conduct Policy was also approved. This is a written guideline for library patrons behavior while at the library. Alice Greenburg, library director stated, "this policy is much less restrictive than most libraries. It is based on the discretion of the librarian." It will be used as a guideline which librarians refer to if a problem or incident should occur.

The lease of a new copier from IKON was also approved. Along with the purchase of a VIN tower and software to operate it with computers. A change in the leasing program with the current vendors will save the library several thousand dollars. Board member Wes Wilson claimed, "It sounds like we need it." The motion to proceed with the purchase was approved unanimously.

Activities on the Monthly Report included purging library cards which have not been used in four or more years. It was also noted that many people are taking advantage of a new computer area set to help people researching ancestry. "The new area allows people to spread out more and have space to work," remarked Greensburg.

It was also reported that the library firewall has appeared on several spam and virus blacklists since May 8. This can cause a problem getting e-mail to certain places on the internet. Library officials have to work individually with each blacklist to have the library's IP address removed from it. Staff members view this as a possible continuing problem, especially for e-mail servers that do recognize the change in blacklisting. Each one will have to be contacted individually and asked to add the library address to be allowed in their system.

Announcements included:

  • Summer Reading program theme "Get a Clue" starts May 29. This program encourages children to keep reading through the summer to maintain their reading skills. The mystery theme found in many children's books includes exploring science and history as well as secret codes and puzzles of all kinds.

  • A June 11 kickoff party is planned for teens, grades 7-12. This year's teen summer reading program theme is YKN@your library. For those who don't know internet lingo, YKN stands for "You Never Know". This program is designed to tie in with the children's summer reading program.

  • The Central Indiana Land Grant Organization art display "Preserving Nature" will be available for viewing on June 4. The display contains

    paintings of properties in central Indiana. It will be at the library through June 28.

  • The library volunteer recognition lunch will take place on June 21 and

    Movies on Monday starts on June 1. There will be a puppet show at 3 p.m. on June 4.

  • A celebration of J.K. Rowling's 7th book in the Harry Potter series, Deathly Hallows is being planned for July 20.

    The next meeting of the Putnam County Library Board will take place on June 27 at 6 p.m.

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