MARCH 2006
Self-Playing Audio Books

A new and very simple way to listen to a book - just plug earphones into the universal jack and press the play button! The unit you borrow is an audio book and playing device in one. At this time the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System is among only a handful of library systems nationwide that offer this new format. Currently available as a browsing collection at the main library (Tech-Media).

FEBRUARY 2006
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Computer users can tap into the Internet from their own (wireless equipped) laptops in any of the public library system’s locations!

January 2006
NEW LIBRARY MATERIALS via RSS

RSS provides a "news feed" of selected information. Think of them as an online version of the old-time ticker tape news wire machines. RSS feeds deliver information to you, eliminating the need to check for new information on your own. You can keep up with the library's new materials via RSS now! For more information, see New Materials.

December 2005 
DOWNLOAD AN AUDIO BOOK

The library system  is offering digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet, 24/7.  The audiobooks can be played on any desktop or portable device supporting Windows Media Player version 9.0 and above.   Available titles include best-sellers, classics, non-fiction, language instruction, mystery, and more.   Best of all, there’s no waiting; many people can have the same title “checked out” simultaneously.  If you don’t have a NetLibrary account, call or visit any library location for assistance.

OCTOBER 2005
INTERNET COMPUTER USE IMPROVED

Library patrons can now sign themselves in to use internet computers with their library cards.

OCTOBER 2005
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY RAMPS

Minor inconveniences continue as the wheelchair accessibility ramp is be upgraded. At this time the project is on schedule and we look forward to its successful completion soon.

OCTOBER 2005
elevator access at call street entrance

Renovations begun last February are completed, patrons can enjoy increased accessibility to the library, through the addition of an outside elevator that will run between the parking lot and the main entrance. Other changes include replacement of door handles and restroom modifications.

June 2005
Self Check-Out

Enjoy the convenience of self service on the second floor of the main library with the library system’s first self-check station! Ideal for library cardholders in good standing, the new station makes it easier than ever to enjoy using the second floor and the Park Avenue entrance. Simply take your library card to the station, follow the on-screen instructions for checking out your books, and you’ll be on your way. As always, our friendly staff is available to assist you with the equipment and any questions that may arise.

May 2005
“Nearly Due” E-mail Reminders

No more late notices from the library? It’s possible! Our new e-mail reminders arrive 3 days before materials are due. You’ll know which items are “nearly due” and have time to return or renew them before their due dates.

Patrons with e-mail addresses on file will receive these notices automatically. To add your e-mail address to your account, please contact the main library’s Circulation Department at 850 / 606-2665 or call/visit your favorite branch.

May 2005
Single Search for
Information about Authors

Searching for information about an author is easier than ever with the library catalog. Gale's Most Studied Authors, a resource that includes more than 2,500 authors, will be searched simultaneously when you do a keyword search in the online catalog. This means you can find library books and more with a single search!

Example:

Go to the catalog and do a keyword search for Ray Bradbury.

One of the records returned will be:
Title: Ray Bradbury : [electronic resource] : (1920) Biographies, Criticism, Journal articles, Work overviews.
Edition:
Publication: Farmington Hills, MI : Gale, 2003.
Call Number:
View Full Record

Click to view full record, and then click the link next to Electronic Access that says "Find Information on this author in Gale's Literature Resource Center." You will receive a hit list with selections that provide full text online.

To see the list of authors included, go to http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?ste=116&helppg=LRCMostStudied.htm

April 2005
E-mailing PINs

With a library card number and Personal Information Number (PIN), you can access your library account information, reserve and renew materials, even request that we borrow materials for you from other libraries (interlibrary loan). The last four digits of the telephone number you provided when registering for your library card is your original PIN. If you try to access your account and find that the PIN you typed is refused, we can help via e-mail. Click on the “Can’t remember your PIN?” message below the login box on the My Account screen; enter your library card number when prompted; and click “send”. An e-mail message from the Sirsi server will arrive shortly. (You are also welcome to call any branch for assistance by telephone.)

December 2004
Reply to e-mail hold notices

Patrons receiving hold notices by e-mail can now respond using the "reply" feature of their e-mail program. The reply is routed directly to the library where the material is being held.

Once you are notified, the library holds your items for a full week. Please let us know by e-mail reply or by phone if you no longer want the item(s) on reserve or if you wish to “get back in line” to receive them at another time. Your prompt response will help us serve everyone better!

October 2004
Learning Express

Taking practice tests that could help you reach your school and career goals used to be expensive and inconvenient. Now you can practice for those important tests free of charge through the library’s subscription to Learning Express, an interactive practice test service.

The service offers exams based upon the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Cosmetology, Real Estate Agent & Broker exams, and many others. Even portions of the FCAT are offered! After completing each test you will receive immediate scoring and explanations of answers to all questions. You’ll know right away what you did well and where you need to improve. Learning Express also provides recommendations for free online tutorial courses that will help you improve your performance on your next test.

Learning Express is available from all Internet-accessible computers in the library system. If you have a library card, you can also access the service from home. Simply log on to Learning Express from the library’s databases page, use your library card number as your user name, make up your own password, and begin!

October 2004
Live Homework Help

Live Homework Help is now available online from a company called Tutor.com. The online service connects students with trained tutors for free homework help in Math, Social Studies, Science and English. (The tutors help students, but will NOT give answers to the specific homework questions.)

Live Homework Help is designed for students in the 4th grade through community college. Access this service on a computer at any public library location or from your home. Just go to the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library’s databases page, click on “Live Homework Help”, and begin. Be sure to have your homework questions ready!