App for iPhone: Local Books By Concept House

This free app is similar to UrbanSpoon for restaurants, LocalBooks lets users know about libraries, bookstores, and bookish events near their location.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 2.2.1 or later.

Check Out the Encore SWAN Catalog

Encore is an innovative way to find materials in the library collections. It functions like a search engine, so you do not need to search by title, author or subject.

Type what you are looking for in the search box and click GO! Encore will return a list of related items. If you do not see what you are looking for, use the "Refine by" options to narrow down what you are looking for by format, subject, or library location.

http://swanencore.mls.lib.il.us/iii/encore/home?lang=eng

eBook growth in public libraries powered by OverDrive results in record checkouts and new Users

I read an interesting article about Overdrive which our library circulates.

OverDrive released 3rd quarter 2011 results showing continued circulation growth at libraries and schools worldwide. Through September 30, the 15,000 libraries in the OverDrive network nearly triple the number of eBook checkouts versus all of 2010, as well as more than 2 million new users and expansion in mobile device use.

Contributing to this growth are a number of factors, including upgrades in the OverDrive platform, compatibility across major desktop and mobile devices including Kindle, and direct mobile access to devices including smartphones, tablets and Sony Reader.

Circulation statistics through September 30, 2011 at OverDrive's 15,000 libraries and schools worldwide:

• eBook checkouts already up 200% versus all of 2010 to more than 12 million and on pace to exceed 16 million
• Nearly 2 million new users signed up with libraries in the OverDrive network (on pace to nearly double in 2011 vs. 2010)
• Readers browsing on their smartphones and tablets grew significantly, as mobile checkouts increased to 21 percent of overall checkouts
• Installs of the free OverDrive Media Console application for eBook and audiobook reading and listening have passed 9 million, including more than 2 million on smartphones and tablets such as iPhone, iPad and Android

Check out OverDrive Media on Demand: http://www.mediaondemand.org/1CA9FAF7-88CD-4018-A14B-7AEBE325BAE3/10/678/en/Default.htm

October Programs

Beginner Computer Classes

Publisher

Monday, October 3rd (2-3:30pm)

Students learn how to create and edit flyers in Microsoft Publisher

Mouse & Keyboard

Wednesday, October 5th (1-2:30pm) 

Students practice learning how the mouse works and practice basic keyboarding skills.

Email 

Wednesday, October 19th (1-2:30pm)

Students set up and learn the basic functions of a Yahoo email account.

Computer Refresher Classes

Microsoft Publisher 

Thursday, October 20th (7-8:30pm)

Computer Refreshers are designed to help those who are familiar with Microsoft Office 2007 become more proficient with their use.

Technology Classes

eStory Time

2nd Monday of Month (2-2:30pm)

Join us as we bring Technology to Story Time with e-books and Smart Boards

Open to Children Ages 3 to 6 and Caregiver.

iPod & iTunes Basics

Monday, October 17th (2-3:00pm)

Join us as we take a look at how to use the popular mp3 device and music service.

Digital Camera Basics

Monday, October 24th (2-3:00pm)

Join us as we take a look at Digital Cameras and their functions.

E-Readers Made Easy

Monday, October 24th (7-8:30pm)
Join us as we take a look at eReaders, choosing the best eReader for you, checking out eBooks from the library, and more! Participants will also have the chance to interact with popular e-Book devices and get practical demonstrations.

Step Into Technology: Blogging

Join in this exciting new program as each month we explore a new technology. In each class, students will learn more about the month’s topic with hands-on instruction.  

     Weekend Edition 

     Saturday, October 1st (1-4:00pm)

     Covers the entire program in one sitting!  

     After 5 Edition

     Monday, October 3rd, 10th, & 17th (6-6:45pm)

     Breaks the program up into three units which you can take over 

     the course of 3 Mondays.

     Attendance at all sessions is required!

How to Register

You can register for all programs at the Richton Park Public Library. Call for more information: (708) 481-5333

Sony Announces First Dedicated Ereader With Wireless Library Ebook Download Capability

Sony Announces First Dedicated Ereader With Wireless Library Ebook Download Capability

Hello again RPL Tech Blog Readers! Found this article interesting this morning. Overdrive (who powers our Media on Demand eBook service) has partnered with Sony to provide a dedicated eReader that has wi-fi access to Overdrive services. From what the article says, it sounds like it will be similar to if you use the OverDrive App on Smart Devices.

The article says the device will be available in October.

For those interested in this, here's what the columns on our eReader Comparison Chart would hold:

Device: Sony Reader Wi-Fi
Wireless: Wi-Fi
Touch Screen: Yes
Memory: 1.3 GB* (Expandable with MicroSD up to 32GB)
Notes/Highlights: Unknown (as of yet)
Formats: ePub, Txt, PDF** (There might be more, I haven't found all the specs yet)
Audio/TTS: Unknown (as of yet)
Battery Life: 3 weeks (with wi-fi); 1 month (w/o wi-fi)* (Based on reading 1/2 hour a day)
Dictionary: Yes
Pros: Can directly connect to Media on Demand/OverDrive; one of the lightest e-Readers available
Cons: ** Since the device is not available yet, I do not know the cons.
Est. Price: rumored to be in the $149 price range

September Programs

Hello all!

Welcome to the Richton Park Library Tech Blog! I'd like to take this opportunity to plug these cools programs we'll be providing in September!

Beginner Computer Classes

Word 2007                             Wednesday, September 7^th                           1-2:30pm       

Students practice typing and learn how to make basic changes to documents using Microsoft Word 2007.

Excel Basics                           Monday, September 19^th                               2-3:30pm

Students learn how to set up a basic spreadsheet and functions.

Internet                                  Wednesday, September 21^st                           1-2:30pm

Students practice the basics of internet searching and learn about online safety.

Computer Refresher Classes

Computer Refreshers are designed to help those who are familiar with Microsoft Office 2007 become more proficient with their use.

Internet Searching                Thursday, September 15^th                             7-8:30pm

Technology Classes

eStory Time                           2nd Monday of Month                                       2-2:30pm

Join us as we bring Technology to Story Time with e-books and Smart Boards!

Open to Children Ages 3 to 6 and Caregiver.

E-Readers Made Easy           Friday, September 30^th                                 7-8:30pm

Join us as we take a look at eReaders, choosing the best eReader for you, checking out eBooks from the library, and more! Participants will also have the chance to interact with popular e-Book devices and get practical  demonstrations.  

Step Into Technology: Digital Photography

Join in this exciting new program as each month we explore a new technology. In each class, students will learn more about the month’s topic with hands-on instruction. This class is available in two formats. You can take it all at once in our “Weekend Edition”, or spread it out over the course of three Monday nights in our “After 5 Edition”.

Weekend Edition         Saturday, September 3^rd                                       1-4:00pm

After 5 Edition              Monday, September 12^th, 19^th, & 26^th                 6-6:45pm

How to Register

You can register for all programs at the Richton Park Public Library. Call for more information: (708) 481-5333