Part 3 of my site visit to Auburn Public Library -

 Teens and Children's Initiatives

What do you get when you mix several generous funders, a library staff that thinks out of the box, enthusiastic participants, and a space just waiting to be transformed? Give up?

The answer is in the APL's Annual Report: "The first Maine library to provide a media lab for training and production of video, digital music and digital photography."

Yes, a media lab - more specifically, a teen media lab (although adults can use it too!) Coincidentally, this lab opened one day after I called Lynn to set up a site visit. Her reaction when mentioning that the focus of this project would be on technology was that my timing was perfect.



Above, one of the lab's 3 iMac 27'' computers and an M-Audio KeyStudio keyboard. To the right, another angle, this one also displaying the wide format inkjet printer.



The lab is equipped with a Canon Canoscan 9000F scanner, a pocket video camera, a digital camera, two microphones, a guitar plug in, three Apple iMac 27'' desktop computers, an M-Audio KeyStudio keyboard, an Epson Artisan 1430 Wide Format Inkjet Printer, a tripod, and a green screen, pictured here.

In other words, virtually everything you could want or need for innovative photography, filmmaking, or music-making is here waiting for patrons to exercise their creative outlets!

Besides the contributions of generous funders making this initiative possible, yet another donation is allowing a Teen Media Festival to take place next May. Sounds like a great time! 

Besides having a presence in the newly opened media lab, teens also have a presence in their own (physical) teen section at APL, as well as their own link on APL's web site aptly named TeenSpace. This age group also has a social networking presence via APL through its Teenspace on Facebook. (Another Facebook option on the APL site is aimed at the general population.)

According to its social networking policy, the library "regards online social networking applications in the same way as its other information resources in accordance with its mission of serving Auburn's needs for informational, educational, cultural and recreational pursuits." Teenspace is one example of this.
 

Teens are not the only ones with technological innovation in their midst. The children's room, pictured above, also has its share of technology with six computers loaded with preselected age appropriate quality websites on everything from math and science to fun and games.

Besides having a link to children's services from APL's home page, the children's librarian also sponsors a blog aptly names APL Kids Chat.

Remember the generosity that enabled the media center to happen? Another donor has made it possible for the younger set to get a head start on literacy. An anonymous donation provided the funds that allowed the library to buy three iPad Activity Kits to loan out to parents with children ages 2 to 5. One option when using these is to access Tumblebooks, an e-book service especially for kids.

And that's not all. Another unique feature connected to children's services is the option for parents with a baby or young child with them to borrow a laptop for up to two hours while in the children's room. The rationale here is that it may be easier to juggle parenting a little one while accomplishing what one sets out to do computer-wise if the little one is occupied within the premises. 

We're not done yet! Next time we'll take a look at some other initiatives offered by APL. See you there.

Part 2 of my site visit to Auburn Public Library -

Taking a look at some of the services

As an assistive technology aid, Auburn Public Library has a computer located on the first floor that is designed to assist those who may be visually, or otherwise, impaired. In large, bold print, a sign adjacent to the computer outlines who the computer is reserved for. This unique keyboard is user friendly and is accompanied with a larger than usual screen.

 

Notice the bright yellow keyboard!!

Besides using computers, patrons can also use a fax machine and printers - both with a fee, and a coin operated photocopier.

Of the 82 computers in the APL, 17 of them are located within the reference services section. These computers are linked to the internet. APL has two T1 lines.The library uses MacAfee security  software in an effort to protect its computers. APL's policy on use of library computers cautions patrons that they cannot upload or download software onto or from library computers, as well as attempt in any other way to damage equipment or software. When issues do arise, whether large or small, APL has an onsite IT staff member. Of its 21 staff members listed on the Annual Report, also included is a full time webmaster.

According to APL's internet acceptable use policy, the library uses Open DNS internet filters "by complying in good faith with the Children's Internet Protection Act." However, patrons 18 years of age and older can request that the filter be disabled without question. The same policy states that children 17 years old and younger can also request that a filter be disabled with parental consent. The library does not play the role of parent, but will provide parents with information on guidelines for their children if requested. Before using the internet, all patrons must read and accept APL's "Internet Use and Internet Safety" policies. Parents of children younger than 14 years old have to sign a parental consent form before this age group uses an internet accessible library computer.

(Of course, many patrons come to the library with their laptop where they can access a free wireless connection.)

The Annual Report finds a total of 46,072 reference based questions asked within the past year. This means that the staff is busy answering a lot of inquiries on any given day! Some inquiries may be very specific such as those from patrons conducting some genealogy research who may also be interested in exploring the local history room in the library. Some patrons may simply wonder how to use  the online database or how to conduct a standard internet search. Staff may also provide "5 minute tutorials" on, for example, how to use Microsoft Explorer or how to set up a free email account.

Patrons needing more in-depth computer training may opt to take a free class in the Computer Lab on internet search techniques, web browsers, library database use or basic e-mail use. The lab has a total of 12 student computers, plus one for instructor use. The computers have internet access and are equipped with MS Office.

APL's Computer Lab

Looking at the library's October calendar finds "Computing with Maureen" each Wednesday morning from 9-11 as well as "Computer for beginners" happening in the last (complete) week of October on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2-4. Lynn, the library director, informed me that those participants wishing to practice their newly learned skills can borrow one of of the library's laptops.

Looking for a job? APL's website has a job search link for you to explore. Need help with a resume? "Computers for job seekers" is a class that covers how to create a resume and send it electronically. If you're thinking of starting a business, the small business link can walk you through the steps.

Need a meeting room? Then you're in the right place. APL has a variety of spaces where you and a few people or a crowd can get together. Maybe you need a small space to study. If so, the library has three study rooms that you can reserve, that each accommodate up to six people.

Another place to meet is the 20' x 12' Conference room where the seating capacity is 25. The room is equipped with an LCD projector, portable VCR/DVD players and TV, overhead projector, slide projector, and a projector screen.

A much larger (48' x 30') Androscoggin Community Room seats up to 140 and is equipped with an audio system, ADA assistive listening devices, LCD projector, portable VCR/DVD players and TV, overhead projector, slide projector, and a projector screen.

Both the conference and community rooms can be used by for profit groups (at a fee) and non profit groups (some fees may apply).

Who doesn't get hungry when studying, conducting a business meeting or attending a conference? Well, you're in luck!! It doesn't take long to discover that "The Library Cafe" is located beneath the main library (just follow your nose!). Gourmet smells surround you as you make your way through the library (that owns and leases the space). Soon you envision yourself curled up on a couch while snacking and getting lost in a good book. You can stop in and grab breakfast or lunch or you can have an event catered.

                                          The Library Cafe has "Super-Fast Free Wi-Fi" !!

Checking out the cafe's menu finds a selection of literary cuisine as in a Poe Panini, or how about a Plath Panini? How about a Wharton Salad? Or maybe you're in the mood for a Dickinson Sandwich or a St. Vincent Millay.

In the next post we'll take a look at the teen and children's department and what fun initiatives are going on there. We'll also look at APL's social networking presence. See you there!

Part 1 of my site visit to Auburn Public Library -
An Introduction

On October 18, I met and interviewed Lynn Lockwood, Director of Auburn Public Library (APL) located in Auburn, Maine. This site visit segment (and others to follow) are based upon my interview with Lynn, as well as with my reviewing the library's Annual Report for 2011-2012 (which covers July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012) and information obtained from the library's web site (www.auburnpubliclibrary.org).

This beautiful library has been open since 1904 and is one of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic endeavors. Changes were made over the years and eventually in 2006, the library through its recent renovation, was now double the size - that is, 33,000 square feet - of its original 1904 building. Don't let its historical aesthetics deceive you though. As you will see, this library is well into our technological age while surrounded by its original charm and beauty.

 

According to the library's Annual Report, the library's collection consists of 66,730 books, 2,680 audiobooks, 65 ebooks, and 4,634 CDs, DVDs, and videos. A total of 240,903 items were borrowed in the past fiscal year.

 

 

A section of the library's audiobooks

 

If visiting the library in person, when checking out books (not media related materials), patrons can use the library's self-check out station pictured above.  Of the 223, 200 in-person visits within  the last year, as reported by the Annual Report, surely several patrons opted for this method.   

 

A 12% increase in web site visits from the past fiscal year to the previous one shows that more patrons are using this option. That is, they may eventually visit the library to pick up an item, but they can begin the search from where ever they can access the internet. And of course a patron can opt to use a computer in the library. According to the Director, the library itself has a total of 82 computers, including those for both patrons and staff.

 

One of the many computers that patrons can access

 

 

When first accessing www.auburnpubliclibrary.org, you'll be met with a lively home page. Depending on which drop down menu you select, you can either opt to find books or media (including downloading audiobooks and ebooks); visit the children's section; take a tour of the teen area; access small business links and information; connect to reference materials; discover programs; read about the library including an extensive look at its policies; discover how to get involved; or connect to one its social networks. (These topics will be covered in detail in future entries!)  From the home page you can also read the latest news and events happening at the library including what is going on today and in the near future. And finally, you can explore any one of a number of services such as APL's 24/7 online services, Freegal (to download music), or Marvel (Maine's Virtual Library.

 

The next post will take a look at some of the specific services offered to patrons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 



 

 

Here are the questions that I prepared to ask for my site visit to Auburn Public Library.

Site Visit Questions:

1. Who is responsible for daily troubleshooting of your technology? Is this person full time staff?
2.  Is your webmaster a full time member of your staff or does he/she serve on a consultant basis?
3. Who is your Internet provider? Is your Internet access cable modem, ADSL, T1 or T3?
4. What is your annual budget for PCs? DVDs, CDs, Aubiobooks? How do you decide what to earmark funds for?
5. Do you have an annual technology plan? A five-year plan?
6. Are you the recipient of any grant-related funds for any technology initiatives? 
7. What is the library's policies on circulating e-readers and laptops?
8. Are any restrictions placed on patrons' participation on social networks?
9. What type of  antivirus software do you use on your PCs?
10. You use filters on your computers. Could you elaborate on your willingness to unblock them when requested?
11. Who is (or are) the blogger on the two blogs located on your web site?
12. How  many total PCs are located in your library for both patrons and staff?
13. What is the frequency of public usage of public PCs?
14. Has it been necessary to acquire new furniture to accommodate technology?
15. What type of assistive technology is available?
16. You have a WIFI library cafe located on the first floor. Is the cafe considered part of the library?
17. Could you explain the "Learning Express Library" to me? How about libraryla.org?
18. Could I have a copy of your annual report?
19. Could I have a copy of your library goals?
20. Would you be willing to email Prof. Blesh to confirm this site visit?

Preparing for the Site Visit to Auburn Public Library

After confirming my site visit to Auburn Public Library to interview Lynn Lockwood, the library Director, I got to work planning my visit. Searching the library's website at auburnpubliclibrary.org, I found an immense amount of information that assisted me in preparing. For example, I reviewed several of the library's policies including those on use of library computers, social networking, internet acceptable use, and meeting room guidelines. My goal was to educate myself as much as possible about the library, as well as to refrain from asking questions that I could simply find out by clicking on the right link. (In other words, I wanted to make good use of my time with Lynn, and not waste hers as well.) I searched the entire site taking note of various programs and offerings, such as iPad activity kits available for children and a multimedia area reserved just for teens (more on those upcoming!)

After reviewing the library's website, I also reviewed past student blogs posted by Prof. Blesh to review some of the questions that I may decide to ask. I also looked at those questions suggested by Prof. Blesh. After eliminating any redundancies and unnecessary questions that could be answered by my referring to the web site, I compiled a list of questions. They are included in my next blog post.

Today, October 15, I contacted Lynn Lockwood, Director at the Auburn Public Library in Auburn, Maine. She told me that my timing was wonderful since apparently the library just established a new media center. Without hesitation, she asked what day I could come by this week, so we are meeting at 1:00 p.m on Thursday, the 18th. Shortly after, I emailed Lynn to confirm our meeting. She replied and reiterated that this sounds like fun! Her enthusiasm is contagious. I searched the library's website (www.auburnpubliclibrary.org) and located some helpful information that should help to shape my questions. For example, I found their Internet Acceptable Use Policy and a separate one on social networking. I'll be busy between now and Thursday reviewing some of the exemplary student blogs posted by Prof. Blesh, as well as constructing a list of questions to take with me. I'll report back soon!