| VOL.16 No.1 | SPRING 1999 |
Slowly, but surely Chinook Regional Library Branches are becoming connected to the World Wide Web.
By March of this year, 25 Branches and 2 corner libraries will be proud owners of computers that provide free Internet and E-mail access for patrons.
This exciting prospect is due in part to an Industry Canada proposal that all Canadian Libraries be connected to the Internet by December 31, 1999. In conjunction with the Provincial Library, Industry Canada is providing funds to make the proposal a reality.
On the local level, the hands-on work of preparing the computers, loading software, installing machines and training Branch staff is the responsibility of Dana Peterson from Hodgeville and Monique Reimer from near Swift Current. These young adults are on contract with Chinook from November 1998 to March 1999. Funds for the contract was also provided by Industry Canada.
LOTS OF CHALLENGES
Overcoming computer glitches is half the fun according to Dana Peterson and Monique Reimer, who are installing the computers and training Branch staff.
Both
are enjoying their work. "We have seen more of the countryside in the last
few months than we have in the last few years," said Monique.
However, they have also faced many challenges.
"Each branch and each computer come with a different set of problems," said Monique.
"We learn something new each day," agreed Dana.
So far, no problem has completely stumped the pair.
"We get a real sense of accomplishment when we solve the glitch and get the machine working right," said Dana.
Networking computers or arranging for more than one computer at a Branch to work cooperatively has proven most interesting.
"At one place, we opened the computer to put in the network card only to discover that it was too old to use this type of card," said Monique. "But we sure spent a few minutes scratching our heads wondering where the card should fit."
If the problem being faced gets too challenging, Computec is used as a resource.
"They have assisted us to solve a few problems," said Dana.
TRAINING IMPORTANT
Preparing and installing the equipment is only part of their job. Training Branch staff is the other part. Dana and Monique have prepared a training manual and are doing in-services to ensure that staff are comfortable with the new technology.
"People learn differently," said Dana. "Some people need to actually go through the process to understand it and others are more comfortable watching us do it."
They have discovered that staff are also starting at different levels in terms of their understanding and familiarity with computers in general.
"For some we have to start with very basic information, others are more used to working with computers," said Dana.
The pair is more than willing to assist staff after the initial training.
"We hate to see computers not being used to the greatest potential because people are afraid to ask questions or don't want to bother us," said Monique. "We say, please ask us. I'm sure we can help."
ACCEPTANCE
For patrons and staff alike, computers are a new addition to the library. In most cases people are keen on the idea; however, there are those who are not so sure about their value.
"I think someone from Tompkins Branch summed it up well when she said that libraries need to get into the new information technology and not fall behind," said Monique.
"I think that once people become more familiar with what the computers can do they will find it useful," said Dana.
The Lacelle family loves to read.
Aime, Brenda and their children Holly, 17, Justin, 16, Kyron, 13 and Robin, 11, live on an acreage about 14 kilometres from Cadillac and 14 kilometres from Admiral.
"Aime and I are avid readers and I guess we have always encouraged the children to read, too," said Brenda.
The fact that they do not live in the same community as their library has not slowed their reading down at all.
READER REQUEST LINE REGULAR
"I'm a regular on the Book Line," laughed Brenda. "We order books about once a week. I just have to tell them my name and they know who I am."
The Book Line Brenda referred to is the toll-free Chinook Reader Request Line. Patrons can call 1-888-275-8844 to reach the Chinook Regional Library Headquarters and request interlibrary loans.
The material the Lacelles order ranges from Louis L'Amour novels for Kyron to reference books for school projects and specialized materials for Aime.
"The librarians are so good," said Brenda. "Holly did a project on yoga for school and all I did was ask for books on the topic and the librarians found material appropriate for her age and topic."
When Kyron got a puppy for Christmas, one phone call brought just the right books on raising and training a new puppy.
"The librarians are really efficient at tracking down the books we need."
The books are sent directly to the family and the return postage is paid by the Chinook Regional Library.
ENJOY CORNER LIBRARY, TOO
Although the Lacelles can get much of what they want over the phone, they also enjoy visits to their Corner Library in Cadillac.
"I enjoy perusing the fiction titles on the shelf," said Brenda. "I can easily pick up something I'll enjoy reading."
She has found the Corner Library very convenient and enjoys the increased selection of books.
"Because the Corner Library is open in the evening, we can make a family outing of our visit," she said.
Brenda added that she also enjoys going to the library Wednesday morning by herself.
"I think I'd go bonkers if we didn't have a library!"
E-MAIL USERS
An added attraction at the Cadillac Corner Library is the computer with Internet and E-mail access. Both Holly and her dad have already got their accounts set up.
"Holly figures we'll really enjoy having E-mail when she goes away to the University of Saskatchewan next year."
Almost a year ago it was only the old RM building next door to Steins Grocery. Today it is a vibrant centre of activity in the community of Richmound.
In April, the Richmound Corner Library celebrates its first anniversary.
"The
building is a pretty good size for a library," said Terri Koch, Corner
Library Assistant, who is obviously proud of the addition to her community.
The Corner Library is open three days a week. Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 --5:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 6:00 -- 8:00 p.m.
The Corner Library started with about 1,000 books provided by the Chinook Regional Library and has continued to add to that number.
"We have had donations of about 500 books and lots of magazines," she said.
A reading corner has been set up so patrons can relax and read, and a children's play area was added with donated toys to entertain the younger set.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Many of the Library's patrons are children and students. Library staff find the beginning of the school year to be an exceptionally busy time.
"We probably get most of our business from students in Grades 3 to 7."
A program designed to encourage students to read is also proving popular.
The Book Club For Kids has attracted about 40 students ranging from Grade
1 to 7. When the children read 10 books they get a sticker, which is placed
on their personal certificate.
Children's Reading Program certificates hung on the Library wall proudly
display the number of books each of the participants has read.
"The students get impatient if we don't get their stickers up fast enough," laughed Terri.
The certificates are displayed on the wall at the Library and once students have read 100 books they get to take their certificate home.
COMPUTERS AND MORE
The latest addition to the Richmound Corner Library is a computer with Internet access. The only other Corner Library with a computer is in Cadillac.
"We are really excited about the computer," said Terri. "It will really liven the Library up."
Students can use the Internet for research. "It is really good because students don't need a teacher to supervise them like they do if they use the Internet at school."
Patrons have also free access to a personal E-mail address.
"It takes only 5 minutes to sign up and all you have to do is follow the on-line instructions."
The opportunity to select your own E-mail address and security code ensures privacy for the user.
LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS
The large pool of volunteers working for the Corner Library indicates the continuing community interest in the Library.
"It's great! Having so much help really lightens the load for everyone."
Terri added that the volunteers really love the computer, too.
The Fall Board Meeting of the Chinook Regional Library was November 21st, 1998 at Library Headquarters with 45 of 101 delegates present.
REGIONAL LIBRARY AGREEMENT
At the time of the meeting, the Villages of Beaver Flat Resort, Ernfold, Success and Waldeck had not signed the agreement with the Chinook Regional Library. Ernfold is the only municipality that has not paid the 1998 library levy. The Nekaneet Indian Band has not signed an agreement, but partial payment had been made for the year because of a previous overpayment.
CANADA/SASK EVERY LIBRARY CONNECTED BY YEAR 2000 PROJECT
Industry Canada has proposed that every library in Canada be connected to the Internet by December 31, 1999. This grant program partnered by Industry Canada and Saskatchewan Municipal Government/Provincial Library will put a free public access computer into each branch library that makes application. In the Chinook Region 30 communities will receive computers with installation planned for December through February. Two youths hired through an Industry Canada grant will help with installation and training at the branches.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairperson Linda Linnen reported that Dorothy Saunderson did not let her name stand again for President of SLTA, but has remained as Chinook's representative to the organization.
Following confirmation from the City of Swift Current to increase the 1998 levy to $12.00 per capita, Aiden Meegan was hired as Branch Librarian at Swift Current Branch starting September 1st.
After an offer of financial assistance to Ponteix Branch Library from the local Royal Bank, other branch libraries were encouraged to approach their local banks to see whether money is available for community use. The Ponteix Branch would not have known about the possibility of financial assistance had the bank manager not approached them.
1999 BUDGET
The bylaw amendment proposed by the RM of Gull Lake #139 stating that the regional board shall not pass a deficit budget was endorsed.
The 1999 Operating Budget was approved as presented. Also approved was a motion requesting that a column depicting year-to-date figures be included in the budget sent to municipalities for consideration.
POPULATION FIGURES
The provincial government is using the latest census figures to calculate the annual grant to library systems. Since the Saskatchewan Municipal Directory reflects the latest census figures, the Executive Committee recommended that the library continue to use these population figures to calculate the library levy for each municipality. A Notice of Motion to that affect will be sent to the municipalities.
Several Branches of the Chinook Regional Library will be connected to Dynix during this year. Herbert is already connected with Gull Lake, Gravelbourg, Ponteix, and Cabri to follow before the end of the year.
Dynix is a valuable tool for both patrons and staff. Using the computer, patrons can quickly find out what books are part of the Chinook Regional Library Collection as well the provincial collection. They can conveniently determine what material is available at their branch and whether it has been checked out or is still on the shelf.
Staff find Dynix useful because it helps them keep accurate track of their collection and has made interlibrary loans and overdues easier to handle.
Regional Librarian Michael Keaschuk has been appointed to the newly announced Multitype Library Board created to co-ordinate the work of all types of libraries in Saskatchewan. The board will form a partnership of public, school, special, and academic libraries as well as other partners to share services for mutual benefit.
The 11 member Board will advise the minister and provincial library about ways to implement the multitype library system and encourage co-operation among libraries to maximize opportunities and resource sharing.
For example, the public library community recently purchased a province-wide license for Internet access to more than 1,800 full text magazines and journals. As a result of the multitype library system, all libraries can participate in the magazine database at less cost than by purchasing individually. By buying such information products in bulk through the multitype library system, all the partners experience significantly savings.
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A heart-felt thank you to the following individuals and groups for their generous donation of $100 or more to "For The Kids." Central Butte Donor's Choice Albert and Alma Jahnke Lemsford/Sceptre Order of the Royal Purple Pennant Lions Club Ponteix Pre-School Dorothy and Albert Saunderson Stewart Valley Recreation Board and Sask. Lotteries Stewart Valley Library Board In 1998, "For The Kids" raised $2,252.00. Since its beginnings in 1994, the project has added 784 books to Branch Libraries by raising $11,039.00 |
When: May 13 - 15, 1999
Where: Waskesiu, Prince Albert National Park
Theme: "Challenges in Libraries: Here and Now"
The last conference of the millennium will focus on Saskatchewan libraries
in 1999 and address some of their immediate problems. Workshop topics include
electronic reference services, storytelling, library advocacy, services
to the print handicapped, year 2000 readiness, developing collection resources
on a restricted budget, shifting demographics, sustainability of Internet
access, and developing information skills using adult education principles.
P>The keynote address, "Privacy, Censorship and the Law," will be presented
by Valerie Steeves, Director of the Technology and Human Rights Project
at the Human Rights Research and Education Centre, University of Ottawa.
The 1999 Mary Donaldson Memorial Lecturer is Mark Kingwell, author of Dreams of the Millennium: Report From a Culture on the Brink and Better Living: In Pursuit of Happiness from Plato to Prozac.
| CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS
April 17 - Chinook Regional Library Board Annual Meeting May 13 - 15 SLA/SLTA Conference in Waskesiu July-Aug. - Summer Reading Program. Theme: Summer Magic. |
CHINOOK READER REQUEST LINE
The toll-free Chinook Reader Request Line is the first 24-hour library service in the province. Patrons call 1-888-275-8844 to reach Chinook's telephone mailbox service and request interlibrary loans.
INTERNET ACCESS
Patrons can E-mail Headquarters any time with their requests.
chinook@chinook.lib.sk.ca
FAX
Requests can also be faxed to (306) 773-0434.
TELEPHONE
Material may also be requested by calling 773-3185 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
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April 17, 1999 Chinook Regional Library Headquarters 1240 Chaplin St. W., Swift Current Registration - 12:30 p.m. Meeting - 1:00 p.m. The agenda will include the election of officers. |
Free E-mail and Internet access is available through your Library. Get the details from your Branch staff.
25 Years Ago (1974)
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