Ulster County Press - Guest Column

The following is a column I wrote for the April 16 edition while I was attending the 2008 Computers in Libraries conference in Arlington, VA. The UCP has graciously opened its editorial pages to a different Ulster library every month starting with this column.

Libraries' 21st century goal: tame the Internet

by Jim Cosgrove - Ulster County Library Association

It wasn’t long ago that pundits predicted the death of libraries as one of the results of the popularity of the Internet. The problem with the Internet is that its information is raw, diverse and not always trustworthy. The Internet is like the biggest library in the world except that all of the books are strewn across the floor. Even with the advent of Google and other search engines, librarians serve as the best navigators for finding useful information because no matter how dynamic technology makes information, libraries remain primarily an institution of people helping people. Where libraries may have once stood defiantly like John Henry against the steam hammer, we quickly learned to use this steam hammer to get better results.

The task of libraries in the 21st century in Ulster County is to tame the Internet. To review, discover, distill, use, and share the most valuable aspects of it with the public. I’m writing this from a national conference called Computers in Libraries. I’m learning about social networking tools often referred to as Web 2.0 (think Star Wars, The Next Generation). As always, the struggle is to adopt and adapt new technologies that some of our customers are using and introduce these tools to customers who aren’t yet, but will be before they know it. We also have to decide among them which are useful and which are just “cool.”

With funds provided by the Ulster County legislature, the Ulster County Library Association has developed a tool that is both cool and useful to the citizens of the county. The Ulster County InfoPortal (ulsterlibraries.org) uses the Internet to bring information we call “knowledge products” straight to where you are. Remember the Reference section of the library? The books you were not allowed to take out because they were so valuable? Now, thanks to county funding, they are free and available at your fingertips with an Internet connection and a library card.

I’ll review them quickly, but to give them justice please visit our website and review these products yourself.

My favorite is the Historical New York Times. It’s hard to imagine, but every issue from the very first one in 1851 up to 2003 has been digitized and is available for review (including photographs). For students and historians it’s a gold mine of primary source material. Read about issues before they were colored by the passage of time. For journalists, it’s a textbook of how news was covered and how the language has developed. It’s also just plain fun. I found a series of articles about a murder committed in Kingston by a teen circa 1870. His motive? He was crazed by reading dime novels. Apparently cheap literature was the MySpace of its time.

The most popular product by far is HeritageQuestOnline which offers digitized census records from 1790 to 1930 as well as a number of historical books for family researchers. Search on town names, “Ulster”, or a family name and you may find a wealth of information. The Association has also purchased Ancestry Library which is not available via the InfoPortal. Bring your library card to the Ellenville, Kingston, Marlboro or Woodstock libraries to use this product.

The product that you may be most familiar with is the Rosetta Stone language learning software. Save yourself hundreds of dollars and use the version found on the InfoPortal.
Languages include Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian and English. You’ll need a computer with sound and a pair of headphones.

The Gale Educational and Testing product is a library of its own. It contains digitized versions of books you would use to study for SATs, nursing tests, civil service tests, etc. In addition, it also provides sample tests to practice. It also contains career and college information.

Commuters and families on long car trips are the largest audience for NetLibrary downloadable audiobooks. Download these mp3 files to your computer and your mp3 players (Sorry, not yet available for the iPod). Novels and business books alike are available for borrowing without the traditional checkout process. Once downloadable audiobooks expire, they disappear from your playing device.

Last but not least, for the wee folk we have TumbleBooks which are colorful, animated children’s books that children can read or have read to them by narrators. It has spelling and pronunciation help and number of educational features. A child can read a story in her own voice and email it to grandma (just make sure that grandma has a computer with a sound capability).

Some of these products ask you to provide a username and password in addition to your library card number, but if you have any questions contact your local library and they will get back to you with an answer. That’s what we do.

Ulster Libraries get a gift

Milton resident and Officer of Advanced Network & Services, Kristin Mortensen stopped by the other day with a $25,000 check for the Ulster County Library Association. Kristin and her group have been very generous with the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library over the past three years and she wanted to literally share the wealth with other libraries in the County. The funds will be shared evenly among the 21 libraries to finance Advanced's mission to "advance education through technology." Marlboro Free Library plans to spend its share on a couple of WiFi laptops for patron use in the library. Our "tech" librarian, Sue Scott, who knew Kristin during her days as director of the Milton library, was instrumental in formulating a winning proposal to get the funds.

Keeping up in 2008

I can't believe it's been almost two years since I began this blog! The poor thing has been abandoned since late 2007 so I thought I would try to revive it and be better about keeping it more current. Since Sue Scott has joined the staff and brought her interest and expertise in technical matters, the Library has instituted a consulting workstation for one-on-one instruction, began a video gaming service with the purchase of Xbox and Wii, and has transformed our traditional style web site to a web format that allows us to enter more current information (including closings and delays) and allows viewer comments for clarification and dialogue. Since we now have a library blog for general information and announcements, I can address other areas with this forum. Please leave a comment or question, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Jim Cosgrove, Director

Visit the Ulster County InfoPortal

With 2007 funds from the Ulster County Legislature, the Ulster County Library Association (UCLA), of which Marlboro Library is a member and I am Vice President, has purchased a number of fantastic knowledge products which you can access from your home or business computer via the barcode on your library card. These datebases supplement those available from Home Access and Marlboro Access which can also be found on our website. Visit the UCLA website. Learn more about the organization and try these great databases.

New Arrival!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Assistant Director Christina Jennerich’s son Robert Joseph who arrived on Saturday, December 9, 2006 in Newburgh, New York at 8 pounds and 9 ounces.
Both mother and child are doing well. Christina is scheduled to return from her leave of absence in April.

Daffodil Days Reminder. Orders due Feb. 28.

Mark your calendars for the American Cancer Society’s 2007 Daffodil Days campaign. Get your orders in before February 28. Daffodils will be delivered to the Library between March 19-21. 2007 products include: Bunches - $10 each, Potted Plants - $10 each, Boyd’s Bear in a Bunch (limited edition) - $25 each, and the Gift of Hope - $20 each.

Please don’t drop off books at the Library

Please! Please! Please! Do not drop off boxes or bags of books for donation to the Library.

Clean, new paperbacks are always welcome, but we have no interest in old books especially encyclopedias, textbooks and Reader’s Digest books.

Good quality hardback books are of interest to the Friends of the Library who can resell them at the Book Barn. Please contact Elsie Nicklin-McKay at 236-4080 to make arrangements.

Adult Jewelry making class - Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.

(photo stolen from Internet site)

By popular demand, Ann Sandri, who recently offered jewelry making classes to children in the Library, will be offering jewelry making classes for adults.

Participants will learn basic beading technique and will create necklaces of glass beads.

The classes will be held on Tuesday evenings - January 23 and February 20 – at 7 p.m. There is an $18 fee to cover the cost of materials. Class size is limited to 10 people. Reserve a space by calling 236-7272, ext. 14.

Friends of the Marlboro Library present check to the Library Board

Gayle Shankman, on behalf of the Friends of the Marlboro Free Library, presented Library Board President Denise Garofalo with a check for $4000.00. The check represents monies raised during 2006 for the Library. Pictured with Ms. Shankman are Board members (left to right); John Cary, Marian Baldwin, Ms. Garofalo, Terry Clouse and Maurice Menasche.

Fundraising events throughout the year included the annual fund drive, the town-wide yard sale, historic coverlet sales, the holiday wreath auction, and proceeds from the Book Barn.

The funds will be used for library expansion and improvements in the children’s area.

Congratulations to Vicky Parks winner of the Friends of the Library December raffle basket. The raffle brought the Friends almost $500. Thanks to all who took a chance!

January/February Computer Classes

January - Computers for Beginners

If you have no experience using a computer, join Librarian Catherine Snow for “Computers for Beginners” on either Wednesday night January 17 at 7 p.m., or Thursday morning January 18 at 11 a.m. Participants will learn the basic operations of a computer including how to turn a computer on and safely turn it off, how to manipulate a mouse and how to save work. Call 236-7272, ext. 14 to reserve a spot.

February - Web 2.0 Tools

Curious about social networks like MySpace.com? Want to know more about Wikipedia, Blogging, Instant messaging, text messaging, RSS feeds, Flickr, and Del.ic.ious but were afraid to ask? Library Director Jim Cosgrove, will demonstrate and discuss, in the Community Room, the next generation Internet tools and how they threaten to make e-mail and traditional web pages old hat. Sign-up for “Intro to Web 2.0 Tools” for either Wednesday February 14 at 11 a.m., or for Thursday February 15 at 7 p.m. No computer experience required. Call 236-7272 ext. 14 to pre-register.

Chris Fisher - January/February Art Exhibit in Library Community Room

Chris Fisher of Highland Falls will be exhibiting drawings and paintings in the Community Room in January and February. Mr. Fisher was born in Germany to a US Army family and has moved extensively. After high school he attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan where he earned a BFA in Illustration.

He describes his studies as being not confined to a single-minded approach. He was exposed to a well-rounded education in classical and modern styles under many well-known illustrators. His personal interests are reflected in the subjects of his art. The two realms that he most likes to explore are classical illustrations of stories and historical events, and landscapes.

His most recent exhibition of work was at the West Point Women’s Club. For a preview of his work, visit theartofchrisfisher.com.

Book Club Starts in January with "Into The Wild." Read it Now!

Book Club 2007

Books of travel and adventure mark our theme as we revive our Book Club that meets the last Wednesday of each month beginning in January. Book Club is open to any interested adult. The following titles are selections through April. We read one book a month and share our reactions and perceptions. Selected books are available for sale as paperbacks or through Request-A-Title (ask library staff for assistance). Please pre-register at 236-7272, ext. 14. Selected titles are:


INTO THE WILD by John Krakauer – An investigation into the life and motivations of the self-named “Alexander Supertramp” who graduated college and then followed an alternate path as a wanderer. Krakauer wrote about Alex’s final trek to Alaska for “Outside” magazine and was so haunted by the story that he had to write this book.
The author intersperses some autobiography which gives us some insight as to why he took on this portrayal. " A wonderful page-turner written with humility, immediacy, and great style." Kirkus Review. Prepare to discuss at our January 31 meeting.

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA: THE TRAGEDY OF THE WHALESHIP ESSEX by Nathaniel Philbrick – In 1820, the crew of the Essex set sail from Nantucket. This is the story of what happened to these survivors after their ship was destroyed by a whale in the Pacific Ocean. Their tale inspired Herman Melville to write the classic novel Moby Dick. This book also gives insight into the lives and times of the whaling industry and of an America that depended on whale oil for illumination. “It's a riveting, tale of struggle, heroics, and cowardice, vividly told.” Booklist. For discussion on February 28.

ISAAC’S STORM by Erik Larson – This book’s subject is the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 that claimed 8,000 lives. The story centers around Isaac Cline, the chief observer of the Galveston region of the federal Weather Bureau. Based on his diaries and contemporary accounts, we get an insight into the then new science of weather forecasting. “Although the subject is grim, this telling is a deftly told fable of folly and fate.” Booklist. Be prepared to discuss on March 28.

HATCHET by Gary Paulsen – Struggling with the resentments of his parent’s divorce, thirteen-year-old Brian suddenly finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness grappling with nature. Armed only with a hatchet, Brian must find the will to survive. This mainstay of Juvenile fiction is well on its way to earning “classic” status. It should make an interesting counterpoint to “Into the Wild.” For our April 25 meeting.

Thanks for giving Presents For Patients!

Marie Croci, Administrative Assistant for Residential Services and Stephanie Stevens, Client Services Program Supervisor of the Mental Health Association in Ulster County pose with the thirteen bags of donations sent by Marlboro Library customers who donated items for Presents for Patients in December.

Children’s Program Registration – Thursday, Jan. 11th at 9:00 am.

Children’s Program Registration – Thursday, Jan. 11th at 9:00 am.

About Children’s Program Registration
The snow date for registration will be Tuesday, January 16th at 9:00 am. We offer registration for children’s programming 3 times a year. For the sake of fairness, these registrations must be conducted IN PERSON. Registrants should enter the library via the north door adjacent to the West Street parking lot and take a number.

Wee Folks and Family – Creative and expansive playtime is open to children from infant up to age 2 ½ where parents or caregivers share experiences together. Enrollment is limited to 15 families. It will be held on Monday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 on February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26.

Toddlertime – Designed to introduce children aged 2 ½ (by Feb. 1st) to group dynamics. These half-hour programs will include stories, songs, crafts, and movement. An adult must accompany each child enrolled. Choose either a Tuesday or Thursday morning session. See dates below:
Toddlertime I (Tuesdays 9:30 – 10 a.m.)
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8.
Toddlertime II (Thursdays 10 – 10:30 a.m.)
Feb. 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr. 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10.

Story Hour – Children aged 3 ½ (by Feb. 1st) and not yet in Kindergarten are invited to enroll in either of our weekly one-hour programs that foster independent activity and include storytelling, craft projects, and creative group movement. We offer a morning and afternoon Tuesday session or a Thursday afternoon session. See dates below:
Story Hour I (Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8.
Story Hour II (Tuesdays 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8.
Story Hour III (Thursdays 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)
Feb. 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Apr. 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10.

After School Programs
Check the grade level below to match the day we offer after school activities for
school age children. All programs start at 3:30 pm and conclude at 5 pm. Parents must make arrangements with school authorities concerning bus transportation to the library for their children.

Curiosity Corner – Weekly activities include a special story hour, snacks, and seasonal surprises for Kindergarten and First Graders. See dates below:
Curiosity Corner (Thursdays 3:30 – 5 pm)
Feb. 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr. 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10.

Carousel For Kids - Weekly activities that offer boys and girls a full circle of celebrations and a spectrum of surprises. Available for students in grades 2 & 3.
See dates below:
Carousel For Kids (Mondays 3:30 – 5 pm)
Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 16, 23, 30, May 7.

The Tuesday Club (Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:30 pm)
This group of students will gather to pursue their interests in crafts, cooking, sewing, computer technology and reading.
For students in grades 4 and up. Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27

JANUARY NEWSLETTER temporarily in Blog Format

Well, our first 2007 edition of the "Inside Story" was greeted with a double whammy which has caused me to scramble and present the Library news in this format until all conditions are back to normal. We realize that this is no substitute for the printed version as it will not reach the citizens who are not online, but we do what we can do.

The content of the newsletter was ready in December but the layout computer at the MidHudson Library System , whose services we use, crashed the first business day of the New Year and the recovery process is estimated to take another 2 weeks! From MidHudson, the designed newsletter is sent to our printer who we have used since the days of The Grapevine. I called her to see if she could help save the day only to discover, sadly, that she was in the hospital.

The most timely event for January was the sign-up for Children's programs on Thursday, January 11 (snowdate - Tuesday, January 16 - well, it still could happen) so we put a reminder postcard in the mail ASAP.

Instead of putting the newsletter in one long entry, I'll break it up by event and post it on the blog so it is easier to digest. We apologize for the inconvenience and we hope to be back with a February/March edition of the Inside Story soon.

New Year Resolution

Tis the time of year for second chances so I'll take this opportunity to revive this blog and keep it alive and kicking. I believe that if one is in the information business (and librarians are), that one should at least try to keep up with the latest in electronic information resources and methods. Some methods may be more worthy than others, but I'd like to try them and find out for myself. One thing I've learned about a Blog is that in order for it to be successful - and I define success as other people beside yourself using it for communication - then I need to become a "blogger." I'll have to put the "log" back in blog for this to work.