Berkshire Athenaeum offers Computer Classes in January & February

Berkshire Athenaeum
Pittsfield's Public Library
One Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499 9480

Schedule of Computer Classes

 January & February 2010

All classes held in the Computer Lab and last for one hour.

***PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED: SIGN UP AT THE REFERENCE DESK***

Our Computer Lab sessions are taught presuming attendees’ ability to type on a computer keyboard; use either a laptop touchpad or a mouse; and enter an address in the address bar of a browser. Those who do not have these skills are welcome to sign up for our sessions; however, they may find they are unable to fully participate.

Business Websites You Should Know About
Keeping informed and up-to-date is always important in business. Workshop will focus on best business websites and FREE online resources available to start-up, maintain, and grow your business and how they may provide a one-stop-shop for all aspects of your business. (Taught by Dick)
Tuesday, January 12, 6 – 7 pm

College Funding Re$ource$
A review of websites that can assist you in financing a College Education- for you or for your children. (Taught by Dick)
Saturday, January 30, 10 – 11 am

Email
Setting up a free web-based email account. (Taught by Mary Ann)
Saturday, January 16, 10 – 11 am

Excel Basics
Participants will review the interface, create a basic spreadsheet, insert formulas. (Taught by Madeline)
Wednesday, January 20, 6 – 7 pm

Google Docs
We will explore the basics of this free word processing software. (Taught by Madeline)
Wednesday, February 3, 6 – 7 pm

Homework SOS for Parents
You know the kids shouldn’t be “googling” or using Wikipedia for their homework – but maybe you’re not sure what they should be using? We will review some authoritative library databases geared toward students at different grade levels: all free and available 24/7. (Taught by Mary Ann)
Thursday, January 28, 6 – 7 pm

Job Search Resources in Learning Express
We will explore the Learning Express database Job Search module which includes resume writing; creating effective cover letters; and interview tips. (Taught by Mary Ann)
Thursday, February 11, 6 – 7 pm

Library Catalog: Beyond the Basics
Go behind the scenes with the Athenaeum's cataloger to discover what goes into making the library's catalog, and pick up a few searching tricks along the way. (Taught by Jeremy)
Wednesday, January 13, 6 – 7 pm

LibraryThing: An Introduction
For many booklovers, LibraryThing is the greatest site online.  In this workshop you will set up a free account, learn how you can interact with fellow bibliophiles, and see how you can contribute to the Athenaeum's catalog as a result. (Taught by Jeremy)
Thursday, February 18, 6 – 7 pm

Word 2007 Basics
An introduction to Word 2007 covering opening and saving a document; setting up margins; changing fonts; running a spell check; selecting templates; creating a letter and other documents. (Taught by Dick)
Tuesday, February 16, 6 – 7 pm

Word 2007 : Tables
We will use Word 2007 to create and format a table. (Taught by Madeline)
Wednesday, February 24, 6 – 7 pm

Future of Regional Library Systems

Dear Western Massachusetts Library Community:

A historic meeting of Executive Boards from the 6 Regional Library Systems took place on Monday, December 14, 2009. Its purpose was to determine the future shape of Regions and their services in the face of continued budget reductions from the State. The FY11 forecast for Regional systems (Board of Library Commissioner State budget account 7000-9401) calls for a cut of 28%. It is clear, with no promising economic news on the horizon, that Regional services and organizational structures need to be reconsidered in order to remain sustainable.

After a full day of discussion of different models and service priorities, it was determined that there is support for a single administrative organization that will consolidate business operations and services that lend themselves to better economies of scale. Everyone is well aware that there is also a great need for a local presence throughout Massachusetts, through which advisory services and continuing education programs will be delivered. The exact shape of that local presence has not yet been decided. One model is a hub and spokes, that would have consultants scattered in different areas, operating either from space in a library or a small office, or even from home via telecommuting. Another much- favored model is for a single administrative unit, with offices in different area of the state that can accommodate two or more consultants and would have training/meeting facilities.

The concern of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS) and its Executive Board is that services to our unique, vast, rural and remote area must get the attention, visibility and resources it requires to achieve equitable access to library services on a par with other parts of the Commonwealth. With half WMRLS communities having populations under 1,900 people, there is tremendous need for training, individual assistance, and familiarity with small library issues. It is due to the rural nature of our area that Regional library Systems came into being in the first place. WMRLS was the first Region to form (1961), as a direct offshoot of the Western MA Library Federation of the 1950s.

The future prospects for our wonderful WMRLS staff, our excellent and responsive delivery system, and even our headquarters building, are unclear as of this writing.

We know there are many questions and concerns that the West will be overlooked in this process, as people feel “always happens” to our area. Please be assured that, as always, we at WMRLS and our Board will advocate long and hard to ensure that the West will receive the services and attention that libraries of all types need. We will update you regularly about developments as a statewide planning process begins to work out details and future directions and structures.

Yours truly,
John Ramsay, Regional Administrator
Western MA Regional Library System
P.O. Box 609
S. Deerfield, MA 01373
jramsay@wmrls.org
(413) 665-9898 x. 113

What is your New Year's Reading Resolution?

The ReadsinMA online reading program is available free of charge to all public libraries in the commonwealth.

If you are interested in giving ReadsinMA a test drive OR if you are interested in becoming eligible to win a mystery bag filled with library goodies, do visit our new WMRLS “Happy New Year ~ Reading Resolution” ReadsinMA program - Staff of all WMRLS Member Libraries - academic, public, school, and special libraries - are invited to participate.

WMRLS public libraries may register for ReadsinMA via our new 2010 Summer Reading Program Order Form

~ Sincerely, Janet Eckert, WMRLS

www.ReadsinMA.org is supported by your local library, the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, with funding from the Institute of Museums and Library Services, an independent federal agency that grows and sustains a Nation of Learners because lifelong learning is critical to success.