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.

Dewey love our libraries? Storrs Library's Inspiring Blog

Visit the Blog of the Storrs Library, Longmeadow

One of our part time staff, Phyllis Bogert, has been photographing libraries for many years. She did not use a digital camera, but collected all her beautiful photographs in an album which she would share with us from time to time. Barbara Fitzgerald, our Adult Services Librarian, thought it would be a great idea to turn this album into a Picasa Web Album and put it online for all to see. We enlisted the help of a volunteer, Doris Brodeur, who scanned in all the photos. I then created a blog, using all the skills that I learned the WMRLS "Blogging for Beginners" Workshop! This collaborative effort was finally finished and posted last week. It is accessible from our homepage, www.longmeadow.org/library.

Curiosity about the WMRLS extraordinary delivery system, linking so many libraries of different size and architecture, was what motivated Phyllis and John to set out on their trips. We thought you might like to let other libraries know about the blog so that they, too, can enjoy the lovely photographs.

~ Farida Pomerantz, Storrs Library, Longmeadow

WMRLS is closed on Wednesday, December 9

Due to hazardous driving conditions expected across the 4 county area through much of today, the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS) will be closed today. There will be no delivery, and the workshop "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: New Teen Books" has been canceled. Please notify any staff at your library if their work is affected by delivery.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of staff, vehicles and library materials is of utmost importance. We expect to resume full services tomorrow.

~ John Ramsay, WMRLS Regional Administrator

Berkshire Athenaeum hosts Foundation Center Librarian Ines Sucre

On Tuesday, December 1, the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, was thrilled to host Foundation Center Librarian Ines Sucre for a full day training on grantseeking. Fifty-four Berkshire area residents registered for this free training opportunity that included a hands on session searching the Foundation Center databases. Attendees included staff from area cultural, human service and other non-profit organizations as well as local artists. The Berkshire Athenaeum is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center and routinely provides access to FC resources.

~ Madeline Kelly, Supervisor, Reference Services
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield

December 31 is deadline to apply for Laura Bush Foundation Grant

Visit the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries for complete information on this grant opportunity.

10 Things to do at a Library that Don't Involve Renting Books

Anna Miller, author of the Online Degree Blog, recently posted a tribute to libraries titled
"10 Things to do at a Library that Don't Involve Renting Books".  Anna's blog begins:

"Libraries have long stood as a cornerstone of neighborhoods across the world, offering access to books and other resources for entertainment in addition to research purposes. In their continuing devotion to nurturing a love of reading and knowledge in the citizenry, many have expanded their offerings beyond the ability to rent books. Some newer features embrace technological advances, while others provide free services blending education and enjoyment. No matter what extras these libraries offer, all of them continue the tradition of intellectually and creatively stimulating their respective communities... "Read More ...

Ware High School Library Goes GREEN

Many thanks to Ware High School Librarian, Valerie Wlodyka, and all of the faculty, staff, and students, who decorated the library GREEN in preparation for our recent WMRLS Summer Reading Program Roundtable (Focus on Teen Programs)

WRapper - Fall/Winter 2009 issue now online

Extra! Extra! Hot off the Virtual Press ~ WRAPPER NEWSLETTER!


We have just posted the fall/winter issue of WRapper: the newsletter of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System This issue features the following:


WMRLS Annual Meeting: An Emotional Experience by John Ramsay, Regional Administrator, WMRLS

WMRLS Night at MassMutual Center Fundraiser – The Springfield Falcons Hockey Team is dedicating the Saturday, January 23 game to benefit the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System. Tickets (regularly $17) are only $10 for everyone who orders using the special form on page 3 of Wrapper. This offer of discounted tickets to the January 23 game is extended to the general public. Please help WMRLS promote this fundraiser by making copies available for people to take. (A great holiday gift!)

Self-Service Disc Repair Machine now available to ALL WMRLS Libraries at No Charge
Sincerely, Janet Eckert, Editor; WRapper: the newsletter of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System

Falcons vs. Wolfpack ~ WMRLS NIGHT AT MASSMUTUAL CENTER ~ Join us on January 23

Falcons vs Wolf Pack ~ WMRLS Night at the MassMutual Center

Saturday, January 23 at 7:30

This offer of discounted tickets to the January 23 game is extended to the general public. Please help WMRLS promote this fundraiser by making copies available for people to take.

 

http://www.wmrls.org/events/2010-01-23-falcons.pdf

 

Come out and meet Wally the Green Monster along with a night of action-packed hockey to benefit the Regional Library System that faces deep State budget cuts!

Regularly $17, tickets are only $10 with this offer!

Simply fill out the order form and mail back to the Falcons office, or call Julia Kincade at (413) 739-3344 x105.

(*Offer not valid at the box office. Tickets will be mailed up to January 18th. Tickets ordered after this date will be available at the Will-Call window of the Box Office lobby on the night of the game.)

Together We Thrive LSTA Grant Project - Presentation at WMRLS Annual Meeting

As part of our recent Annual Meeting of the WMRLS Council of Members, Becky Marconi, presented a summary of the recently concluded Together We Thrive LSTA Grant Project. Complete information on this project is posted on our WMRLS website

Becky's PowerPoint presentation is posted below:



Upon the conclusion of the WMRLS Together We Thrive LSTA grant, the Self Service Disc Repair Machine is now available for the use of all WMRLS Member Libraries.