I just had a customer ask if our e-books on Overdrive would work on a Kindle.
According to the Overdrive page http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/compatibleebookdevices.aspx the Barnes and Noble Nook, Kobo eReader, Pandigital Novel, and Sony Reader will work on the ePub and PDF e-books.
There is also a list of devices that will work for the audiobooks. See the webpage: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/compatibledevices.aspx
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Energy Efficiency Program
Erin Cody at Kendall had a customer report that the news says the library has forms for the city energy efficiency program. Here is the link for the application online:
http://www.houstontx.gov/reep/application-english.pdf
More information is available on the REEP homepage: http://www.houstontx.gov/reep/applications.html
http://www.houstontx.gov/reep/application-english.pdf
More information is available on the REEP homepage: http://www.houstontx.gov/reep/applications.html
Friday, October 15, 2010
Free Discount Prescription Cards
The cards are on the bookcase behind the reference desk (more are under the desk by the network printer).
On Thursday, the city announced a new prescription drug program that provides discounts to those who need it most.
The program promises to pay up to 40 percent of a prescription drugs cost and it's accepted at most major pharmacies. So how is it possible?
While anyone can use the card, if you have insurance you are probably already getting a better deal for prescription medications.
It's called the Coast to Coast RX card. It offers discounts on prescription drugs to anyone who uses it. The card will soon be made available to residents within the city of Houston to anyone who wants one.
If you present the card at participating pharmacies, we're told you'll receive a discount of about 40 percent. There are about 60,000 drugs covered by the card and it will be accepted at places like CVS, Walgreens and even Walmart pharmacies.
On Thursday, the city announced a new prescription drug program that provides discounts to those who need it most.
The program promises to pay up to 40 percent of a prescription drugs cost and it's accepted at most major pharmacies. So how is it possible?
While anyone can use the card, if you have insurance you are probably already getting a better deal for prescription medications.
It's called the Coast to Coast RX card. It offers discounts on prescription drugs to anyone who uses it. The card will soon be made available to residents within the city of Houston to anyone who wants one.
If you present the card at participating pharmacies, we're told you'll receive a discount of about 40 percent. There are about 60,000 drugs covered by the card and it will be accepted at places like CVS, Walgreens and even Walmart pharmacies.
Self Paced Online Computer Tutorials
You can find some self-paced online tutorials Word 2007, Excel 2007, Access 2007, and PowerPoint 2007 on the IT Department page on the Intranet https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/depts-it.html Then click on Windows 7 + Office 2007 from the choices on the left.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sign In Database
If you wish to see when you signed in you can view the database at: http://tiny.cc/0f0os
You will need to sign in as hplnlstaff@gmail.com and the password is the staff password.
You will need to sign in as hplnlstaff@gmail.com and the password is the staff password.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Problems with Tutor.com
Craig Bertuglia sent this via email:
In the past week I had two separate telephone complaints routed to me about tutors not being available on Tutor.com. Here is the response I got from the company, in case you experience similar complaints:
The way our system works is to take the total number of sessions purchased by the library and spread them out (by the hour) across the full year. So, for hours when there is higher demand than session availability, the patrons may receive the “busy message.” This does not mean that all of the sessions for the year are used, but only for that one particular hour. The system then resets every hour, making more sessions available.
I suggest for patrons that have received the message that they search through the SkillsCenter Resource Library to see if they can find a helpful instructional video or information website to use. If they are still in need of assistance from a tutor, logging in at the beginning of each hour may help.
Sincerely,
Craig Bertuglia
Central Teen Room
In the past week I had two separate telephone complaints routed to me about tutors not being available on Tutor.com. Here is the response I got from the company, in case you experience similar complaints:
The way our system works is to take the total number of sessions purchased by the library and spread them out (by the hour) across the full year. So, for hours when there is higher demand than session availability, the patrons may receive the “busy message.” This does not mean that all of the sessions for the year are used, but only for that one particular hour. The system then resets every hour, making more sessions available.
I suggest for patrons that have received the message that they search through the SkillsCenter Resource Library to see if they can find a helpful instructional video or information website to use. If they are still in need of assistance from a tutor, logging in at the beginning of each hour may help.
Sincerely,
Craig Bertuglia
Central Teen Room
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Printers in the building
The Printers in the building are for work related printing only. Please do not print personal items.
The printer at the reference desk has a very short life for the cartridge and it is difficult to get replacement cartridges so this is very important.
The printer at the reference desk has a very short life for the cartridge and it is difficult to get replacement cartridges so this is very important.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
FLIP kits
The new FLIP(Family Literacy Involvement Program)kits have arrived with a brand new kiosk. The kits contain books and a related activity for children and parents to do together. The kits are not to be opened or used in the library as some contain glue/paint.
Important Points:
FLIP kits are like library books and may be checked out for two weeks at a time and may be renewed online
All kits returned by customers go to CMH to be "refurbished" via delivery.
If the book is missing from the kit when it is returned by a customer, then it is put on the patrons record and they must pay for it just like a regular library book.
Kits that come in delivery must have a "refurbished" note on it. This means that all of the other materials in the bag have been replenished.
Important Points:
FLIP kits are like library books and may be checked out for two weeks at a time and may be renewed online
All kits returned by customers go to CMH to be "refurbished" via delivery.
If the book is missing from the kit when it is returned by a customer, then it is put on the patrons record and they must pay for it just like a regular library book.
Kits that come in delivery must have a "refurbished" note on it. This means that all of the other materials in the bag have been replenished.
Monday, August 16, 2010
English Groups and Classes at HPL
We occasionally receive requests for information about the classes and groups HPL offers to people who want to learn English. Here at Collier, we offer an English Conversation Group every other Saturday (3-4:30pm). Our group is mainly an opportunity for customers to practice conversing in English. I facilitate discussion questions, we do some role-playing exercises, and I include a bit of basic English instruction as well.
Central Library also offers a conversational English group which meets every Saturday from 11am to 12pm. It is also mainly a group for customers to practice speaking English.
Freed-Montrose has ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (1-4pm each day). These free intermediate English classes are offered by Houston Community College to customers age 18 to adult. Registration is required and takes place September 7-9 (1-4pm).
And finally, Stanaker library offers beginning basic English instruction to ESOL customers Tuesdays (4-6pm) and Thursdays (5-7pm). Classes are taught by a rotating group of volunteers from the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Apparently, plans are in the works for English instruction classes to be offered at more branches of the Houston Public Library starting in 2011.
-Krista Lewis Abedrabbo
Central Library also offers a conversational English group which meets every Saturday from 11am to 12pm. It is also mainly a group for customers to practice speaking English.
Freed-Montrose has ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (1-4pm each day). These free intermediate English classes are offered by Houston Community College to customers age 18 to adult. Registration is required and takes place September 7-9 (1-4pm).
And finally, Stanaker library offers beginning basic English instruction to ESOL customers Tuesdays (4-6pm) and Thursdays (5-7pm). Classes are taught by a rotating group of volunteers from the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Apparently, plans are in the works for English instruction classes to be offered at more branches of the Houston Public Library starting in 2011.
-Krista Lewis Abedrabbo
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Youth Services All Star Team Quarterly Award
Michelle, Debbie, Sydney and Krista would like to thank Jane Hensley for taking the time to submit the nomination for this award. We would also like to thank the rest of the staff here at Collier. We could not do the things that we do without their cooperation and support. The award money will be used to pay for a staff "end of summer reading" luncheon as well as our annual staff Christmas celebration. This was a big honor, and again, we thank you for the recognition.
-Collier Regional Library Youth Services Team
-Collier Regional Library Youth Services Team
Monday, June 21, 2010
Neighborhood Libraries Blog
Mike VanCampen sent this out:
NL administration would like to encourage managers and their staffs to start checking the Neighborhood Libraries blog on a regular basis. It is a valuable tool for sharing important information with staff (similar to the Central Staff Blog). As a reminder, the blog is located at the following address:
http://hplnl.blogspot.com/
NL administration would like to encourage managers and their staffs to start checking the Neighborhood Libraries blog on a regular basis. It is a valuable tool for sharing important information with staff (similar to the Central Staff Blog). As a reminder, the blog is located at the following address:
http://hplnl.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Group Registration for SRP
Heidi Daniel posted this:
It has come to our attention that this year we already have identified at least a handful or more of potentially fraudulent groups who are registering under various names and collecting large amounts of prizes, but whose information can not be verified.
To keep this from occurring, we are now asking that groups (specifically those over 10 kids) that register must show/ provide one of the following to collect their prizes:
State Daycare Registration/ License Number (if they don’t have an official paper with the license number you can look them up here
501 c.3 status (You can search here if they don’t have proof http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/forwardToSearch.do
If it is a school then they can show a current School ID and list their Principal and a contact number for the school. We will send you a form to assist with this later today
If they do not have any of these items, but you feel or know that they are valid, just try to get them to show you something that is valid, even if it is just google searching their name and address to verify. For example, one of the possible fraudulent groups used a real group’s name, but we can call the real group and find out if they actually signed up for the program.
If they are a group that says they are a large family or something similar then they should have all the kids register individually with their parent or caregiver, and they should not register as a group
If you need assistance with this, please let us know. We are not trying to make the summer more difficult, but we are trying to make the program one that rewards kids for reading and not rewarding people who just want to get the prizes. As you all know, our prize numbers are low this year, and we need to make things stretch as much as possible. We have also had issues with this in the past, where “groups” actually got the prizes and scalped them for profit.
Heidi x31448
Micheala x32028
Jane x32027
It has come to our attention that this year we already have identified at least a handful or more of potentially fraudulent groups who are registering under various names and collecting large amounts of prizes, but whose information can not be verified.
To keep this from occurring, we are now asking that groups (specifically those over 10 kids) that register must show/ provide one of the following to collect their prizes:
State Daycare Registration/ License Number (if they don’t have an official paper with the license number you can look them up here
501 c.3 status (You can search here if they don’t have proof http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/forwardToSearch.do
If it is a school then they can show a current School ID and list their Principal and a contact number for the school. We will send you a form to assist with this later today
If they do not have any of these items, but you feel or know that they are valid, just try to get them to show you something that is valid, even if it is just google searching their name and address to verify. For example, one of the possible fraudulent groups used a real group’s name, but we can call the real group and find out if they actually signed up for the program.
If they are a group that says they are a large family or something similar then they should have all the kids register individually with their parent or caregiver, and they should not register as a group
If you need assistance with this, please let us know. We are not trying to make the summer more difficult, but we are trying to make the program one that rewards kids for reading and not rewarding people who just want to get the prizes. As you all know, our prize numbers are low this year, and we need to make things stretch as much as possible. We have also had issues with this in the past, where “groups” actually got the prizes and scalped them for profit.
Heidi x31448
Micheala x32028
Jane x32027
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Digital Microfilm of Barrons, HC, NYT, WSJ and Washington Post.
Houston Public Library has switched 5 of its microfilm titles to digital microfilm. The titles that are now available digitally are Barron’s, Houston Chronicle, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. There are links to these titles on the Alphabetical Database list and under the Newspaper subject webpage. Barron’s and Wall Street Journal are also available on the Business and the Investing webpages.
Basically digital microfilm is the same image you would see if you were using physical microfilm and a microfilm reader, but online. The advantage of this new format is that patrons don’t have to come to Central to use the microfilm but can do so from a branch or at their home or office. The other advantage is that unlike the databases we have of some of these titles, digital microfilm has images of everything in the newspaper from cover to cover. This means obituaries and advertisements are included. However, digital microfilm can not be searched as a database would since it is merely a collection of images. You can choose what edition you want to see by selecting the title and the desired date. Our subscriptions start January 2008 and are current. Keep in mind there will be a delay between when the newspapers are published and when they are available in microfilm.
One last note, the fantastic thing about digital microfilm is that it will allow you to find images of obituaries. If the patron has the dates involved you can go straight to the digital microfilm and choose those dates to find the obituary. If the patron does not have dates, search first in the Houston Chronicle database to locate the date of the obituary and then use the digital microfilm.
Basically digital microfilm is the same image you would see if you were using physical microfilm and a microfilm reader, but online. The advantage of this new format is that patrons don’t have to come to Central to use the microfilm but can do so from a branch or at their home or office. The other advantage is that unlike the databases we have of some of these titles, digital microfilm has images of everything in the newspaper from cover to cover. This means obituaries and advertisements are included. However, digital microfilm can not be searched as a database would since it is merely a collection of images. You can choose what edition you want to see by selecting the title and the desired date. Our subscriptions start January 2008 and are current. Keep in mind there will be a delay between when the newspapers are published and when they are available in microfilm.
One last note, the fantastic thing about digital microfilm is that it will allow you to find images of obituaries. If the patron has the dates involved you can go straight to the digital microfilm and choose those dates to find the obituary. If the patron does not have dates, search first in the Houston Chronicle database to locate the date of the obituary and then use the digital microfilm.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Adult Summer Reading Program
There will be an Adult Summer Reading Club for our adult patrons this summer.
Here’s the skinny:
· PROGRAM DATES: June 1 – August 1, 2010 (same as “From Fables to Fantasy”)
· HOW TO REGISTER: The registration process is the same for the Adult SRC as it is for “From Fables to Fantasy”.
· HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Participants read books in any format, and enter the book titles read on their online reading logs. (Logging hours is not an available option for Adult SRC.)
Adult Summer Reading Club Random Drawing Prizes:
Random drawings are the only incentives (besides the fun and general feeling of accomplishment). Like the SRP for kids and teens, if participants would like to be eligible for the random drawings, they must include their contact information when they register.
Weekly Drawing: $50 gift card to a local independent bookseller
All participants are eligible for the weekly $50 gift card drawing. There will a total of nine drawings for these completed every Friday during the months of June and July.
Monthly Drawing: Sony eReader, Pocket Edition
The number of entries for the monthly eReader drawing will be based on how many books the patron has entered into his or her online reading log; in other words, the more the patron reads, the better his or her chances are to win the eReader. There will be a total of two drawings for these completed on or about Thursday, July 1st and Monday, August 2nd.
As you might have guessed, HPL staff are not eligible to participate in the Adult SRC. However, adult family members of HPL staff are eligible, and staff are strongly encouraged to participate in Staff SRC. (It’s a lot of fun!)
I hope that helps to answer any questions you may have about the program. There will be some printed collateral and a page on our Website with this information available soon.
Here’s the skinny:
· PROGRAM DATES: June 1 – August 1, 2010 (same as “From Fables to Fantasy”)
· HOW TO REGISTER: The registration process is the same for the Adult SRC as it is for “From Fables to Fantasy”.
· HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Participants read books in any format, and enter the book titles read on their online reading logs. (Logging hours is not an available option for Adult SRC.)
Adult Summer Reading Club Random Drawing Prizes:
Random drawings are the only incentives (besides the fun and general feeling of accomplishment). Like the SRP for kids and teens, if participants would like to be eligible for the random drawings, they must include their contact information when they register.
Weekly Drawing: $50 gift card to a local independent bookseller
All participants are eligible for the weekly $50 gift card drawing. There will a total of nine drawings for these completed every Friday during the months of June and July.
Monthly Drawing: Sony eReader, Pocket Edition
The number of entries for the monthly eReader drawing will be based on how many books the patron has entered into his or her online reading log; in other words, the more the patron reads, the better his or her chances are to win the eReader. There will be a total of two drawings for these completed on or about Thursday, July 1st and Monday, August 2nd.
As you might have guessed, HPL staff are not eligible to participate in the Adult SRC. However, adult family members of HPL staff are eligible, and staff are strongly encouraged to participate in Staff SRC. (It’s a lot of fun!)
I hope that helps to answer any questions you may have about the program. There will be some printed collateral and a page on our Website with this information available soon.
Monday, April 19, 2010
UPDATED!!! 290 Expansion Environmental Impact Statement
UPDATED!!! The fact that we have the Environmental Impact Statement for the 290 expanision was in the Leader. We may get multiple requests. I will move it to the central cases and let's hold ID while people look at it
We have received the final version of the Environmental Impact Statement for the 290 Expansion.
I just had a call about it so we may have folks ask for it. It is a reference item and may not be removed from the library.
We have received the final version of the Environmental Impact Statement for the 290 Expansion.
I just had a call about it so we may have folks ask for it. It is a reference item and may not be removed from the library.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax help after April 15th
If customer call asking about a tax return that was completed by AARP, get a name and contact number and I will relay the information to David with AARP. After Wednesday, April 21st he will release all of the information to the IRS and no longer have access to it and so they should then call the IRS directly.
Telephone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time).
Telephone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. your local time (Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Limiting searches in the catalog
Syma Zerkow sent these out for limiting catalog searches:
Use the keyword search function. Enter words from the book title or whole or part of the author's name along with
1) For the physical audiobook only (no electronic audio books) use:
"and not branch:branchhhou" and limit to audiobooks.
For example, if you enter:
james patterson and not branch:branchhhou
2) To exclude government documents from your keyword search use: and not branch:branchigov
For example, if you enter:
energy and not branch:branchigov
Use the keyword search function. Enter words from the book title or whole or part of the author's name along with
1) For the physical audiobook only (no electronic audio books) use:
"and not branch:branchhhou" and limit to audiobooks.
For example, if you enter:
james patterson and not branch:branchhhou
2) To exclude government documents from your keyword search use: and not branch:branchigov
For example, if you enter:
energy and not branch:branchigov
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Census 2010
Starting March 19 and continuing through April 19, we will be designated as a Census Question Assistance Center (QAC). All that this means is that Census staff will be on hand during designated hours to answer citizen questions about the Census and the importance of completing the form. Forms are set to be mailed around the beginning of March. Census staff will need a table (either a meeting room table or one of the public tables) so that they can sit and be available for questions.
The QAC hours will be (March 22-April 19)(NEW AS OF 3/11/10!!!!!)
Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-1pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 3pm-6pm
First day is March 22nd
The QAC hours will be (March 22-April 19)(NEW AS OF 3/11/10!!!!!)
Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-1pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 3pm-6pm
First day is March 22nd
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Patrolling in the after school hours
Please make a point to walk around and check things out several times for each hour that you are assigned to the desk. This is especially true when the kids get out after school.
We don't necessarily want to advertise that Fred is not here, but we do need to be vigilent and make sure everything is safe.
Make sure to do incident reports especially when we kick someone out of the building or there is a disturbance.
We don't necessarily want to advertise that Fred is not here, but we do need to be vigilent and make sure everything is safe.
Make sure to do incident reports especially when we kick someone out of the building or there is a disturbance.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Overdrive
Syma Zerkow sent this out:
The Overdrive Digital Bookmobile will be in Houston January 28 to promote our collection of downloadable media from Overdrive: http://www.digitalbookmobile.com/. I expect this will result in quite a lot of interest from our customers regarding this material. And we have purchased additional titles in anticipation of increased demand. Please take some time in the next few weeks to familiarize yourself with this material so that you can provide our customers with the best service possible. The link to our collection is found at http://www.houstonlibrary.org/downloadable-media.
This month the Central Library's Remote Reference meetings will focus on e-books and e-readers. Even if you do not work at Central, you are welcome to attend these meetings. Below is the information from Julia de Berardinis:
Greetings,
All staff is invited to attend the Remote Reference meetings scheduled for Tuesday January 12, 2009 at 2 PM, and Wednesday, January 13, 2009 at 2 PM. Please join us in the Training Room at Central on the 6th floor. Sandy Farmer will speak on E-Books and E-Readers.
The Overdrive Digital Bookmobile will be in Houston January 28 to promote our collection of downloadable media from Overdrive: http://www.digitalbookmobile.com/. I expect this will result in quite a lot of interest from our customers regarding this material. And we have purchased additional titles in anticipation of increased demand. Please take some time in the next few weeks to familiarize yourself with this material so that you can provide our customers with the best service possible. The link to our collection is found at http://www.houstonlibrary.org/downloadable-media.
This month the Central Library's Remote Reference meetings will focus on e-books and e-readers. Even if you do not work at Central, you are welcome to attend these meetings. Below is the information from Julia de Berardinis:
Greetings,
All staff is invited to attend the Remote Reference meetings scheduled for Tuesday January 12, 2009 at 2 PM, and Wednesday, January 13, 2009 at 2 PM. Please join us in the Training Room at Central on the 6th floor. Sandy Farmer will speak on E-Books and E-Readers.
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