New Computers and LCD Projector

The new computers, 15 Dell Optiplex 755s with 19" monitors, were delivered last week. And, I noticed this morning that we now have an LCD projector hanging from the ceiling. Soon, we'll have a screen for displays and shades for the windows.

The electricians are busy installing data ports and electrical outlets. Within a week or so we'll be able to start unpacking the computers. You may be shaking your head at the metal door; don't worry, it's a temporary solution. The permanent door is on back order and will probably be installed in another week or so.

We're all looking forward to seeing the Training Center completed, but it's too soon to predict the actual date.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Switch Room

The electrical and data needs of the new Training Center have required an upgrade in WPL capacity. The improvements installed this week will eventually support other upgrades to second floor patron and staff services.

The picture above is of a patch panel installation in a former study room. All of the data cables for the Training Center will be terminated at the patch panel at the top of the "rack." A 26 port 10/100/1000 managed switch will be installed below. As you can see, we have plenty of room for growth.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Periodicals Seating Area Expansion

Our crew of stack movers was at it again today: We've moved the periodical display shelving about 10' towards the north. This allows us to put three larger tables along the south wall adjacent to A/C outlets. The new location might make life a bit tougher for the vacuum cleaner crew, but much easier for our WiFi users whose batteries aren't quite what they used to be.

This move also allows us to move the tables a bit farther from the stairwell--noted for its tendency to channel noise up from the youth department--and use the periodicals shelves to further supress sound, while retaining the ability of Reference staff to see into the far corner of the building.

This is the second in a series of seating areas that we've planned. The first to be established is the Teen area, to the southwest of the Reference island. The third will be on the first floor, in the southeast corner near the courtyard windows. The fourth will be the northeast corner of the second floor currently occupied by the Reference workroom. At some point in the distant future, we'll have a fifth area in the northeast corner of the second floor near the 000s-100s.

Obviously, we're in dire need of more comfortable furniture. I've been threatening to cruise the Cedar Falls College Hill area semester end with my little brother's pickup, scavenging old couches and Barca Loungers. Stay tuned for further developments!

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Adult AV on the Second Floor

Waterloo Public Library Adult Audio Visual optical disk materials moved to the second floor last week. Library assistants Amy, Carolyn, Eugene, and Tim dismantled the display units, transported them to the area west of the PACs, reassembled, and reshelved. Believe me: that's much easier said than done!

Now that the AV materials are upstairs, the downstairs has more room for new book displays. We'll soon be shifting our "large type" collection to the area that formerly housed the AV materials. That shift will result in room for a seating area in the southwest corner of the first floor.

With the tall ceilings, large windows, and a view of the courtyard's greenery, we'll have a great place to sit and read. I'll be posting more on that project as it progresses.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Training Center gets Furniture

Workers spent today unpacking and assembling furniture for the new BHCGA funded training center. Holes have been drilled through the floor for data and electricity. Dell will be shipping 15 755 Optiplex workstations later this week. The special dimmer ceiling lights have been installed and it looks like we're several weeks ahead of schedule.

We expect to be holding training sessions later this spring or early summer. Stay tuned for details.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Windows & Lights

Work on the new BHCGA Training Center is progressing rapidly. Sheetrock is complete, the suspended ceiling frames are installed, the HVAC is has been updated. Now we're waiting for lights, furniture, data drops, and computers.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Training Center Takes Shape

The new Waterloo Public Library Training Center, constructed with the aid of a grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, is rapidly taking shape. The walls are plastered and painted, the plastic barriers are down. We're now we're waiting for the ceiling, lights, wiring, and furniture.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Recessed Monitor Test

We've added another workstation to the Waterloo Public Library public access computer collection: We're testing the recessed monitor concept. Since the advent of public access computers at the WPL we've made it a point to place the monitors so that they can be seen by staff and other patrons. This approach has allowed us to see what everyone is up to and to stop inappropriate use. However, we're now wondering if it would be better to give everyone privacy by going to recessed monitors and thereby save on staff time and conflict. In other words, we're contemplating a change from the "tap on the shoulder" approach to public computer management to the "out of sight, out of mind" approach.

If you're assigned to the recessed monitor station, let us know how well you like it. Be sure to use the adjustable hood to deflect glare. I've tried it and found that it works quite well. If other like it, we may well go to all recessed monitors when we do our next upgrade.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library