Torrent Rages under 4th Street Bridge

The last bridge linking the north and south sides of Waterloo, the 4th Steet Bridge, rumbled above the flooding Cedar River as it neared its record crest of 25.39' early Wednesday morning. That's more than three feet higher than the previous record.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Cedar River Nears Record

Tuesday evening provided a surreal spectacle for Waterloo residents as the Cedar River, only a hundred yards from the Waterloo Public Library, neared a record crest. Two blocks down a railroad bridge washed away as city workers completed flood walls on other bridges.

As of 9:15 p.m. Tuesday evening, the Waterloo Public Library basement remained dry. However, rumor has it that the obvious street flooding was caused by failed storm sewer lines. Let's hope that the lift stations can keep up!

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Historic Flood Closes WPL!

Due to forecasts of a record high Cedar River crest of 26' this evening, and widespread street flooding this morning, Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley has requested that downtown businesses close and leave the area in an "orderly manner. Therefore, the Waterloo Public Library closed early this afternoon until further notice.

The City Engineer has advised the library to move anything of value out of the basement. So, library personnel have relocated all networking devices and items of historical value to upper floors. If we're lucky, and stay dry, the library will be able to reopen or normal business about 4-6 hours after an all-clear. However, if the basement floods, we'll have to assess the damage and do what's necessary to reopen in a safe manner.

Check back Wednesday morning for an update.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Dirty Keyboards and Clean Hands

We don't like to think about it, but public access computers are notoriously difficult to clean and keep clean. The Waterloo Public Library computers see as many as 8,000 sessions a month; that's 80,000 fingers and thumbs spreading germs and bacteria.

Tests show that even personal keyboards in office environments are typically infested with such nasty bugs as e coli and even staphylococcus aurea. Unfortunately, comprehensive cleaning of our 30 keyboards would require the removal and disinfection of some 3,030 key caps, each of which would be immediately reinfected by the next user with dirty fingers.

If you're concerned about possibility of infection, (we are unaware of any infections in the last decade of use) and wish to protect yourself, always wash your hands thoroughly after using a computer, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose until your hands are clean.

If you wish to clean your keyboard before use, ask for a disinfectant wipe at the Reference Island. When you're done using the computer, help yourself to a squirt from our jug of hand sanitizer, also at the Reference Island. We can't promise you clean keyboards, but we can help you to keep your hands clean.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

My Waterloo Days 2008

Downtown Waterloo has a lot going for it. The Waterloo Public Library, the smell of Wonder Bread baking cinnamon rolls on a Saturday morning, and best of all, great fireworks for My Waterloo Days!

Earlier this evening I sat in the middle of the 5th Street Bridge with about 5,000 friends and was entertained by the best pyrotechnics ever! If you didn't make it this year, be sure to join us in 2009!

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Training Center Progress Report

The BHCGA funded training center is progressing nicely. The blinds were installed Friday and library staff are now in the process of unpacking and installing the computers.

The two major remaining tasks are installation of the LCD projection screen and imaging of the 15 computers. Once everything is installed, we'll do some testing and will probably do some in-service classes with staff so we can smooth out any wrinkles.

As soon as we have a date for the ribbon cutting, we'll be posting here and on the library's website.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Are you ready for DTV?

Federal law mandates the end of analog television broadcasting on February 17, 2009. The channels currently used for analog signals will be reassigned to police, fire, and emergency rescue communications. Digital signals will also allow broadcasters to offer programming with better picture and sound quality. We'll also see more channels from each broadcaster.

For subscription viewers (i.e., cable or dish antenna users), the day will pass unnoticed. However, for those of us who still get free signals via rooftop antennas, our TVs will go dark--unless we get ready ahead of time.

Free TV viewers can prepare in one of three ways:

1. Connect our analog TVs to digital-to-analog converter boxes.
2. Replace our analog TVs with digital TVs.
3. Subscribe to a paid TV service.
   

Upgrade coupons, worth $40 on the price of a digital-to-analog converter box, may be downloaded from http://www.dtv2009.gov/.

I installed a converter box on my mother's TV last weekend and it works great! The picture is superior and she now gets more channels. With a $40 coupon, the cost was negligible. There is no reason to discard your current analog TV.

If you have questions or concerns about the switch, visit the http://www.dtv2009.gov/ FAQ page, or visit with one of our librarians.

For a more in-depth discussion of the DTV tranistion, visit the library on August 27, September 10 and September 13 when engineers from KWWL will answer questions about the "big switch."

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Office 2007 Upgrade Looms!

Change is coming to the the Waterloo Public Library PACS: Office 2007 will soon replace Office XP!

For several years, all WPL PACs have been loaded with the Office XP suite provided to us by the Gates Foundation. While this product has worked well since 2003, it's now time for an upgrade. Very soon you'll find that the Training center computers (21-29) will have Office 2007. We're hoping that by the end of the month PACs 1-20 and 30 will also be upgraded.

The Office 2007 interface takes a little to get used to, but we're confident that users will soon adapt. Library staff members will also like the fact that for the first time in 5 years, staff and patrons will be using the same office applications.

If you plan on creating documents at the library, then editing them elsewhere, take care to "Save as" in the same format as the next computer that you plan to use. Otherwise, you may get a nasty surprise when you find that Office XP and Office 2003 applications can't open documents prepared in Office 2007.

To be on the safe side, download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 formats. It's a free product that allows older Office Suites to edit the newer format.

If your computer has speakers or you have a pair of headphones, check out what the Locker Gnome, Chris Pirrillo, has to say about Office 2007.

Please contact a library staff member with any questions or concerns.


c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

QuickRes

For several years our Public Access Computers have used 800x600 as the default display resolution. Recently, we've seen more websites that require 1024x768 for convenient viewing. Security on the system had made the resolution control inaccessible, so we had to stick with one or the other, and some of our users much prefer the larger display of 800x600.

We have addressed this problem by installing the QuickRes application on each of the Public Access Computers. If you look at the lower right hand corner of the screen, you'll see a tiny monitor icon. Right click the icon and a menu will popup. Left click the resolution that you prefer, the screen will go blank for a few seconds, then reappear with the new resolution.

Sometimes it's possible to change to a resolution that's unusable and that you can't back out of. If this happens to you, restart the computer and the resolution will reset to the default (original) resolution setting. You'll then have 2 minutes to log in before your reservation will be lost.

You should feel free to change the resolution on your own, but never hesitate to ask a library staff member for help.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

The Waterloo Public Library celebrated its volunteers Friday evening with beverages, music, hors d'œuvres, and fellowship. Director Sheryl Groskurth poured wine, pop, and punch, while volunteer coordinator Sheri Melby managed the decorations and treats. The dynamic duo of Kim Chapman and Claudia Ramirez handled the door prizes and generally made things run smoothly.

We had a lot of fun on a dreary spring evening. Let's hope we can do it all over again next year!

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

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

Adult AV to Second Floor

We're now well into the process of moving Adult AV (audio visual) materials from the first floor to the area on the second floor that formerly housed print reference materials. Thus far, we've moved our VHS tapes, books on tape, and books on CD. Very soon we'll be sending up the DVD collection.

Moving Adult AV to the second floor will relieve congestion in the first floor area allowing us more room for displays of new materials. As time goes on, I expect to see a seating area in the far southwest corner. With all the windows and tall ceilings, it'll be a nice place to read a book or maybe sip some coffee!

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

LAN Party

The Hawkeye Community College Game Players Anonymous club and the Waterloo Public Library will join forces March 29 for a LAN Party! Participants will bring their own computers and/or consoles. The club and library will provide power, a switching hub, an LCD projector, and Internet access.

Participation is limited to gamers of high school age and older.

Pre-registration is required!

Visit the Waterloo Public Library Reference desk to sign up.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Training Center Progress

Work on the new Training Center is progressing rapidly. We're thinking we'll be shopping for equipment by the end of March or early April. Electricians are also proceeding with an upgrade to second floor power and data services. It's possible that we'll be able to start teaching classes by late spring.

The Training Center is funded in part by a $51,000 grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association.

Stay tuned for further details.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

HVAC Work on Training Center

The new WPL Training Center is quickly taking shape. Workers from Young Plumbing & Heating have removed the lights and ceiling tiles in preparation for installation of additional ventilation duct work. We'll be getting new lights and tiles, so the old one will be heading to storage.

The Training Center is drawing most of our attention at the moment, but we have other projects that we're about to implement. The empty shelves that used to house our print reference collection (now inter-filed), will soon be loaded with Adult AV materials from downstairs.

More on that later.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Carpet Cut and Ceiling Tiles Removed

Failor-Hurley workers cut carpet and removed ceiling tiles in preparation for the construction of the new Training Center. The Training Center, financed with money awarded by Black Hawk County Gaming Association, will provide 15 workstations equipped with the latest software and high speed Internet access.

We don't yet have a projected opening date, but late spring would be a good guess. Once the Training Center is complete, we expect to turn the current Learning Center into a video game room. Stay tuned for details!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Training Center Construction about to Commence

Workers will soon start the enclosure of the new Training Center, built with money provided by a grant from the Black Hawk County Gaming Association and the Isle of Capri Casino. Upon completion, the training center will have 15 Internet and MS/Office equipped computers, as well as a teaching station with projector.

Stay tuned for more pictures as the work proceeds.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

WiFi Upgrade puts WPL on Hotspot Map!

The Waterloo Public Library's WiFi users will notice some changes starting today: They will be invited to either create a username or click the "skip" button. This is due to the overnight installation of a commercial version of the PublicIP WiFi management service.

The old system did little more than put WiFi users on the Internet while keeping them off of the library network. We were without bandwidth or port management. The system was vulnerable to misuse by spammers or innocent people who were unwittingly monopolizing our bandwidth.

The new system addresses all of those problems while giving us an excellent way to recover usage statistics. Currently, all users get 4 hours of access each day. Transfer limits are 1.5 mbs download, 128 kbs upload, for a total of 800 MB/day. There are no restrictions on social networking or file sharing sites, nor are there any proscribed file extensions.

If you're a WiFi user and you run into trouble, contact me at dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us and we'll see if it's possible to find a way to accomodate your needs.

c 2008 Waterloo Public Library

Governor Proposes 18% Cut in Library Services

Governor Culver's FY 2009 budget includes an 18% cut in state funding for library services. Should this proposal stand, the following programs or agencies will see cuts: State Library, $135,000; Library Service Areas, $259,442; and Enrich Iowa $725,000.

Enrich Iowa, which directly funds Iowa's libraries, provided $16,921 to the Waterloo Public Library in FY2008. Should the governor's cuts stand, the WPL's Enrich Iowa allocation for FY2009 will be a mere $4,653: a reduction of $12,268!

Such a cut will have a significant impact on the services that the WPL will be able to provide to library patrons. If you would like to express your opinion on the validity of this proposed reduction in state aid to libraries, contact the governor via his online comments form.

Your state legislators must pass the final budget and could rescind this reduction. To express your opinion on the governor's proposed cuts, use the online at the Iowa Legislature's "Find your Legislator" site.

For details on how the cuts will affect Iowa's libraries across the board, visit Mike's Library Blog.

Thanks for your support of the Waterloo Public Library.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

New Windows Project Advances

We may have gotten a day off for Martin Luther King's birthday, but not our intrepid windows installers. They braved steady light snow and single-digit temperatures as the continued to install new windows. The good news is that they've made it around the corner; the bad news is that they are blocking off most of what's left of the parking lot.

We won't have to be patient much longer as the end is clearly in sight. We're already enjoying the new windows on the third floor and expect the second to also be less drafty and more energy-efficient upon completion.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Opinion Survery

The Waterloo Public Library is interested in learning your feelings about our operating hours. Please take a few moments to visit our Survey Monkey to voice your opinion.

Thanks

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Sanborn Maps Move to State Library

The Sanborn Maps product, a collection of maps dating back to the 19th Century, will no longer be available through the Waterloo Public Library. However, library patrons may continue to browse this amazing resource via the State Library of Iowa's Sanborn Maps subscription.

A State Library card, necessary to login to Sanborn Maps, can be acquired online in minutes for no charge.

The downside of getting Sanborn Maps through the State Library is having to get another card; the upside is that patrons may now use Sanborn Maps from home; the Waterloo Public Library subscription required users to be in the WPL building.

Another advantage to using the State Library's Sanborn Maps service is that cardholders will also have access to the State Library's collection of online resources. The titles range from newspapers, to EBSCOHost and from medical to legal. Several of the resources are open to any user, but many require a login using a State Library card.

Dropping the Waterloo Public Library Sanborn Maps subscription allows us to reallocate money to other products, our patrons will have access to a great product from home, and the State Library will have the opportunity to show off its wonderful services to Iowans.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Download 2007 Tax Forms!

It's that time of year again. The Iowa Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service are sending out tons of our favorite forms. Usually, we'll have the paper versions you need. However, if we don't, simply follow the links from the Waterloo Public Library Reference blog directly to the appropriate agency's site.

From there, you may quickly download and inexpensively print the most current version of the form(s) you need.

Librarians won't give you tax advice, but we can help you to find the tax form that you're looking for.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Second Floor Window Work

The window crew is now working on the second floor. The walls surrounding the 000-500 non-fiction, as well as the periodicals, are now behind a plastic shelter. The 000-150 area has the shelter right up against it; items on those shelves may only be retrieved by staff members on request.

The job superintendent estimates that this area will be blocked off for at least two weeks. After the windows are replaced the walls must then be resurfaced and painted. Once this is done, the work will proceed along the south wall in a clockwise motion.

While the work is in progress, let's all be careful to not enter the work area or otherwise interfere with the job. We're going to have quite a mess for the next few weeks, but I'm looking forward to having new windows and walls.

As always, if you have questions or comments, contact me at dargan@gmail.com.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Cunningham Carolers visit the WPL

Carolers from the Dr. Walter Cunningham School for excellence entertained staff and patrons in the lobby of the Waterloo Public Library today. This makes two consecutive years that the students have visited the library. We hope to see them again next year!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Free Downloadable Movies!

Card holding patrons of the Waterloo Public Library have access to full length downloadable movies via our subscription to MyLibraryDV. Users may choose from several collections: Movies, documentaries, food, health, how-to, kids, literature, and travel.

My guess is that the theatrical movie collections, which include classics, foreign films, Hollywood Favorites, independent films, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, will be the most popular. However, those of you who like travelogues and cooking shows will find that MyLibraryDV is the place to go for video entertainment.

Viewing the movies requires the installation of a viewer and movie management utility, each of which is easily downloaded from the MyLibraryDV site. You then use the viewer to choose your movie which you must then checkout using your Waterloo Public Library card.

Currently, the most practical way to view a MyLibraryDV title is from home using a broadband connection. However, sometime later this winter, look for the library to establish a viewing station somewhere on the second floor. Stay tuned for details.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Window Project Continues

Despite single digit temperatures, our window replacement crew continues to work their way around the third floor.

It looks like they may have to briefly close the public entrance either later today or early tomorrow. If that happens, we'll post signs directing patrons to the staff entrance in the courtyard.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Madeleine Albright visits WPL!

On Saturday, we had a surprise visitor at the library. Madeleine Albright, the first female Secretary of State, was here speaking in the meeting rooms to a group on behalf of Hillary Clinton's candidacy.

After commenting that we have a beautiful building, Secretary Albright took several minutes to sign autographs and have her picture taken with patrons and staff.

We have two books in our catalog by Madeleine Albright. To see if they're currently available, click here. For more information about Secretary Albright, check out the Biography Resource Center or click here.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

More Express Computers

The City of Waterloo MIS Department has recently allocated more computers to the library: Five new Vostro 200s and 3 Optiplex G240s. Over the next few weeks you'll see them added to our collection of workstations.

Public Access Computer #7, out-of-service for a couple of months, will soon return. We'll be adding an Express computer in the downstairs lobby area. And, we'll also be adding a flatbed-scanner equipped Express Computer in the Reference Department.

Other improvements on the horizon include upgraded Research Stations as well as enhanced computer services in the Teen Area. Providing enough equipment to sastify the computer needs of WPL patrons is one of my major goals. If you have questions or suggestions, please submit them to me at dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us.

Thanks.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Computer Classes at the WPL

The Learning Center has recently expanded the number of seats from 6 to 9, but as you can see, we're still short on space. Kim V., Literacy Services Administrator, is shown here presenting her Mail Merge class to a packed house; just in time for the Christmas letters!

The Black Hawk County Gaming Association recently granted Kim V application for money to fund a new Training Center in the south west corner (formerly housing the 700s) of the second floor. By this time next year she'll be packing a room of 15 instead only 9!

To see what classes we're offering, visit our the Patron Classes link on our website.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Newspaper Archive now Available!

The newest addition to the Waterloo Public Library's collection of online databases is Access Newspaper Archive. This product, visibile from any computer within the library's local area network, allows patrons to browse newspapers from as far back as 1759 to as current as 2006.

We'll soon be adding links to Access Newspaper Archive from our website, but until then, point your Public Access Computer's web browser at http://access.newspaperarchive.com/ and start searching!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Learn About the Iowa Caucuses at WPL!

Monday night we'll be hosting UNI Professor Donna Hoffman to talk about the Iowa Caucuses. The caucuses are only a month away -- come learn about why they play such an important role in selecting our next president. In addition to giving a talk on the topic, Professor Hoffman will be available to answer your questions about the caucuses and the 2008 presidential elections. Voter registration forms will be available, so you can register to vote at the event.

Refreshments will be available. Come to the meeting rooms at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 3rd for "The Iowa Caucuses: Past, Present and Future."


c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Window Installation Proceeds

Workers are now replacing windows on the third floor of the Waterloo Public Library. Soon, they will be removing the windows above the stairwell. Once that process begins, it will be necessary to block access to the stairs as it would not be safe to work above our heads.

The job superintendent assures me that the stairs will be closed for only a day or two and that in an emergency (e.g., fire or tornado) it will be possible to tear down the plastic and go. Certainly, we mustn't use the elevators if the fire alarms sound!

Later in December I expect to see the window crew on the second floor. We'll have to put up with some inconvenience as the work progresses, but having new windows and wall coverings will make it all worthwhile!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Friends' Book Sale!

The Waterloo Public Library Friends group is conducting their book sale today and tomorrow. After a "members only" event yesterday, the Book Sale continues today (November 30) and tomorrow (December 1) from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Variable Computer Time

Demand for computer time at the Waterloo Public Library continues to grow. As you may have noticed, competition for computers is especially great later in the afternoons and on weekends. We are aware of the shortage of computers and are working to add more. In the meantime, our reservation system vendor has helped us to create scripts which adapt session to time to time-of day.

The result is that patrons who log on early in the day may have their sessions extended for as long as 90 minutes. However, at 2:00 p.m. each day a script runs which shortens the time available to 60 minutes--the minimum required by library policy.

The maximum time is also limited to 60 minutes on weekends.

At some point in 2008 we're hoping to add a few more computers. Until then, please bear with us as we attempt to allocate computer time as fairly and efficiently as possible.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Good News/Bad News

The good news is that the the Waterloo Public Library's leaky, drafty windows are about to be replaced. The bad news is that the contractor will be using about half of the parking lot to store materials and equipment.

We expect the windows to start coming out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The contractor will start on the third floor and gradually work his way to the ground. With good weather and no complications we expect the project to be complete by late winter.

For more information, and a progress update, stay tuned to the Waterloo Public Library Reference Blog!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Adult programming at WPL

We've got a lot of exciting programs coming up at WPL!


On Monday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m., UNI Professor Donna Hoffman will be discussing and answering questions about the Iowa caucuses. This talk will include a look at how Iowa's caucuses became so important, what role they play in electing presidents today, and what the future holds for the caucuses.



On Wednesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m., author Todd Mishler (http://www.toddmishler.com/) will be giving a presentation about college football rivalries as he talks about his new book, Blood, Sweat, and Cheers: Great Football Rivalries of the Big Ten. After his presentation, he'll answer questions and be available for book signing.



We've got several other events planned, including easy ways to improve your health and the transition to digital cable. Check the blog for updates as we get them. We're also interested in getting your ideas about what programming you would like to see offered for adults at WPL. Email us at infowiz.wpl@gmail.com, call the Reference Desk at 291-4476 or chat with us on Meebo (see the box on the right) if you've got suggestions.





c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Change in Computer Time Limits

Currently, Waterloo Public Library Public Access Computers allow patrons at least an hour of usage each day. If no one is waiting to use a computer at the end of that hour, the system automatically extends the session to a total of 90 minutes.

Due to intense demand for computer time--especially in the late afternoon and evening--beginning Monday, November 5, sessions will no longer be automatically extended at the end of one hour. Staff members may, at their discretion, extend times manually upon request during times of low computer usage.

Please contact either me (dargan@gmail.com) or other staff with questions or concerns.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Second Floor Changes

Second floor patrons will see some major changes this afternoon. The stack mover fairies visited the library last night and rearranged our layout.

The periodicals are now over by the corner of West Park and Commercial. This isn't their final resting place, but will have to do for now.

Older periodicals are in the process of being moved to empty shelves over by the 700s. Again, this is a temporary location while we shift the rest of the collection.

The fancy tables and lamps have been moved to the east wall where they will sit until we have room to put them next to the windows. The periodicals and tables have displaced the teen area. However, as the non-fiction collection is shifted to the east of the stairwell, space for the teens will open up in the area now housing the 600s.

I realize that all of these changes are hard to follow, but when they are complete, the second floor will be a more pleasant and useful place for reading, browsing, using the computers, or taking classes. As always, contact a staff member if you have difficulty finding materials or have suggestions.

Thank-you for your patience.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

FAFSA: Federal Student Aid

The Federal Student Aid service no longer provides us with paper application forms. If you wish to make an application, try these links: FSA Publications and Federal Student Aid.

If you have further questions, check at the reference desk or try the InfoWiz virtual reference service in the upper right hand corner of this page.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

WPL Express Computer

Patrons who only want to print a resume or quickly check their email now have a new option: Express Computing.

The Express Computer may be used for up to 20 minutes each day. Patrons needing more than 20 minutes should either log on to a Public Access Computer using a library card at the signup station, or by persuading a librarian to fork over a temporary "guest" pass.

Once the Acceptable Use Policy has been "accepted" by the patron, the Internet browser will launch and will remain running for 20 minutes. The time will be counted down in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Warnings of an impending reboot will be given with 5 and then 2 minutes remaining. Closing the browser will result in a reboot the computer and all work not saved to an external medium (e.g., thumb drive), will be erased.

Patrons wishing to use an Office application should select "decline" at the Acceptable Use Policy page, then launch the desired application from the appropriate desktop shortcut. There is no timer on the Office applications, but staying on for more than 20 minutes may result in the session being manually terminated by staff. Patrons needing more time should avail themselves of the reservation system.

Printing: For either Internet or Office applications, send print jobs by selecting File Print and "ok". A few seconds after sending the job, a dialog box will request a name. Give the print job a descriptive name. Print jobs may then be retrieved by logging onto the print release station with "express".

Express computers are a novelty for the WPL staff and patrons. As time goes on, we'll probably learn from our mistakes and make changes accordingly. Meanwhile, give the new station a try and please report any problems by adding a comment to this blog.

Thanks


c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Downtown Waterloo's River Front Renaissance

Downtown Waterloo has seen dramatic changes over the past construction season; more of the same is on the way. Flood walls are being repaired, the Center for the Arts is building a Youth Pavilion, the Fourth Street Dam is getting an extension, and preparatory work for an exposition area is happening south of Commercial Street in front of the library.

As the construction continues, we will be taking pictures from either the roof of the library or maybe the balcony. We at the library are pleased to have a front row seat to Waterloo's Downtown Renaissance!

For a full screen slide show, click the image below.

UpOnTheWPLRoof

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

The Day the Ceilings Fell!

WPL librarians got a nasty surprise when they arrived at work Monday morning: Overnight rains had flooded large areas of the second and third floors. A contract roofer removed the room to the library's penthouse (where the air handler and elevator equipment live) late last week, then walked away without installing any tarps.

The sorry results can be seen in the slide show above. Preliminary estimates suggest that the roofer's are liable for at least $6,000 worth of damaged materials, and a cleaning crew was still working 15 hours later. They're using heaters and fans to dry the carpets; we hope to stay ahead of the mold and mildew.

I see that NOAA is predicting rain for Tuesday; let's hope the roofer's get us buttoned up first.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Harry Potter Party

The Harry Potter Party is long over with, but now is a good time to time to reflect on the party and start discussing the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I am not going to spoil the ending, because I know there are still some people who have not read the book. So for those of you who haven't read the book don't read the comments! But here are a few questions to start the discussion:

Did the book end the way you wanted it to?

What shocked you the most?

Were your predictions right?

Did you cry? If so, what made you cry?





For more pictures click on the link below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Anhaltkr/HarryPotterParty/photo#s5109425366236305682

WiFi Returns to the WPL!

Waterloo Public Library WiFi Internet access has been erratic over the past few months due to problems with our ISP. Friday evening that access was upgraded to from a residential quality broadband connection to a 100 MB fiber connection.

Initial testing shows that the system works and is much faster than the old one. However, we won't be able to judge reliability until we've run it for a few days. If you have connection problems, please contact the Reference Desk. Or, login to one of our PACs and send an email to dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us.

Thank-you for your patience; the improvement should be worth the wait.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Opposing Viewpoints

Waterloo Public Library patrons wanting to research controversial issues now have an extremely powerful resource: The Thomson-Gale Opposing Viewpoints database.

Patrons using Opposing Viewpoints from within the library may access it directly; from outside of the library a card number will be required.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Security Cameras come to the WPL

Security cameras are now watching the comings and goings of Waterloo Public Library patrons and staff. Hawkeye Alarm's installation of a Pelco video monitoring system allows us to record activity at all library entrances.

The recordings won't be saved indefinitely, but may be used to help us to identify people of interest.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Severe Weather Policy

With active weather upon us, now is a good time to review the Waterloo Public Library's severe weather procedures. Upon activation of the Black Hawk County Early Warning Sirens, staff members will advise library to patrons to either proceed to the basement hallway or to leave the building.

The public entrance will be locked and a management person stationed at the staff entrance will allow patrons to leave the building or will let people into the building with the proviso that they will proceed to the basement hallway.

Staff will monitor situation and as soon as the weather warning expires will notify patrons and allow them to return to normal activity.

The Waterloo Public Library is housed in a very sturdy building, but also has many large windows. If we were to be hit by even a moderate tornado, flying glass and other debris would create a very hazardous situation. Sitting out a warning in the basement isn't much fun, but we want you to be safe.

If you have any questions or comments, leave them on the blog or email me at dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

My Waterloo Days

The sun decided to shine on the Waterloo Public Library's entry in the annual My Waterloo Days parade last Saturday morning. The float promotes the theme of the library youth department's summer reading program: "Egyptian Expedition."

For more parade pictures may be seen at our parade web album.


c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Why are the Shelves Empty?

For about a year now, librarians have been carefully weeding the non-fiction collection of the Waterloo Public Library. An analysis of the the collection's circulation shows that the turnover rate for last year was quite low and has been trending lower for several years. One of the reasons for the is decline is the accumulation of materials that, while of interest when purchased, are no longer desired by our patrons.

With the shelves filled with outdated books, patrons have difficulty finding the newer items that they desire. The library is taking several steps to address this issue. First, we're aggressively weeding the collection for the first time in several years. Librarians use a feature of our LMS (Library Management System) to generate lists of items that have not been checked out for several years.

With the list in hand, they then work their way through the stacks looking for those unused items. Sometimes the items are lost or stolen. Usually, however, the item is on the shelf waiting for attention. The librarian looks at the item and decides whether to keep or "weed," the book.

If the item is "MUST"y (i.e., Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, or Trivial), out it goes. Sometimes, an ugly or superseded item may be replaced, but usually the book's time has past and it must be discarded to make room for newer items. A good example of obsolete books includes our collection of books on the Savings & Loan collapse. The S&L failures happened in the 1980s with the solution coming in the early 1990s. Patrons no longer wish to read to read out a settled issue. There's no good reason to devote shelf space to discussions of the S&Ls: they no longer exist!

When we get caught up with our weeding, we plan to shift much of the non-fiction collection towards the north east corner of the second floor. The room created by the shift will be used for a teen area and a biography browser. We also expect to have room for the AV collection (e.g., movies, music, audio-books) which is currently housed on the first floor.

Thus far, we're still trying to visualize the final result. However, one thing we know for sure: books which haven't been used for years gradually deteriorate and detract from the quality of the collection. We'll continue to weed vigorously as we make plans for a more current, vibrant collection that our patrons will want to use.

If you have questions or comments about what we're up to, leave a comment on the blog or contact me at dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us. If you find that a favorite book is no longer on the shelf, ask us to acquire it by inter-library loan, or maybe we'll even buy a replacement copy!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Friends' Book Sale!

The Friends' Book and White Elephant sale continues today until 3:00 p.m. and resumes tomorrow (Saturday June 2) morning at 9:00. This year's sale coincides with the annual My Waterloo Days festivities. Buy some books, watch the parade, listen to the music and maybe visit the food vendors. There's plenty for everyone to see and do in downtown Waterloo!

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Community Organizations Directory

The Waterloo Public Library web site took a step forward this morning when staff transferred the Community Organizations Directory--a joint effort of the library and the Greater Cedar Valley Chambers of Commerce--from an Adobe Portable Document File (i.e., PDF) to a Google Documents spreadsheet. The new format is easier for patrons to use and much more efficient for staff members to update.

The old format required editing of a Word document, conversion to PDF format, followed by transmission to a webmaster would then FTP it to the website. The use of a Google documents spreadsheet allows the staff member in charge of the directory to make changes in real time from any Internet capable computer.

As time goes on, look for us to move more library generated content to web documents that can be edited online. It's faster, cheaper, and provides better service to you, our patrons.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Public Access Computer Behavior

All patrons of the Waterloo Public Library are entitled to use library assets so long as their activities are not disruptive. Recently, we have seen some violations of our Public Access Computer Use Policy, which states that no more than two patrons may use a computer at any one time.

Library employees will be especially watchful for violations of this policy. When we observe more than two patrons at a computer, a warning will be given. If the behavior recurs, the session of the patron logged into the computer will be terminated.

If you are using a library computer and are bothered by groups of patrons gathering around a computer, and a staff member does not intervene, please ask for assistance at the desk. If you prefer to do so anonymously, use the "Library Help" utility on the upper-right hand portion of the Reference Department home-page. Ask for help, and if the virtual reference stations is active, you should get a quick response.

To report problems or make suggestions, please email me, Mike Dargan, at dargan@wplwloo.lib.ia.us.

c 2007 Waterloo Public Library

Motorized Cart

With 60,000 square feet (about 1.3 acres) of floor space, getting from one end of the Waterloo Public Library to the other can be quite a hike. For those of us who find walking to be a challenge, yet still wish to browse the stacks, the library provides a motorized cart. If you wish to use the cart, go to the Welcome Desk and ask.

Once you've acknowledged having heard the instructions by signing a form, you'll get the key and off you go.

If you're a caretaker and would like some help getting your charge into the building, we have a wheelchair that can be used to bring someone in from the parking lot.


c 2007 Waterloo Public Library