Library updating computers, planning kids coding club

 


Computers for the public and for office staff are an important part of the services offered at the Alva Public Library. During the March board meeting on Monday, Director Sandra Ott-Hamilton reported the library operates on a rotation to replace computers every five years. The newest computers are operating on Windows 10 while others are using older operating systems.

She said they are seeing less use of computers by the public so the library may decide to eliminate one or two of those. More and more people are using their personal devices such as smart phones, tablets and personal computers.

The genealogy section computer is probably the oldest in the building. It has a scanner attached that can be used to read microfilm. Ott-Hamilton said this scanner isn’t compatible with newer computers and the cost of buying an updated one doesn’t seem feasible for the amount of use it receives. She said the genealogy computer will likely be removed from internet use but kept in use for the scanner.

While it’s been suggested that microfilm files be converted to the more modern PDF format, Ott-Hamilton said there are several issues to consider. The library would need software to handle the conversion, and it would require many hours of labor. She said they might be able to recruit volunteers to work on such a project. Some of the files could not be converted due to copyright restrictions. The advantage of conversion to PDF would be to make the files available online for internet searches.

Coding Club

The Alva Public Library is making plans to start a coding (computer programming) club for kids. Ott-Hamilton said they plan to purchase eight very sturdy and basic laptop computers to use. She said staff would not be teaching coding. Instead the laptops would be used to access online lessons from a program developed especially for libraries. A staff member will monitor the class, but they may also use adult volunteers. They’ve had several adults in the tech field express interest in helping.

Although the programs can be used for even younger ages, the library staff wants to start with third and fourth graders. Participants will be assigned to work in pairs on the laptops.

Ott-Hamilton said the laptops cannot be used outside the library, but they could also be used at the library in some future adult programs.

Other Business

Ott-Hamilton reported the Mommy and Me programs continue to be popular on Tuesdays. The program this past Tuesday was to involve a visit with baby goats.

A new format has been developed for the kids activity day programs. Instead of splitting the large group into two smaller ones as discussed earlier, it was decided to set up the programs in activity stations. Students can move from one station to another as they complete activities.

Ott-Hamilton reminded everyone of the Chocolate Fantasy set for April 5. The event sponsored by the Friends of the Library is in its 20th year, and funds raised go to the library.

The board discussed a request by the Masonic Lodge to use the library and the library’s projector to show an old classic movie. Since the library has a policy that events held there must be open to be public, the organization agreed to allow the public to attend. However, there were concerns about running afoul of movie copyright laws and the need to have a library employee volunteer (unpaid) to be present for the event.

In the end, board members were in agreement that the library should develop a policy to loan out the projector instead. Ott-Hamilton is to develop a proposed policy with a “you break it, you pay for it” clause and bring it to the next board meeting for approval.

Going over library statistics, Ott-Hamilton said the fines and copies income was higher than normal due to people needing copies for tax season forms and information. She said staff went through the youth section to weed out some books that are no longer popular with readers. They also checked for any volumes missing from various book series. This gave them space to rearrange the youth area, moving the Newberry award books to a better location. They also plan to expand their popular chapter books offerings.

Newer staff members are working on library certification with training opportunities. Amy Ryerson and Angela Courson were scheduled to attend training in Woodward April 17 and go to Enid two days later for another session.

The City of Alva is working on budgets for the next fiscal year starting July 1. Ott-Hamilton gave the board a copy of budget figures she had to get turned in by the deadline. The budget is very similar to last year.

 

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