We are being used

Millions of people rely on our library computers for employment, health and education.  One third of Americans, ages 14 and older used a public library computer or wireless network to access the internet this past year.  According to the latest Gates survey, during this recession, people use libraries to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about medical and health care and connect with their communties.  Some statistics after the jump:Continue reading

Time to retire 365’ers

It is hard to believe we have been on POLARIS for five years.  When we migrated to Polaris, libraries needed to purchase new computer equipment with Windows capabilities in order to access the new ILS.  Those machines are referred to as 365.  It is time to retire those machines and purchase new state of the art computers that have up-to-date software and hardware.

At the February 16, 2010 SALS Board meeting, the board voted to make funds available for libraries that need to purchase new staff computer equipment.  It has always been recommended that libraries replace their computers every three to four years.  If a library is unable to budget the full replacement cost, SALS will purchase one staff computer per library per year and offer a repayment schedule of the cost of the computer divided by a maximum length of 24 months.
Procedures:
1)  Library contacts SALS and submits a request for the new staff computer, with or without monitor on library letterhead.
2) SALS will purchase the equipment that is currently recommended by the JA with the next group order.
3) Libraries will be expected to make a monthly repayment to SALS.
SALS would prefer that the order is concurrent with the JA group orders.  Only on an emergency basis, an order will be placed between group orders.
FYI, the JA does have some spare loaner computers to help bridge the time between the order and the delivery of the new machine.
Please contact either Jill Martz or Sara Dallas for more information.