Meet the Director

Friday Evening, April 1, Carol Sheffer, Library Director of the Round Lake Public Library will sit down with me to talk about the library, its new branch along with the technology, resources and its special features that make this library special and unique. Here is a sampling of some the topics, areas and issues we will discuss:

Please give me a little history of Round Lake, NY and the Round Lake Public Library.

How did the Malta NY Branch of the library come about?

What makes up the libraries website?

What is available to patrons on the website?

Who decides what goes on the website? Who created the website? Who updates the website and how frequently?

What helpful links are available on the website?

What other features does it have?

What are the future plans for the website? Any additions coming?

Is there feeds on the website, how often are they updated?

Any patron surveys or suggestions areas available on the website?

Any special areas for teens, senior citizens, children?

Is there an online catalog?

If yes, can a patron put items on hold, renew a book, pay fines, request interlibrary materials?

Is there a help area on the website or ask the librarian?

What kinds of questions are usually asked by patrons?

What areas does a patron need to sign into with an id/card number and/or password?

Is there any online journals, research areas, catalogs, databases etc. available and what are they?

Are all the journals, catalogs, databases, etc. available from home?

Circulation system is it automated? If yes, what is the system that is used? Why?

Are barcodes used? Scanners?

Is there a reference librarian in the branch? Online? What system is used for research for helping patrons?

What technological services are used in cataloging of materials?

Does the library staff like technology? What are they most comfortable with? Training they receive?

Does the library have anyone who can answer technology questions that arise?

How does the library handle e-books, serials?

At each location, how many computers and or laptops are available?

Is the use of the computers scheduled, if yes for how long at a time?

What type of guards are available for adult users and child users on the computers when using the internet?

Does the library make available their policy for computer and internet use? If yes, where would a patron find it and do they need to acknowledge it before using a computer?

Any privacy items in place per computer?

What type of security is placed on the computers?

What other items are on the computers other than access to the internet?

Is there virus protection, firewall, filters, etc? on the computers

What are the restrictions for downloading items on the computer?

Is there WIFI available? At both branches?

What is the security items put in place for the WIFI?

Can patrons use library laptops? If yes, at which branch?

If laptops not available now, will they be available in the future?

Can patrons print items? In color?

Does the library charge for printing? At both branches? Page limits?

What features does the library use to protect its materials?

Does the library use RFID tags or other security measures?

Does the library have self-check out? If not now is it in the future plans?

How are materials backed up and stored? How is patron information protected?

Does the system support Z39.50?

Does the library offer any classes onsite or on the website, internet for patrons?

How often does the library update its technology?

What is the timeframe for buying new items?

What are some the items that the library has on a wish list?

What are some of items that will be added to the collection soon?

What are the collections that the library offers?

Does the library have digital archives? If not yet, is it in the future?