resource of the week: code academy

Whether it's the patron who's trying to learn coding for a class their taking or the tech savvy staff member trying to enrich a webpage, Code Academy is the easiest way to learn how to code.  Learn how to build websites, apps, games, and more.  It's interactive, fun, and best of all...FREE!

ebscohost folder access

Earlier this week, Edward was helping an RCCC student with an assignment to access the MyEbscohost account she created at school. For some reason it would not let her log in and gave her the error "This account is not valid at Rowan Public Library". 

Ebscohost responded to Edward with this work-around:
If a community college student comes into the library, they can use the login page (nclive.org/loginpage or under Web Tools on the "For Library Staff" section of ncliveorg). Even if they are IP-recognized in your library, if they select their college from the dropdown and login as if they are at home, EBSCO will see them as part of the community college and let them access their folder.

resource of the week: free ibook on ipads

The free iBook like The Student Guide to iPads & iOS 6 written by Jac de Haan, covers all of the basics that students and teachers (and librarians!) need to know about the iPad.  The chapter on "everything Internet" is particularly good because not only does it cover how to use Safari, it introduces readers to other web browsers, including Rover which supports flash media (a semi-frequent troubleshooting issue we run across).

resource of the week: free tiiu pix

Looking for high quality photos?  Download free photographs in 16 categories from Free Tiiu Pix.  Great for slide shows, lesson plans, assignments, and projects!  In addition to images, you can also download free, original PowerPoint slide presentations.  These presentations include graphics, charts, diagrams, and, of course, a lot of pictures.

installing a new font

I have downloaded some fun and funky fonts from a website called Dafont.com.  If you're interested in downloading them to your computer, please use the following steps:

Step 1:  Open the Fonts folder on Commons (N://Fonts)

Step 2: Open the folder and highlight desired fonts (Ctrl + A for all), then right click and select Copy

Step 3:  Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel

Step 4:  Double click on Font

Step 5:  Right click in the white space and Paste

Your fonts should now be installed on your computer.  When you open up Microsoft Word or Publisher, they will appear in your list of font choices.  Remember you will have to repeat this process each time you log off of your computer. 

nc voting procedures

North Carolina Voting Procedures

New legislation approved July 2013 requires the following: 

Voters need to present government-issued photo IDs at the polls

Early voting is shortened from 17 days to 10

Same-day registration is no longer possible.  Voters must register, update their address or make any other needed changes at least 25 days ahead of the election. 

A high school civics program that registers tens of thousands of students to vote each year in advance of their 18th birthdays has been eliminated

Straight-ticket voting has been eliminated



Not all these changes are effective with the 2013 elections. We will post updated information closer to election time.

Source: Salisbury Post August 12, 2013

resource of the week: civil war maps (and more)

If you've ever watched PBS, you've probably heard of legendary film maker Ken Burns.  His documentary The Civil War takes a closer look at the war that divided a country and created a nation.  As a result, PBS offers a comprehensive list of maps for each battle, along with a description of the battle and statistics for both sides.  In addition to maps, PBS also offers biographies, historical documents, and a fact page about the Civil War.

issue returning ebooks

From Edward--

There is an issue with returned ebooks from Overdrive not disappearing from the customer's bookshelf. Overdrive is working on a fix.

resource of the week: gpsn

Occasionally we have patrons asking about how to patent inventions.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has launched the Global Patent Search Network, a free service that will eventually provide translations of patents granted in multiple countries and languages--a move the agency says it hopes will make patent research easier and more comprehensive.  A quick search for "microfiber towel" brought up 88 patents ranging from "magic gloves" to mops.

faxing app available for ipad

YALSA Blog shared Fax Burner as their App of the Week. This app assigns fax number that links to your e-mail for 24 hours.  You basically e-mail a scanned document, but it is transmitted as a fax using the assigned number.  The app gives you the option to choose files from your library, dropbox account, etc.  It's free for receiving up to 25 pages, and sending up to 5.  This app is iOS only, though Android equivalents do exist in the Marketplace.