In this week’s O’Fallon Weekly’s column Assistant Library Director Ryan Johnson showcases our many online resources such as Ancestry.com, Rosetta Stone, eBooks, and many more. However, with so many options to access and a variety of devices we might use (PC, tablet, or phone), it can be daunting to get started.
Ryan says the good news is that we now have dozens of video tutorials on our website to help with both library resources as well as “a whole section on how to use email and social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.” The tutorials provide instruction on a wide range of topics from filling in your family tree, researching a paper for school, or developing your technology skills.
From our home page, click on eResources, then from the drop down menu, click on Tutorials.
Once you are on the Tutorials Page, simply choose which area you want to learn more about: eBooks and More, Research, or Social Media & eMail.
The Tutorials show you how to get started and register an account.
From the eBooks and More page, then choose to view videos about borrowing eBooks or audiobooks from the Cloud Library or OverDrive, reading magazines for free through Flipster, or locating children’s books and videos through the TumbleBook Library.
There is a wide range of free learning topics on the Research page, starting with Ancestry for genealogical research, Consumer Reports, Morningstar Investment Reports, and Rosetta Stone to brush up or learn a new language.
The Learning Express Library has online practice tests for students in elementary through college, including practice in the ACT, SAT, and AP tests, and help with admissions essays for college bound students. The Learning Express Library also has useful tutorials on Microsoft Office, Adobe Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, and Photoshop. You can prepare for the high school equivalency exam or the US citizenship test. There is also a new section provides info on job searching and workplace skills and WorkKeys assessments.
For patrons who prefer a face-to-face help, Ryan urges patrons to visit our Adult Services department on the first floor where a friendly and knowledgeable staff member is happy to assist you get started or troubleshoot problems related to technology.
Another option for help is to set up a one-on-one appointment through our “Ask a Librarian” service. Naturally, you can also call to schedule that appointment as well: (618) 632-3783.
Ryan reminds patrons about our holiday closings:
December 24, 2017, Christmas Eve
December 25, 2017, Christmas Day
December 31, 2017, New Year’s Eve
January 1, 2018, New Year’s Day
As always, no items are due on days when the library is closed. If you need to return items, you can put them in our drive-up book drop.
Ryan and all of us at the Library hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. “If you find yourself in need of a book to cozy up with, you know where to find us.”
Until next time.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 