CCLS Services and Resources

CCLS Services and Resources Rev. 2018 EMA http://www.ccls.org

Notes about this Learning Module • Please review the links to documents and websites in this module. Information in these references could be part of the final quiz! • The Quiz button will take you to the module quiz. • The Fill Out CE Form button will take you to the CE form. • Directions for navigating the module plus printing and saving your quiz results: User Guide Any other questions? Please email the Staff Development Coordinator 2

What you will Learn … • Gain an overview of the many the resources and services available to patrons of the Chester County Library System 3

QUIZ • There is a 10 point quiz at the end of this learning module. • You need to get 100% on the quiz to get credit for completing the learning module. 4

Many people remember the public library as the place they went as a child to read, to check out books, do homework or conduct research. Traditionally, the library was a place that housed a collection of books that was available to the general public. Members of the library were able to borrow a certain number of books and then return them by a particular date. 5

But in today’s world of instant information via the Internet and a diversification of learning materials, the library represents a much more multi-faceted concept. 6

The Chester County Library System library card A Chester County Library System library card gives a patron access to over a million books, audiobooks, DVDs, eBooks and eAudiobooks. It also gives access to numerous online resources and online databases to which the Library System subscribes. 7

Interlibrary Loan Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows Chester County Library System card holders to get books, audiobooks and copies of articles not owned by a library in the Chester County Library System. If a Chester County Library System member library doesn’t own a book or other material you want, the Chester County Library and District Center, through Interlibrary Loan will try to obtain it from another library. Most items can be picked up at any System library. 8

A patron can place an Interlibrary loan request on the System’s website by selecting “Find Help” then select, “How Do I…” then select “Request an Item” then “Interlibrary Loan Request.” 9

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Statewide Library Card Program As state-aided Pennsylvania public libraries, member libraries The Chester County of the Chester County Library Library System library System participate in the card can be used to statewide library card program - borrow items from Access PA - and abide by its rules and regulations for free patron many libraries all over reciprocal library cards. Pennsylvania through the Access Pennsylvania program. 11

Under this program, Pennsylvania residents, who have a current and valid library card from their home library with an Access PA sticker affixed to it and proof of current residency in Pennsylvania, may obtain a Chester County Library System card and borrow materials from any member of the Chester County Library System and may return materials to any participating Access PA library. The same overdue fines, lost materials charges and fees will be applied to Access PA borrowers as are applied to all other registered borrowers. 12

Public Computers Member libraries of the Chester County Library System offer computers for public use. All computers are networked to high speed, filtered Internet access. Each member library also has free unsecured wireless Internet access, use of which is governed by the Chester County Library System’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Connections are filtered to comply with federal law. 13

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Many of the member libraries offer computer training for their customers ranging from one-on-one sessions covering the basics of computer use to introduction to the Microsoft Office Suite such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 15

In the children’s department of several of the member libraries you will find Early Literacy Stations. These Stations are self- contained computers with over 50 educational software programs installed on them. They engage children so that they can gain literacy skills that will put them on the path to a lifetime of learning. 16

Overall, people use library computers to perform life-changing and routine tasks. From learning about critical medical treatment to connecting with family and friends. The library’s role as a technology resource has exploded over the past ten years. Computers have transformed libraries into a critical digital hub where patrons can compete more effectively for jobs, improve their health, further their education, find key government services and manage their finances. 17

System Web Site: ccls.org The Chester County Library System website pulls together, in one unified interface, many of the System’s resources. It also provides access to member library websites. 18

From the ccls.org website, a patron can search the catalog. They can find a library and their specific website or an event. They can ask a librarian a question, access the many subscription databases and explore the many resources of the System. 19

The Catalog A patron can find what they need by searching the Chester County Library System catalog. 20

A patron can also … • See all items they have checked out • Place holds for pickup at any member library • Renew items before they are overdue • Keep track of their reading history 21

Ask a question …. Choose Ask Here PA for information requests 24 hours a day. Patrons will be in a live chat session with a librarian who may be in another state. Ask Here PA librarians will not have access to the patron’s account information. 22

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Databases 24

The Chester County Library System subscribes many databases. • Subscription to these databases are subject to change depending on state and local funding. • Many of the databases can be accessed from home with a Chester County Library System library card. Types of material found using library databases are: • Articles from journals and magazines • Electronic books • Newspapers • Images • Reference Sources 25

The System’s Databases can provide resources about languages, companies, industry research, investment information, economics, small business, international trade, online job hunting and consumer information and much more at no cost to the patron. 26

Ancestry.com has more than five billion names in over 4,000 databases. It contains census, birth, marriage, death, immigration/ emigration, naturalization, court, land and probate records, and much more. Access charts, forms, public family trees, and communicate with other genealogists on message boards. Ancestry.com is an “in-library use only” database only. 27

For a wide variety of language-learning goals, the Chester County Library System subscribes to Mango Languages, an online language program that patrons can use at no cost from home or work. All they need is an internet connection and an active library card, and they are ready to start learning! Mango Languages currently provides lessons in 72 different languages, from American Sign Language to Yiddish, and English language courses taught in 21 different native languages. Mango lessons simultaneously teach speaking, listening, and reading skills. Language instruction is broken down into units, chapters, and lessons, with interesting and helpful cultural notes interjected throughout 28

The Foundation Center Reference Collection is the go- to place for nonprofits to access high-quality resources and expertise, enabling them to attract and sustain support for their organizations. 29

ReferenceUSA is the Chester County Library’s premier business database, containing information on over 50 million businesses and 289 million consumers. The information available through ReferenceUSA can help small business owners and entrepreneurs learn more about their industry, analyze their competition, and create effective marketing plans. Those in career transition can use the database to research potential employers in order to tailor a resume or prepare for an interview. 30

eMaterials From the comfort of home, patrons can browse the collection, check out, and download eBooks, magazines and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere! 31

Mobile App Patrons can download a mobile app which provides quick and easy access to their library account and many of the library services! The app is free and can be downloaded to mobile devices. The app is available to download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 32

Adult Outreach Services Eligible customers are any county resident who is temporarily or permanently homebound due to health or aging issues. The majority of Adult Outreach customers have visual impairments, a severe physical disability or are age 70+ with multiple health and mobility issues. Customers also include residents of senior facilities for whom library materials are available on-site through our collection deposits. Caretakers of homebound individuals can also be eligible for our services. 33

The Adult Outreach Services provides: • Mail Order Delivery which is a service providing library materials to those who can’t get to a library. It includes mailing of library materials, with the exception of newly released DVDs, to eligible customers. There is no cost to eligible customers for this service. • Audio selections from the Daily Local News recorded on audiocassette then sent to eligible customers. Audio selections include front page stories, local news, sports, obituaries and other features not generally available on television or radio. Again, there is no cost to eligible customers for this service. • Services to residential and personal care facilities and it provides assistance with accessing the services of the Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped. 34

Youth Services Outreach Chester County Library's Youth Services Outreach provides childcare facilities in Chester County with library services and materials. This program targets primarily preschool age children enrolled in childcare facilities with an emphasis on centers that receive tuition subsidies. Children are introduced to books and reading through story times, programs, and materials brought to the childcare centers where they spend their day. 35

Youth Services Outreach Childcare staff are provided with resources and training to provide positive experiences for the children in their care. 36

Selected libraries in the Chester County Library System are designated as Family Place libraries. The program offers parents and caregivers of very young children a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes healthy child development, family literacy and access to community services. 37

Hallmarks of the Family Place model are: • Parent/Child Workshops - a five week program for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers that features toys, books and art supplies, as well as professionals from community agencies who can answer caregivers’ questions about their children. • A multimedia parenting collection and early-childhood collection that includes books, videos, toys and computers. • A Family Place coalition of local leaders and related professionals who steer families to the library, advise the library on programming and advocate for the library in other areas. 38

Summer Reading Program Member libraries of the Chester County Library System offer theme- based Summer Reading Programs that promote the fun of reading and encourage children to visit the library during the summer months. 39

Member libraries of the Chester County Library System offer theme-based Summer Reading Programs that promote the fun of reading and encourage children to visit the library during the summer months. The program has a simple, recreational and creative approach that offers children a structured reading environment and rewards their personal achievements. The program fosters the development of the reading habit and helps students retain what they have learned in school and helps prevent the “summer slide.” 40

GlaxoSmithKline’s Science in the Summer is a free science education program that helps elementary school children “grow into science.” Through classes held in the Chester County Library System member libraries and taught by certified teachers, the program gets kids excited about studying science with hands-on experiments. 41

Adult Literacy The Chester County Library System supports adult literacy through collections that support basic literacy skills, including an adult graded reading collection at the Chester County Library and District Center and through readers’ advisory. 42

The Chester County Library and District Center partners with OIC and supports many of the organizations in the Chester County Adult Literacy Consortium. Several member libraries in the System administer an Adult Literacy Program and provide one-to-one tutoring to help students improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to help them achieve levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family and in society. 43

Diverse Libraries: Diverse Services In the Chester County Library System there are libraries that proctor exams, accept passport applications, provide notary service, or where children are awakened to the joys of reading and books by reading to a specially trained dog. The Chester County Library System is ready to continue its legacy of service to the community and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow by continually improving the diversity and quality of its services. 44

You are now ready to test your knowledge! QUIZ Please Fill out your Continuing Education Form! Fill Out CE Form Thanks for taking this Learning for Success Module! 45

This publication is produced by the Chester County Library. © 2017 LMA The Chester County Library System is committed to equal access to programs, facilities and employment for all persons. 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton PA 19341 Phone: 610-280-2600 ~ Fax 610-280-2688 ~Home Page: http://www.ccls.org0471. 46