On-site Visit-Freeport Community Library

Freeport Community Library,

Freeport, Maine 04032

October 22, 2010

    This is the first day of my On-site Visit to Freeport Community Library to learn about all the different technologies available to patrons.  For beginners, let me provide an introduction about the Freeport Community Library.  In the summer of 1997, the Freeport Community voted on building a new library.  The square footage is 17,000 and it has solar electric to supplement the normal usage of energy.  It has wonderful seating areas for academic research and deep cushioned seats for leisure reading.  The windows are large for extra natural light and the ceilings are high for a more spacious and airy setting. 

The Freeport Community Library has eight computer terminals for patrons to use. Detailed attention was paid to the "ergonomics" when installing the computer terminals. The chairs and desk levels are comfortable for long term research projects and  quick reference research. The space between the terminals allowed privacy and quietness.  I noticed that the lighting was more than adequate. One could read the computer screen without the annoyance of a glare. Signs were posted to let patrons beware of time limitations for computer usage and printing cost for making copies from Internet resources. For convenience, the printer was located near the computer terminals. All-in-all, the computer stations were nicely appointed.

In this particular photograph, one can see that the ergonomics were well though out. The chair and the desk are well proportion to each other.  Also, you'll notice that there is a sign which post rules and printing costs for using the computer and computer printer.

This is the "teen" section of the library. The technology in this department is teen savvy. Once again, the ergonomics are well though out.  I noticed that there were only two computers in the teen section; so, I asked a support staff how do they assist when there is a high number of teen patrons asking to use a computer terminal.  The library support staff responded by saying, "The time restraints are much shorter than the computer terminals used by adults."  "If a teen patron wanted to use a computer at that very moment, they are allowed to use the other computer terminals in the adult section."

This area of the library is secluded.  A patron can still use a technology in this area because it has wireless connection and electrical outlets. Imagine sitting by the fireplace with your laptop, planning your dream vacation to a tropical island.

This section of the library offers books on tapes, which is another form of technology. Patrons can check-out DVD's, Sound Recordings (Books on Tapes) and Music CD's to listen on their laptops or the computer terminals. The seating arrangement is convenient for patrons to view titles offered on Sound Recordings.

This is the children's section of the library. It is very bright and cheerful.  There are two computer terminals for elementary age patrons to utilize. Another trip to the library is needed, in order to get a better photo of the hidden computers!

 I finally returned back to Freeport Community Library to take a photo of the two new computers in the children's section of the library. The library support staff working in the children's section mentioned that they had just purchased these computers.  I noticed that the computers were located near the children's circulation desk.  If a student needed any instructions concerning computer literacy or locating an item on the library's on-line catalog, the library support staff  is very near. Signs were posted on the computers,because they needed to be upgraded to the library on-line cataloging system.

This is the children's reading room.  Occasionally, you will find a middle school student tucked away, nose in his/her laptop. This room also has a wireless connection and outlets for computer use and keeping one's laptop charged, while in use.

In this picture, you will see the circulation desk. There are two computers for assisting patrons with checking out materials from the library.  It's well light and has a warm and friendly feel to it. Just by observing for half an hour,  I noticed that patrons felt welcome when approaching the circulation desk.

In this picture, one could see the natural light provided by the large windows. Further down, a patron can sit on a bench and use their laptop. Outlets are available and the restrooms are near by.  That's a nice feature!


Additional Information about Freeport Community Library (FCL) is listed below:

• Types of technology available for both patron and library staff: Computer terminals, projector and a kindle.
• Types of Internet-based technology available for both patrons and library staff: Marvel, Down loadable to Audiobooks, Facebook/Twitter and use of a calculator.
• Tara B., the newly Master Degree Librarian is in charge of managing the technology.
• There is not budget for CD's, Videos and DVD software. The Freeport Community Library coordinates a fundraiser to purchase these special items.
• The FCL is wireless. The budget for technology and databases are: $
• The type of Internet connection is a cable modem.
• The FCL maintain a Web Portal. The person in charge is once again, Tara B.
• FCL does have Policies and Forms that are offered in a print source or on the FCL on-line catalog. The Policies concern with technology use are: The Acceptable Use Policy, Right to Privacy while assessing Internet services at the library, Interlibrary-loan forms, etc...
• For technology repairs, Tara B. will repair simply repairs with troubleshooting techniques. If the repairs require more technical work, a member at the Freeport Town Offices will assist. Anything really major, would be sent-out for repairs.
• Community Use- The only equipment that can be used by the community is a projector. The FCL just purchased a kindle and they haven't decided if the community can use it or not.
• The space requirements for technology is very sufficient. If I were asked to grade the amount of space provided for technology use, I would grant an A+.  The FCL also have enough electrical outlets and data ports for Internet Use. After taking a quick look, I noticed outlets, USB ports installed on each wall of the library.
• The FCL's furniture is very nice. Tucked away are cushioned chairs for leisurely reading and tables with at least four chairs are available throughout the library. In the children's section, there is a sun room with a wrap around bench for creative ergonomics. Beans bags are available in the teens section. All-in-all the furniture is in good shape and meets the needs for the patrons who are seeking information.
• Relay software is offered for an assistive technology.
• FCL's attention to ergonomics was well throughout. Adequate space is available at the computer terminals for privacy and comfort. The chair levels coordinates nicely to the computer terminal desk. The lighting is just right. When using the computer, I didn't not see a glare on the computer screen. 
• For this question, I asked a library support staff (FCL) if there was items that worked best or doesn't work, she replied by saying, "We're pretty lucky!" "Because the Freeport Community Library is new, everything is working as they should be, we haven't had any complaints from patrons."
• The Freeport Library does not sign-out equipment; however, patrons are able to sign out DVD's, CD's and Video.
• FCL does have eBooks and books on tape. In the near future, they may add iFlicks and MP3.
• The FCL Stores their DVD's, Videos and CD's on stacks in certain parts of the library. The equipment (a kindle and projector) are stored behind the circulation desk.  These two items can not be signed out from the library.
• The FCL uses a software called "DeepFreeze", which shuts down the system if there is a potential threat. There are no security measures when it comes to checking out books. There is not security device at the entrance door. The only security is when the patron checks out at book with the computerized circulation information. Their personal name and the items are recorded for security.
• Freeport Community Library is unique because of its atmosphere. The ergonomics were well throughtout when designing the space for technology and other functions for the library. The only thing I can think of that's new and brings some sort of uniqueness to FCL is the new kindle purchase. They are looking to purchase more for patron accessibility.

Conclusion:  The name of my on-site visit library is Freeport Community Library and the URL is: http://www.freeportlibrary.com/.  Because I live in Freeport, Maine and visit the library very often, I simply asked the head librarian if I could have a person-to-person interview with her and the newly appointed Master's Degree Librarian. Her name is Tara.  The actual person I met to set-up an on-site visit to learn about all the different technologies offered at the library was Tara.  Her qualifications and questions asked are listed below:

• Tara B, Newly Hired Master's Degree Librarian
• Date: October 22, 2010
• Amount of time for the interview: 1:30minutes
• Photos and technology set-ups are displayed throughout my blog.

Summary:
                         On October 22, 2010, I had the opportunity to sit down with a newly assigned Master Degree Librarian for the Freeport Community Library . During the interview, Tara went over all the technologies offered at the Freeport Community Library. She showed me what software (Sagebrush) was used for library management. Some examples were circulation, fines and copy cataloging. Tara also assisted by answering all of the questions outlined in the educational objective for this course. For example, what assistive technologies did they use and who manages the technology if a repair is needed. I was also given an opportunity to view the head computer system that covers the other computer terminals. Viewing the ergonomics of the library was a learning experience as well. Before taking this course, I seldom paid attention to the designs set-up for computer use. It's amazing how comfortable it is when a patron (myself) is able to utilize the computer station for hours without feeling discomfort. Special attention was paid to the specializations when purchasing furniture for the library's computers. The whole experience was positive and I can truly say that I came away with a better understanding of how libraries are integrating technology for patrons, when it comes to seeking information in an on-line environment.

Carol Pallin