Keeping you up-to-date with what's happening at the Marathon County Public Library. Please join in the conversation!
Category: technology
JANUARY 23, 2013
Sierra: Our New Library Catalog!
On January 9, 2013, the Marathon County Public Library transitioned to new library catalog software as part of an upgrade coordinated by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. The new software looks different from what patrons are used to, but has many more features that will help patrons more easily find the materials they need.
The new software, known as “Sierra,” offers simplified searching options that allow patrons to search for an author, subject or title from the same search box, much like how Google works. Patrons also do not need to know exact spellings of author names or titles to find books; Sierra offers search suggestions that will help patrons find exactly what they’re looking for. Sierra also offers keyword searching, meaning you don’t need to know the exact library classification to find materials in the library.
With Sierra, patrons can save the books they’ve checked out to a reading list, so with the click of a mouse they can see if they’ve already read a book or which book they last read in a series.
Although WVLS libraries currently use phone messages and email messages to let people know when their materials are ready to be picked up or if they have overdue items, Sierra gives patrons the option of getting text alerts for materials.
This is a big change and more than likely there will be some bumps in the road, but the end result will mean a better library experience for everyone.
If you have any questions about the new system, please call us at 715-261-7200.
On January 9, 2013, the Marathon County Public Library system will begin using new library catalog software as part of an upgrade coordinated by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. The new software will look different than what patrons are used to, but will have many more features that will help patrons more easily find the materials they need.
The new software, known as “Sierra,” will offer simplified searching options that will allow patrons to search for an author, subject or title from the same search box, much like how Google works. Patrons also will not need to know exact spellings of author names or titles to find books; Sierra will offer search suggestions that will help patrons find exactly what they’re looking for. Sierra also offers keyword searching, meaning you don’t need to know the exact library classification to find materials in the library.
With Sierra, patrons can save the books they’ve checked out to a reading list, so with the click of a mouse they can see if they’ve already read a book or which book they last read in a series.
Although WVLS libraries currently use phone messages and email messages to let people know when their materials are ready to be picked up or if they have overdue items, Sierra gives patrons the option of getting text alerts for materials.
This is a big change and more than likely there will be some bumps in the road, but the end result will mean a better library experience for everyone.
If you have any questions during the transition, please call us at 715-261-7200. {{2013-01-21}}
We are making some exciting changes to our library catalog in order to serve you better, but during this transition, a few options will be unavailable from 12/31 through 1/9/2013:
You will not be able to request items.
You will not be able to renew items.
You will not be able to make changes to your library account.
We will be adjusting due dates during this period to prevent late fees.
Beginning 1/10, you will be able to place holds, renew items and more!
E-readers and tablets are among the most-wished-for gifts this holiday season. Don’t forget that your library card can connect these devices to thousands of free e-books and audio books thanks to Wisconsin’s Digital Library (a.k.a. “OverDrive”)!
Choosing which device will best suit your needs can be challenging, and while we can’t tell you which is “the best,” we can describe the different borrowing experiences for most devices and refer you to product review sources to help you reach a decision.
Nintendo Wii is now available for students 8-12 years old in the Tween Scene at the Wausau Library! The new gaming system offers tweens a new way to learn and experience gaming.
"Why do libraries celebrate gaming? Library gaming programs encourage interaction between patrons of all ages and cultures. As games have evolved over the years to become more dynamic – requiring more interaction and socialization amongst players – so have libraries, by re-energizing themselves as community learning centers. Libraries still provide traditional services, but continue to change by offering new formats like video games and programs like family gaming nights...." states the American Library Association at http://ngd.ala.org
So, you're ready to play the Wii--it's easy!
Tweens must give their library card to staff at the children's desk.
Staff will provide tweens with the equipment needed to play.
Play is limited to 1/2 hour sessions.
Tweens return the Wii equipment to the children's desk when they are finished.
Stop by the Tween Scene at the Wausau Library to play and learn on the Nintendo Wii.
Finally, owners of NOOK Color, NOOK HD and NOOK Tablet are able to download e-books and audio books directly onto their e-readers using the free OverDrive Media Console app!
This app bypasses the need to first download these files onto a computer and upload them to an e-reader using a USB cord, making these e-readers an ideal stand-alone solutions for accessing library books on the go.
This app may be found by searching for "OverDrive Media Console" in the NOOK Store from these devices. Once it is installed, open the app and choose the "Get Books" option. Next, choose your library ("Marathon County Public Library" or "Wisconsin Public Library Consortium") and input your 14-digit library barcode number. When appropirate, the app will ask for your Adobe ID. (If you don't have one yet, you will be given the option to create one.) After that, you will be free to browse and download e-books and audiobooks as you please!
The OverDrive app also is available for accessing library materials on many Android and Apple iOS-based smart phones and tablets. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit www.overdrive.com/resources/drc.
To read more about using your library card to access e-books and audio books, visit www.mcpl.us/overdrive.
Access the catalog and resources from your mobile device.
Smart phone and tablet users can finally download a free mobile application and browse the library’s collection on the go!
Search for books, ebooks, DVDs, CDs and video games; request and renew items; browse our newest titles; locate our branch libraries and check out current events. You also can follow our blogs, Facebook and Twitter streams or contact us.
Compatible devices include:
Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
Google Android-based smart phones and tablets
Kindle Fire tablets
Once you download the app, enter your library card number and PIN for full access to your account.
Mango Languages is an online language-learning system available to you for free with your MCPL library card! Dozens of the world’s most common languages are included. For access, visit www.mcpl.us/research/languages
All Apple iPad users, take note: Marathon County Public Library will soon be offering a free, informational class on owning and operating Apple iPads.
Classes will be held at the Wausau Headquarters in the 3rd Floor Wausau Meeting Room.
Two classes will be offered: Thursday July 19th and Thursday July 26th.
Classes start at 6:30 and run to 8:00. No registration is necesssary.
If you own an Apple iPad, please bring it to the class. A very limited number of iPads will be available for classroom use courtesy of Mike Theiss, the class instructor.
So, whether you presently own an Apple iPad or are thinking of purchasing one, mark your calendar. For further information, call 261-7230.
In our daily lives, we use different machines constantly - trimmers, chain saws, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, blowers, boat engines, and what-not. However, where do you turn when one of those machines like your trusty old lawnmower, for example, gives up the ghost? A good first choice for help would be the SMALL ENGINE REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER database available through the Marathon County Public Library's website.
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER includes detailed repair and maintenance information on hundreds of different engines. And it's easy to search.
When you log on, the database offers you the choice of browsing by category (i.e. All Terrain Vehicles, Generators, Marine/Boat Engines, Motorcycles, etc.) or looking for a specific make or model using the Advanced Search option.
So, if you're looking for a John Deere Model 670 repair manual, select Advanced Search and type in those keywords.
The information that displays can be printed off or stored in a special account you create within the SMALL ENGINE REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER database. That account lets you revisit the saved information whenever you wish.
This database along with 40 other databases on various subjects can be found on the Marathon County Public Library webpage (mcpl.us) under Research and then Online Resources. And not only is it available at the Library, customers can access it from home using a library card at http://www.mcpl.us/research/online/?topic=home_n_garden.
So, if you're having mechanical troubles, check out the SMALL ENGINE REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER database. It could be a lifesaver for that ailing engine of yours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ All classes are taught by Mike Theiss from the UW Extension. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't forget, computer classes taught by MCPL staff are ongoing at the MCPL Wausau Headquarters! You may view the schedule for these classes here.
Classes includeComputers, Internet, and Microsoft programs Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint, and are intended for those who have rarely (if ever) used these technologies before.
To reserve your seat (and check availability), call (715) 261-7230, or email us using our Contact Us form. These are free, single-session introductions held at MCPL Wausau. You may sign up for a single class, or any combination of classes.
We also invite group registrations for 4-9 participants; contact us to schedule a class according to your group's needs and availability.
Monday Morning Classes | 10:00-11:30am
May.07 -- Intro. to Internet
May.14 -- Internet: Beyond Basics
May.21 -- Intro. to Microsoft Word
May.28 -- Microsoft Word: Beyond Basics(rescheduled: Jun.04)
Change is good. We hear this mantra often, but is it really good? The late Carl Sagan would likely remind us that change is the only constant in the universe, so we might do well to accept change if we hope to keep our personal world balanced. On that note, we will be making some very healthy changes at the Marathon County Public Library this year, and we believe that those changes are going to help us to help you get the very best use from your libraries.
Many of you are migrating to smaller information devices such as notepads, Nooks, Kindles, and similar handheld units. Remember to make use of our Overdrive digital download service that allows one to download e-books, audio books, videos, and music to your device. (www.mcpl.us/overdrive)
For those who have not yet tried this technology, we now have several different types of tablets available for in-house checkout at our Wausau Headquarters, as well as e-readers you can take home from all nine MCPL locations. Call, email, or stop by, and let us show you! (www.mcpl.us/devices)
Classes includeComputers, Internet, and Microsoft 2007 programs Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint, and are intended for those who have rarely (if ever) used these technologies before.
To reserve your seat (and check availability), call (715) 261-7230, or email us using our Contact Us form. These are free, single-session introductions held at MCPL Wausau. You may sign up for a single class, or any combination of classes.
We also invite group registrations for 4-9 participants; contact us to schedule a class according to your group's needs and availability.
Did you receive a new E-Reader this holiday season? Don't forget about the thousands of free e-books available from the Library!
Not sure how to get started? Visit www.mcpl.us/overdrive for step-by-step instructions, or make an appointment for a free help session with a Library staff member! Walk-ins are especially encouraged at our Wausau Headquarters, Reference Desk (2nd floor), Monday-Thursday, 1:00-4:00 PM, and Monday-Tuesday, 4:30-5:30 PM. For other times and locations, please contact us ahead of time. (See below for what to bring.)
We can also provide limited assistance via phone or email.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Coming to the Library for E-Reader Assistance?
Kindle -- Bring your Kindle and its included charging cord. Establishing an account with Amazon.com beforehand is helpful, but not required.
Nook (...and most other e-readers) -- Bring your Nook (or other e-reader), its included charging cord, and your laptop (if you have one.) We cannot fully demonstrate the process using your device with library computers, but we can show you approximately what you will need to do at home.
Smartphones / Mobile Devices -- Bring your device. Downloading and installing the OverDrive Media Console from your device's App Store is helpful, but not required.
Marathon County Public Library customers have widely varying computer needs and various levels of computer expertise. The Library offers a variety of titles to meet those needs.
Kindle-users, your wait is finally over! Now, you can check out Library e-books and view them on your Kindle, thanks to a partnership between Amazon (maker of the Kindle) and OverDrive (provider of e-books for libraries).
Previously, library e-books were available to most other e-readers and mobile devices, but not the Kindle. For a list of OverDrive-compatible devices, click here.
To get started, visit our OverDrive launch page at www.mcpl.us/catalogs/overdrive, but first, you may want to watch the video attached to this message for a brief overview of the process.
By popular demand, we have scheduled additional fall computer classes at MCPL Wausau!
Classes include Intro. to Computers,Internet, and Microsoft 2007 programs Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint.
To reserve your seat (and check availability), call (715) 261-7230, or email us using our Contact Us form (www.mcpl.us/about/contact). These are single-session introductions intended for beginning users. You may sign up for a single class, or any combination of classes. We also invite group registrations for 4-9 participants; contact us to schedule a class according to your group's needs and availability. Monday Morning Classes (10:00-11:30am)
(FULL) Intro. to Internet - Monday, September 19, 10:00-11:30am
(FULL) Internet: Beyond Basics - Monday, September 26, 10:00-11:30am
(FULL) Intro. to Word - Monday, October 3, 10:00-11:30am
(FULL) Intro. to Computers - Monday, October 10, 10:00-11:30am
Intro. to Internet - Monday, October 17, 10:00-11:30am
Internet: Beyond Basics - Monday, October 24, 10:00-11:30am
Intro. to Word - Monday, October 31, 10:00-11:30am
Intro. to Computers - Monday, November 7, 10:00-11:30am
Intro. to Internet - Monday, November 14, 10:00-11:30am
Internet: Beyond Basics - Monday, November 21, 10:00-11:30am
Intro. to Word - Monday, November 28, 10:00-11:30am
Tuesday Evening Classes (6:30-8:00pm)
(FULL) Intro. to PowerPoint - Tuesday, September 13, 6:30-8:00pm
(FULL) Intro. to Excel - Tuesday, September 20, 6:30-8:00pm
(FULL) Intro. to Publisher - Tuesday, September 27, 6:30-8:00pm
(FULL) Intro. to Excel - Tuesday, October 4, 6:30-8:00pm
Intro. to Excel - Tuesday, November 8, 6:30-8:00pm
Word 2: Beyond Basics - Tuesday, November 15, 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday Afternoon Classes (2:00-3:30pm)
(FULL) Intro. to Computers - Thursday, September 15, 2:00-3:30pm
(FULL) Intro. to Internet - Thursday, September 22, 2:00-3:30pm
(FULL) Internet: Beyond Basics - Thursday, September 29, 2:00-3:30pm
(FULL) Intro. to Word - Thursday, October 6, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Computers - Thursday, October 13, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Internet - Thursday, October 20, 2:00-3:30pm
Internet: Beyond Basics - Thursday, October 27, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Word - Thursday, November 3, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Computers - Thursday, November 10, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Internet - Thursday, November 17, 2:00-3:30pm
Internet: Beyond Basics - Thursday, December 1, 2:00-3:30pm
Intro. to Word - Thursday, December 8, 2:00-3:30pm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ All classes are taught by Dean Forss of the UW Extension. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't forget, computer classes taught by MCPL staff are ongoing at the MCPL Wausau Headquarters! You may view the schedule for these classes here.
Returning your books @ the Wausau Headquarters location just became easier, more efficient, and lots more fun. Instead of dropping them into a return bin, you can use the new 3M Intelligent Return and Sorter system, or self-check-in machine and sorter.
What is the advantage of using this machine to you? You can print a receipt and immediately see that your library materials are checked in and off your library card. Because library materials are checked in more quickly and sorted into shelving areas, books can be shelved faster and your reserves can get filled more quickly.
Come in and see this new technology. We will be happy to assist you and show you the new return/sorter in action. We look forward to your next visit!
On January 9, 2013, the Marathon County Public Library system will begin using new library catalog software as part of an upgrade coordinated by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. The new software will look different than what patrons are used to, but will have many more features that will help patrons more easily find the materials they need.
Finally, owners of NOOK Color, NOOK HD and NOOK Tablet are able to download e-books and audio books directly onto their e-readers using the free 
Mango Languages is an online language-learning system available to you for free with your MCPL library card! Dozens of the world’s most common languages are included. For access, visit 
All Apple iPad users, take note: Marathon County Public Library will soon be offering a free, informational class on owning and operating Apple iPads.
In our daily lives, we use different machines constantly - trimmers, chain saws, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, blowers, boat engines, and what-not. However, where do you turn when one of those machines like your trusty old lawnmower, for example, gives up the ghost? A good first choice for help would be the SMALL ENGINE REPAIR REFERENCE CENTER database available through the Marathon County Public Library's website.
Did you receive a new E-Reader this holiday season?
Kindle-users, your wait is finally over!
Returning your books @ the 
Phone: