Monday, September 26, 2011

Kindle compatible books now on PPLC OverDrive

We know many of you have been waiting for this, so we're pleased to announce that Kindle books are now available on OverDrive!

All you need to begin is your Kindle and library card number from any PPLC (Pinellas Public Library Cooperative) library. Go to our OverDrive site and click the Kindle icon (seen on the left here) to see what is available.

A general introduction from Amazon.com is available as well as an FAQ, and further help can be found in the Kindle section of the OverDrive FAQ.

We hope you enjoy this new service!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Online training for Reference USA

One of the databases to which we subscribe is offering free online training that you can do from home, and we wanted to spread the word!

ReferenceUSA contains detailed information on more than 14 million U.S. businesses and employers and 89 million U.S. residents. It also allows you to customize your search so you can narrow down the information you need.

The following webinars are designed to help patrons learn to search Reference USA more effectively to meet their specific needs as beginners, job seekers or business researchers. All you need to participate from your home or office are internet and phone connections. The classes are all one hour and are being offered multiple weeks

Click the links after the descriptions to register, and please note all times given are in central time.

Topic: ReferenceUSA Search Essentials
Day/Date: Fridays (starts Oct 7 and runs through December 23)
Time: 11:00 AM Central (1 hour)

Description: Designed for the patron new to using our database, this hour-long session will cover all the basics of getting started with ReferenceUSA. Attendees will need an internet connection and a phone line to participate. The training will cover the Four Essentials anyone, particularly anyone new to ReferenceUSA, would want to know in order to be successful in using the resource. Lots of time will be reserved at the end of the session for questions.

To register for any of the session dates, click here: ReferenceUSA Search Essentials


Topic: Uncovering the Hidden Job Market: Career Search Strategies using ReferenceUSA
Day/Date: Wednesdays (starts Oct 5 and runs through December 28)
Time: 2:30 PM Central (1 Hour)

Description: Attendees will learn how to use ReferenceUSA as part of their Career Searching Strategy. Included will be information on the importance of having accurate information for applications and resumes, creating engaging cover letters, assembling a network of references and referrers, finding key persons at a business to act as mentors, building datasets of potential employers based on skill set, work history and preferences as well as how to prepare for interviews and interactions through thorough research.

To register for any of the session dates, click here: Uncover the Hidden Job Market


Topic: Start, Manage, Grow! How Businesses can use ReferenceUSA
Day/Date: Mondays (starts Oct 3 and runs through December 19)
Time: 2:30 PM Central (1 hour)

Description: Entrepreneurs and business owners will learn how to use ReferenceUSA to find the mission critical information necessary to start, manage and grow a business. Topics include:
• research prospects and prospective clients
• locate hard to find vendors, both locally and nationally
• network with other businesses in your area or in your industry
• develop relationships with related business for co-branding opportunities
• understand community demographics
• survey locations for expansion
• conduct competitive analysis
• locate subject manager experts and professional services
• source new employees
• find investors, venture capitalists and angels
• plan delivery routes and service areas

To register for any of the session dates, click here: Start, Manage & Grow your Business

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Netlibrary Transition Update

We have been receiving some inquiries lately regarding just when the new & improved NetLibrary product, One Click Audio, will be available.

Here is the latest as we know it: The company who is creating this new product is still working on getting some bugs worked out before release. They are also unfortunately located in an area which has received weather-related damage in the past few weeks, so this has delayed the release of One Click Audio.

For those who have asked if they'll need to come into the Oldsmar Library again to create an account, the answer is no. Once we're up & running, there will be an easy way to create accounts remotely!

We will let you know when One Click Audio is up & running, watch our website, Twitter and Facebook for updates. Thanks for your interest in this product, as we love it too & can't wait to make it available for you once again.

Friday, September 2, 2011

100 Facebook Fans!




We'd like to thank everyone who's "liked" us in the past year!

Tell your friends to visit us on Facebook, and let us know in comments what you'd like to see from us in the future.