FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2000
Contact: Dani Porter
(714)566-3079
E-Mail: dlporter@ocpl.org
Laguna Beach Library
Gets New Computers
Twelve new computers have been added
for patron use at the Laguna Beach Branch of the Orange
County Public Library.
Recognizing the need for updated computer hardware, the
library system is undergoing an electronic facelift, switching
from a text-based computer system to the more popular,
graphics-based Windows system. The Laguna Beach Branch
installed 12 workstations, including six with Internet
access and six for library public access catalog use.
The new computers provide patrons with a more user-friendly
face to search the library's holdings, and offer features
such as best seller lists and a patron profile system
to check library records. In addition, more workstations
will provide better access to the library's online database
subscriptions, which offer a wealth of information on
a variety of subjects including business, health, and
literature.
According to County Librarian John Adams, "we recently
learned that public libraries are the number one point
of online access for people without Internet connections
at home, school, or work, and in keeping with the new
information technology, we are working to provide the
most up-to-date equipment and expertise."
On the new computers, Laguna Beach Branch Manager Marianna
Hof had these thoughts to share; "Some things just
don't change. Walk into the Laguna Beach Library and you'll
always be able to enjoy beautiful ocean and hill views
and receive some of the finest reference service in Orange
County. But many things do change. Technology is booming
at the Laguna Beach Library. This week six new Windows-based
public catalogs were installed as well as a total of six
public Internet workstations. At the click of a mouse,
library users are now able to access a complete listing
of materials owned the Orange County Public Library system;
full-text magazine articles; business, literature and
health databases; a national phone directory, and the
University of California's library holdings. At the same
time the library is leaping technologically into the new
millennium, it is also allotting significantly more money
this year for print materials. All in all, the library
book is holding its own, but times are a-changing. Decades
ago, even the card catalogue must have seemed a startling
invention," Hof noted.
The Orange County Public Library system will soon have
nearly 400 new Windows-based personal computers installed
throughout 27 branch libraries.
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