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On-Line Catalog
The on-line catalog provides author, title, and keyword access to our
collection and shows shelf status of all material. Assistance using the catalog
is available at the Reference Desks. The catalog is also available from home
computers through our web page.
The catalog networks with all twenty-nine public libraries in
Albany and Rensselaer Counties. Most material from these libraries can be
obtained through interlibrary loan. Your EGCL card can be used to borrow
material from any of these libraries.
Reference
Assistance in using the library is provided by librarians at the Reference
Desks. Telephone reference service is also available.
Electronic Resources
On-line reference resources are available in the library. Most are also
available from home computers through our website:
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EBSCOhost: full-text for thousands of magazines and
newspapers in a wide variety of subjects.
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Wilson Web Biographies: more than 40,000 figures
from antiquity to the present.
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InfoTrac: health information, business
resources, custom newspapers & current events for young adults.
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Learnatest: Over 50 online practice tests
for ACT, SAT, GED, Civil Service and more.
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Books In Print: books, audios, videos and more.
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World Book Encyclopedia: on-line version of this
popular encyclopedia,.
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Reference USA: business and residential phone
numbers and addresses.
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Oxford Reference: 100 dictionaries &
reference books.
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Times Union: contains articles dating back
to 1986.
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Children's Literature: Over 150,000 reviews
on children's books.
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ValueLine: Updated info on stocks &
companies.
Periodicals
The periodical collection contains over 170 magazines and newspapers for all
ages. Our on-line databases can be used to search for specific articles or
subjects in the periodicals.
Videos/Audiobooks/Music/CD-ROM
The library has an extensive video collection including classics,
contemporary feature films and documentaries in both VHS and DVD format. The
audiobook collection represents popular and classical works of fiction and
non-fiction. Music CDs in a variety of categories are available for all ages as
well as CD-ROM software.
Youth Services
The Children’s Room provides books, audio visual material, reference
materials and magazines. A Parenting Collection offers material on
child development and parenting issues. Children can use computers for
educational games, word processing, access to the Internet and the on-line
catalog. Storytimes and numerous other programs for children are presented
throughout the year. Check our newsletter for details.
Teen Services
The Teen Area, affectionately called the Jungle, houses books, audiobooks,
graphic novels, a Reading List section, and T.a.m.m.y. (Teen Area Monkey
Motivates Youth), the monkey mascot. Book discussion groups and special events
are offered throughout the year. A Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meets monthly to
plan programs and discuss the Teen Area. A monthly newsletter, The Howler,
keeps teens informed of all programs.
Adult Programs
Free programs for adults, including lectures and concerts are announced in
our quarterly newsletter, Greenbush Bookmark, and local newspapers.
Large Print Material
Large print books and audiobooks are available for those who find
conventional print too small to read comfortably.
Books With Wheels
Homebound borrowers who cannot visit the library may request volunteer book
delivery.
2 B A Reader
2 B A Reader is a literacy program serving adults reading at or below the
sixth-grade level or learning English as a second language. The program matches
volunteer tutors with adult students and provides support and resources for each
team.
Internet Access/Personal Computers
Patrons may access the Internet through computers in our Computer Lab. These
computers are also equipped with Microsoft Office 2000 software.
Registration is required at the Reference Desk. Patrons must abide by the
library’s Internet policy (copies available at Reference). Juveniles under 18
are required to have parental authorization (a sticker will be placed on the
child’s card to indicate permission has been given). Juveniles under 12 must
use Internet computers in the Children’s Room. Print fee is $.10 per page.
Copier
A self-service photocopier is available for public use. The charge is $.10
per side.
Book Drop
All material may be returned in the drive-thru book drop open 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Exhibit Cases/Display Space
The library has four locked display cases available for showing art work and
collectibles. Wall displays of art work may be mounted in the lobby (36 linear
feet of space is available). Monthly displays are reserved in advance.
Meeting Rooms
Several meeting rooms are available for local community organizations to
meet. Reservations must be booked in advance.
Special Collections
Employment Information Center: A collection
of special interest to job-hunters. Career information, resume writing, small
business development and civil service test preparation are among the topics included.
Materials to help entrepreneurs set up
a small business and/or establishing a home-based business are also available
here.
Literacy: The materials in this area complement the work of the adult
literacy teams for the 2 B A Reader Program. Both
students and tutors interested in Basic English, math, English as a Second Language and
life skills will find books, videos and audiocassettes available.
Parenting: This special collection focuses on child
development and parenting issues. It is housed in the Children's Room.
Low-Vision Equipment
Equipment for low-vision patrons includes an easy-to-use tabletop Optelec video
magnifier. Patrons simply place reading material on the viewing table and see it
projected onto a 17" screen magnified to a size that is right for them. A
newspaper, novel, medicine bottle or photograph may be viewed in either black & white
or color. It can also be used to write checks or letters.
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