Thursday, October 16, 2014

October 2014 "Ventress Voices"


By Chris Woods, Assistant Director/Head of Reference Services


A chill is in the air and thoughts turn to school, learning and self-improvement. We at the Ventress Library are here to help! The library offers a wide range of educational tools for students of all ages and ability levels. In addition to the extensive book inventory we have in the library’s collection, we also offer online learning aids and courses on CD. The library would like to announce the addition of two new and exciting resources accessible with your library card number through www.ventresslibrary.org

The first is Universal Classroom, which gives access 24/7 to over 500 online non-credit Continuing Education courses in the following subject areas: Accounting; Alternative Medicine; Arts and Photography; Business; Career Training; Computer Training; Cooking; Crafts & Hobbies; Entrepreneurship; Finance; General Education; Health & Medicine; History; Home and Garden; Homeschooling; How To / Do It Yourself; Language Arts; Law/Legal/Criminal; Mathematics; New Age; Office Skills; Parenting and Family; Performing Arts; Personal Care; Pet and Animal Care; Psychology; Real Estate; Reference; Religious Studies; Science; Self-Help; Social Work; Special Education; Spiritual Studies; Teacher Resources; Terminology; Test Preparation; Web Development; and Writing Skills. Learn from the comfort of home. Have your library card number handy to log in through our website!

The second new learning aid is called Transparent Language, a resource that helps you learn or refresh knowledge in a choice of 88 languages. Transparent Language Online is a unique application that bridges the gap between learning a language online and using that language in the real world by allowing users to do both in one program. It features a scientifically-proven methodology, a wide variety of high-quality learning material, and seamless integration of real-life language use by native speakers. It is all packaged together in an easy-to-use interface that can be accessed at any time and from any computer with Internet access. Whether you are taking a trip and want to speak to the natives, or just always wanted to learn another language, log in to www.ventresslibrary.org and click on the home page’s Transparent Language link to get started. Questions? Call or email the Reference Desk at 781-834-5535 or malib@ocln.org.

Welcome to our new Information Services Librarian, Jada Maxwell. Jada grew up on the South Shore and recently returned after 15 years living in and around Seattle, Washington. Jada loves to research, so while she is reacquainting herself with Marshfield and the surrounding area, she is exploring the local history and current happenings. Jada is very tech savvy and looking forward to helping people learn to use technology to connect with library resources and beyond. So bring in your research questions and/or your electronic devices such as laptops, eReaders, tablets and more. Jada will be thrilled to help you! Another new face is our eResources intern Kelly Newell. Kelly, a paralibrarian at Daniel Webster School, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science at University of Maine online. She plans to go on to earn her Master’s degree in the field. Welcome Kelly!

The Reference staff is busily creating curriculums to teach the library staff and the public about eBooks, eMagazines and use of electronic devices. Coming soon is a “Petting Zoo” of devices to be used in the library by interested patrons and the introduction of “Techie Tuesdays” where we answer your questions about technology all day and offer classes at night. Visit your library; don’t get left behind!!