Manchester City Library » Technology

Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest

Emily — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:06 +0000

Who do you think you are? Find out by researching your family history! The New Hampshire Room at the Main Library is a treasure-trove of information for anyone hoping to track down long forgotten family members. The New Hampshire Room is a reference collection of materials of interest to the local historian and genealogist, as well as the patron interested in all aspects of New Hampshire history. Included in the collection are city and town histories, biographies of famous N.H. people, books by N.H. authors, N.H. government, Manchester history and government and genealogies of major N.H. families. You can also find New Hampshire vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) on microfilm. Ancestry.com is available for use in the library; with which you can search a massive database of census records, immigration records, and many other resources. Ancestry.com even has census collections from the U.K., Canada, Australia, and Germany. Or, do your searching from home with the plethora of records, books, and articles to be found in Heritage Quest. The library has a professional genealogist on staff to help you get started. So come take a look into the past, your family history is right at your fingertips!

N.H. Newspapers

Emily — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:20:15 +0000

Did you know you can access New Hampshire newspapers online? With nothing more than internet access and your library card you can search articles from the Concord Monitor, the NH Union Leader, the NH Sunday News, and America’s News Magazine using the library’s New Hampshire Newspapers database. Also, browse through stories using the Hot Topics and Current Events options. Stay up to date through your favorite newspapers . . . without leaving the comfort of your browser.

Happy Holidays!

Yvonne — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:44:25 +0000

The library will be closed from Saturday, December 24th through Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 27th at 2:30 PM because of the planned power outage and repair work by PSNH.

We would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Auto Repair

Emily — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:18:16 +0000

Whether you’re an experienced mechanic or you don’t know the difference between your spare wheel and your steering wheel, the Auto Repair Reference Center database can help you. The Auto IQ feature gives you basic knowledge about how the parts of an automobile work, with images and videos to make everything more clear. Or, use the vehicle index to look up wiring diagrams and specifications for your vehicle, as well as basic maintenance and repairs. Want to find out what that weird noise coming from your engine is? Use the Troubleshooting tab to diagnose your problem. You can even learn how to save on fuel with tips on driving habits and which cars will get you the most miles for your gallon. The Auto Repair Reference Center is a useful and easy to use resource to get you back on the road (and maybe save you some money at the same time).

System Down November 30th.

Steve Viggiano — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:29:44 +0000

On Wednesday, November 30th, the library’s catalog and automation system will be down while our consortium moves its servers. Both branches will be open and keep their normal hours. While the system is down, you will not be able to search the library catalog either from home or in the library, pay fines or renew your library card. You will, however, still be able to check out materials, apply for a library card and use the public internet terminals. Thank you for your patience!

Breathing Space for Aging Materials

John — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:00:01 +0000

Digitization is a new word in a new century. Significant amounts of information is stored on microfilm and microfiche cards. In this format the information can not be shared with multiple groups. In time microfilm rolls and microfiche cards become damaged, torn, split, etc. Microfilm and microfiche readers and printers become obsolete and are difficult to repair. Use of these materials could some day become virtually impossible. Life expectancy of microfilm and microfiche is 45 to 50 years. So how do we preserve this information? An early report done in October, 1997, done by the Commission on Preservation and Accessa, concluded that the digitization of materials had:

Limitless possibilities
Obvious advantages
Preservation uses

Today October, 2011, the chief benefits of digitization are all too evident:

Reduce time consuming image retrieval for microfilm/microfiche
Eliminate microfilm and microfiche reader machines
Store 15,000 images on a CD or DVD
Images can be printed, faxed or e-mailed
Many patrons can access images at the same time

Of course the biggest challenge or question is money. How do libraries keep pace to purchase digitization supplies and equipment? Then how do we find the staff time to complete the project “in-house”. Another option is to out source the major conversion which again which takes money and time to prep the materials to be shipped out. Many libraries are facing these decisions and seeking grants to begin digitization projects to preserve and provide greater access to information. Preserving information and your access to that information is what libraries are all about.

There’s an App for That.

Yvonne — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:59 +0000

There’s no doubt about it! Technology is changing libraries and the way that people use and access information. If you are like me, you might feel that it is really hard to keep up with all the new technology. On the other hand, it is really neat to be able to scan the QR Code for a coupon and have it with you so you can use it and not leave it at home! So if you find that you can’t figure out how to operate your latest gizmo, and the owner’s manual just isn’t cutting it, then perhaps a visit to the library might be in order. Come on in and check out one or two of our latest books on computers, gadgets and software applications. We might just have the right books for you!

Here is a list of recent books that might help you:

“Droid Pocket Guide”WordPress for Dummies”

“WordPress for Dummies”

“Apps for Learning: 40 Best iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone Apps”

“Upgrading and Repairing pcs”

“iPad 2”

“Macbook Pro Portable Genius”

“Ipad All-in One for Dummies”

“iPhone 5: The Missing Manual”

“Starting an Etsy Business for Dummies”

“Using Microsoft Outlook 2010”

This is a list of some of our most recent purchases in this subject area. We have many, many more instructional books in our library collections to help you with your computing or technology needs. And if you are looking for a technology topic that we do not have please let us know and we will be glad to find materials to help you.

See you at the library!

~Yvonne~

Microsoft Word 2010 Class Coming October 4th

Amy H — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:00:36 +0000

Introduction to MS Word 2010
Tuesday October 4, 2011
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Winchell Room
Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, the essential skill you need in today’s job market. We will create and save a file, learn basic functions such as copy/paste, tabbing and setting margins and have fun with enhancements (bold, italic, font size, and font color). Come join us for this relaxed, hands-on class.
Class size is limited to 8 people. Sign up now by calling the Library at 624-6550 ext. 319.
Amy H.

Introduction to the Internet

Eileen — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:16:25 +0000

On September 13th (Tuesday), an Introduction to the Internet class will be presented from 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM in the Winchell Room of the Manchester City Library. There are limited seats at this class, so you must register ahead of time, by calling 624-6550 ext. 320 (Information Desk) or by the activities calender on this homepage.

The class will cover the basic terminology of the Internet, basic navigation tips around the Internet sites and basic searching techniques. There will also be information for creating your own e-mail account, using a web base e-mail system.

Laptops will be provided by the library for the class period.

If you have questions, please contact Eileen A. Reddy, by e-mail at ereddy@manchesternh.gov or by phone 624-6550 ext. 320 (Information Desk).

Computer Upgrades are Coming!

Yvonne — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:00:02 +0000

Our library computer system, which includes our library catalogs and staff computers, will be down for upgrades on April 6th and 7th. Library staff will be available to help you locate library materials. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.