REFERENCE POINT

New Internet Policy

We now have five public access computers for use with electronic resources, including the Internet. Over the course of the summer we experienced an increase in the number of youths using these computers independently. Due to the undocumented and constantly changing nature of many of the sites and the material available on the Internet, we encourage parents to supervise the Internet activity of their children. The library neither monitors nor has control over the information accessed (either by design or accident) through the Internet. Just as you set the standards for what your children may read or view, you are responsible for setting the standards for your children's Intemet activity.

For these reasons, the library's Board of Trustees has amended its Public Access Computer Policy to require parental consent for youths ages 8 to 18 who wish to use the Internet independently. Children under the age of 8 must still work with an adult caregiver at all times.

If you wish your child (who must he over 8 years old) to travel on the Internet independently, please stop at the reference desk on your next visit to the library and sign a permission slip. Permission slips must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian. We will then stamp your child's library card to document your permission. To apply for a library card, two proofs of address are required.

Snow Closings

The library does not automatically follow the school district's lead in determining snow closings, as we are not responsible for the transportation of children. However, all library children's programs scheduled on a day when the schools close because of inclement weather will be cancelled.

Library snow closings are indicated on our voice mail system (press 1 for hours and events) and are reported to WALL radio (92.7 FM and 1340 AM).

Public Library Construction Fund

The Regents Commission on Library Services has recommended that $10 million be included in the state budget for library construction. A 1998 survey of public libraries indicated that of the 573 libraries responding: 46 percent of the buildings are not handicapped accessible; 28 percent of all buildings are inadequately lighted; 39 percent of the buildings have inadequate parking; 71 percent will have outgrown the space for their collections by 2001.

Given these statistics, it is evident that $10 million will not go very far. Goshen alone is still seeking a site for a new building with an approximate purchase and construction cost of $5 million. The governor and the legislature need to hear from library supporters that more funding for construction aid is important.

Other Commission Actions

The Regents Commission sponsored a 1999 survey of library use by New Yorkers as a piece of their information gathering. The survey revealed that 75 percent of New York households use their public libraries (the national average is 65 percent) and they would like to see a statewide library card.

The commission has proposed $12 million in state funding to support New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL), accessible with a barcoded library card, which would provide access to a wide range of information databases (similar to the Gale and Information Access databases available through the Goshen Public Library website and supported by our library system). Initially, access would only be available through the public library.

Who to Call

• Circulation Services

  Ext. 3 - Phyllis Hunter, Head
  For overdue notices, reserves and lost materials

• Director - Ext. 4 - Pauline Kehoe

• Local History & Genealogy - Ext. 7 - Ann Roche

• Meeting Room (use & adult programs) - Ext. 8 - Janet Hamill
  To schedule room or obtain details on program offerings

• Reference & Adult Services
  Ext. 2 - Anita Whitehead, Head
  For information, reference questions other than local history and genealogy, adopt-a-book, home delivery

• Youth Services - Ext. 5 - Kathy LaRocca, Head
  Children's and teen program information

Staff Profile: JoAnn Best

Senior Clerk for Technical Processes, JoAnn Bast has been a member of the staff since 1982. JoAnn received her initial library training under the federal government's CETA pro- gram. While she is occasionally seen at the circijlation desk, her home is in the office behind the scenes where she is responsible for ordering, receiving and processing for use all library materials. Her job and her skills have grown with the library. She began as a part-time circulation clerk, and in addition to her current responsibilities, has handled ordering of all supplies and equipment, provided clerical support to the director, and taken minutes for the Board of Trustees.

JoAnn lives in Goshen, where she shares the village home of her parents Martin and Alice Bast. A graduate of Goshen High School, she is active in the Goshen Christian Reformed Church as a Sunday school teacher. She is devoted to her nieces and nephew and enjoys honing her computer skills and shopping.

Grant For Spanish Story Hour

The Youth Services Department has received a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation to offer a Spanish Language Story Hour. The six-week program will be offered in the spring and will be open to Spanish speaking families residing in the Goshen Central School District. The grant also includes money to buy some Spanish language books and videos. The foundation providing the grant is named for Ezra Jack Keats, who has written and illustrated many wonderful picture books, and the grants are given to promote literacy and the love of children's literature. Naturally, we will be using his books in the program.

This is the second such grant to be received by the library. The first grant, in 1994, funded our first Teen Summer Reading Club which has been flourishing ever since. Hopefully, the Spanish Story Hour will also become a perma- nent part of our children's schedule. Anyone interested in receiving more details about this upcoming prograrn should contact Kathy LaRocca at 294-6606, ext. 5.

ANSER

Automated Network Services (ANSER) is the library's online public access catalog. It allows library users to search by author, title, or subject and locate books, videos and audios owned by GPLHS plus all the other libraries in the Ramapo Catskill Library System.

Interlibrary Loans

When the book you want is already checked out or is located at another library, it is possible to request it right through the Public Access Terminal (PAC). Use the "Select" command by typing an "S" and then follow the directions. You will be notified when the item arrives at the Goshen Library. You can also request a particular item through the Internet by accessing the GPLHS web page (purl.oclc.org/gplhs) and selecting the JAVA version of the catalog. Click on "Place Hold" and follow the instructions.

E-mail Notification

When requested books arrive at the Goshen Public Library, patrons are normally notified by telephone. However, notification by e-mail is also available. Registration for this service may be done in person or through the GPLHS web page (purl.oclc.org/gplhs) by clicking on "Catalog" and scrolling down to e-mail notification. Overdue notices will also be delivered via e-mail for these registered patrons.

Public Computers & the Internet

The library maintains a LAN with five public access computers available on a first-come, first-served basis. Library users may access the Internet and various CD-ROM reference sources including MasterPlots, Discovering Authors, McKinney's Consolidated NYS Laws, Quattro Pro and WordPerfect. Computers may be used for 30 minutes a session. Printing is available for 10 cents a page.

purl.oclc.org/gplhs

The library's web page makes it possible to access the catalog, magazine databases, and library news items from the comfort of home. It serves as our virtual bulletin board, so check it regularly to discover events, programs and new services.

Electronic Reference

Patrons may ask brief reference questions via our web page. Just click on "Email Us." Reference staff will e-mail an answer. Please limit questions to those satisfied by short factual answers.

Home Delivery

Available to all Goshen Public Library card holders who cannot visit the library due to permanent or temporary disability, materials may be requested either by title or general subject. Volunteers deliver materials. Call the library (294-6606, ext. 2) to register.

Internet Instruction Classes

Learn how to use the Internet! Classes are just one session and last one and a half hours. Classes are free, but limited to six people due to space constraints. Sign up sheets are posted in the reference area.

Adult Programs

We host events year round, ranging from cooking classes and crafts to musical performances and book discussion groups. Don't miss our award-winning, month-long Poetry Festival this April!

Children's Programs

Youngsters, 18 months through grade 6, are invited to many exciting programs. Toddletime, Circletime and Story Hour programs run for several weeks. After School Specials and craft-a-longs are designed around special themes. The summer reading program is a perennial favorite. Our children's staff also does outreach or in-house programs for schools, daycare centers and other organizations.

Teens & 12s

A recent addition at the library is designed just for those in grades 7 - 12. Programs are offered monthly during the school year and weekly as part of our summer reading club. The Teens & 12s Advisory Group (TAG) helps plan the programs.

Adopt-a-Book

Since there are never enough funds for everything we need, we have drawn up a list of reference books that may be "adopted." An individual or group may select a title and purchase a needed book. These books may be designated in honor of a special person, organization or event.

Fax Machine

Outgoing faxes are $2.50 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Incoming faxes are $1 for the first page and .50 for subsequent pages.

Copier

A public, coin-operated copier is available for black and white copies at .10 a page.

Tax Forms

Both federal and NYS tax forms are available via the Internet. Reproducible sets of forms can be photocopied. Printing or copying costs .10 per page.

FAFSA Forms

Check the reference area for these forms that are necessary when applying for college financial aid. Many brochures are available to help guide you through the college selection process.

Community Resource File

All the libraries in the RCLS system gather names and addresses of groups, clubs and organizations in their communities. This database can be accessed through our web page and PAC terminals.

Genealogy & Local History

The Elizabeth Sharts Historical & Genealogical Reference Room houses over 40,000 manuscripts and documents, newspapers, maps, books and pamphlets. It has limited hours, access is strictly control

Upcoming Programs