Watchung Library Closed 10/31/2011

The Watchung Library is closed today, 10/31/2011 due to power outages from the snow storm on 10/29/11.

Smartphone App Makes SCLS Mobile

Somerset County Library System (SCLS) is accessible on the go!  The SCLS mobile app powered by Boopsie, now available, gives users access to the library’s catalog and their account.  Library cardholders can access the catalog anywhere they use their phone, run searches and place holds on materials that they want to borrow.

The app also allows users to access and download e-books and e-audio the library’s digital media collection in one step.  Downloads can then be done immediately or can wait until the user is on a computer.

In addition, the SCLS mobile app allows users to find branch locations and hours from wherever they are and even ask a librarian for help.  Choosing library programs at each branch and making reservations for the event are also a part of what the app can do.

“Content and information are mobile.  We recognize this and that our patrons increasingly need to access information on the fly.  The SCLS app is one tool that allows us to provide that content where, when and how our patrons need it.”  Richard Loomis, Electronic Services Librarian at SCLS explained while discussing the features of the app.

The app is available for Android, Blackberry, and other internet enabled mobile devices.  The app for the iPhone will be available soon.  It can be downloaded at popular application market places as well as on www.sclsnj.org, the library’s web site.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908) 526-4016 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.com.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

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SCLS and Kindle®: eBook Heaven

Somerset County Library System (SCLS) cardholders with a Kindle^® are in for a real bonanza: Amazon has finally made its Kindle readers compatible so that ebooks can now be borrowed from public libraries.  Readers with other devices such as the Barnes & Noble NOOK™ or the Kobo™ have long enjoyed borrowing ebooks from SCLS.

Users will log onto www.sclsnj.org, select digital media on the right hand menu and then browse for reading material that is available for the Kindle.  Once readers make a selection, they will be directed to Amazon’s website to download the reading material.  The transfer can occur over a WiFi or USB cable connection.  All nine branches of SCLS provide WiFi access within their buildings.  A library card account number and pin, along with an Amazon account are needed to complete the transaction.

Kindles are not the only devices that can be used to download e-materials.  MP3 players, smartphones and computers (both pcs and Macs), can be used, including most ereaders that accept Overdrive’s small software downloads to activate and accept the ematerials from SCLS.  The library has access to over 50,000 ebooks, audio books, music and video selections. Lending periods are up to 14 days on all electronic materials. 

“We are here to give our patrons access to information in the format they most desire,” states SCLS director Brian Auger.  “Even though SCLS has the largest collection of ebooks in New Jersey, we have stepped up our purchasing because our customers are asking.  We anticipate a huge surge in demand over the holidays and are taking steps to be prepared.  Don’t forget, we’ve been buying ebooks for only a few years – we had an 80 year head start buying traditional books!” 

Rich Loomis, SCLS electronics librarian adds that “We are always on the look out to obtain electronic resources that provide the high quality of information sources our patrons are used to from our system.  Access for Kindle device owners to selections through SCLS is just another service we are thrilled to be able to offer our patrons.”

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)526-4016 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

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New Mobile Connectivity Options at the Hillsborough Library

Google Chromebooks are now available to borrow within the Hillsborough Library.  The size of netbooks (small laptop computers), Chromebooks rely completely on cloud computing to operate and for hosting all the productivity software that a user might need.  The computers connect to the internet and other devices via WiFi, which is already available at the Hillsborough Library.

The Chromebooks will allow patrons of the library to move around the interior of the facility without having to sit in any particular spot.  Lent out for four hour periods with one renewal period of two hours, users will need to use a Google account or log in as a guest will in order to save any work or information accessed on the web.  Information and documents can be saved in the Google Docs environment, in Picasso for images or through a cloud storage app.  Google Docs is a cloud-based productivity suite which takes the place of Microsoft Office and other such software tools.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add more computers to the mix for patrons at the Hillsborough Library,” notes branch director Edward Hoag.  “We get to offer more services without needing to claim additional space in the library for a desktop computer set up.  Because the Chromebooks’ battery charge lasts about eight hours, we also don’t need to worry about having additional electrical outlets out on the floor.  We’ll charge them in the back office areas of the library and have the computers all set to go when patrons borrow them.”

Rich Loomis, Electronic Services Librarian sees additional benefits for patrons and library staff.  “Updates for all the software, including antivirus and firewall protection is all done automatically through the computer’s instant connection to the internet.  There is virtually no software maintenance meaning that patrons will be able to have more time with the Chromebooks as library staff will not need to spend time on fixing or upgrading the computers.  Another benefit of the computers is their quick start-up time of about eight seconds.”

Chromebooks are available to all Somerset County Library System card holders at the Hillsborough Library through the Circulation Desk there.  Driver’s licenses will also be needed to borrow Chromebooks.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)369-2200 ext. 13 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

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