FAST Net CONNECTION at DC libraries
 

Hi folk
The newly create DC Public Libraries web page is now up at http://dclibrary.org The web page contains a calendar of all events and classes held at the 25 branch libraries throughout the city. Do please stop by to take a look. (You can earn extra credit points, too, by memorizing the web page address for the DC Public Libraries, and passing along that info to others.)

With the library's new web page, and with the recently donated web surfing computers from Microsoft, I see the libraries becoming an even more central learning resource in our city. If you live in the District and haven't visited your local library in a while, do stop by and say hi to the reference and other staff at the library. We can use the Internet to not only build stronger bonds within communities, but also stronger bonds to the institutions that serve communities.

If you think you might have the time to help lead general "Intro to Internet" workshops once in a while at the public library, the reference library staff would likely be thrilled to take down your contact info. Chances are that some real neat Internet-related events will be taking place at libraries in the coming years, and CTCNet DC people are well positioned to take on leadership roles in those events.It's good to keep in mind that these library computers have a fast connection to the Internet, so if you need to do a more extended web surfing session, you might find yourself being more productive using the library computer than your home computer. I've had a chance to use the web surfing computers at the Chevy Chase DC library for a couple of hours, and the computers have allowed me to surf to many more web pages than I would be able to do at home.

It's also good to know that the library computers do not currently have the capability of accessing any of the sound, movies, or other "plug-in" kinds of information on the web. So if you put RealAudio, RealVideo, or QuickTime files up onto your web page, these files will not be able to be viewed by people at using the "Libraries Online" computers.

- Phil

The following Washington, DC libraries have received donated "Libraries Online" computers from Microsoft:
Chevy Chase, Georgetown, Francis A. Gregory and Woodridge Branch Regional Libraries; and Washington Highlands, Mt. Pleasant, Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park, Northeast and Southwest Branch Libraries.

The remaining 12 branches (Anacostia, Benning, Capitol View, Cleveland Park, Lamond-Riggs, Palisades, Petworth, Southeast, Takoma Park, Tenley-Friendship, Watha T. Daniel and West End) are expected to have their web surfing computers set up in early 1999.

Phil Shapiro, Washington DC Regional Coordinator
Community Technology Centers' Network
5201 Chevy Chase Pkwy., NW, Washington DC 20015-1747.
http://www.his.com/pshapiro/ (personal)
http://www.ctcnet.org/ , mailto:ctcnet@edc.org(work)
http://www.owmc.org , mailto:OneWMC@aol.com (Webweaver, One World Media Center)