Research Blog : transition

New computers at EVPL libraries

professor.knowsitall@evpl — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:29:00 GMT

Public-use computers at all EVPL libraries are being replaced with new Dell Optiplex 755 computers. With Windows XP, Core 2 Duo processors, and 2GB of RAM, these computers are much speedier than our old ones! These computers also include DVD burners (that burn CDs as well) and memory card readers (for use with memory cards from digital cameras).

Due to the unreliable nature of floppy disks (mysteriously losing files or getting jammed in disk drives), these new computers do NOT have floppy disk drives. We recommend patrons upgrade to one of the following storage methods to work on files at EVPL libraries:

Flash Drives (recommended): These plug into a USB port and are accessed just like a floppy disk. However, they are much more reliable and spacious than floppy disks. Flash drives with 1GB of storage can be purchased for $10 at all EVPL libraries.
Memory Cards: Memory cards, like those used in digital cameras, can be inserted into the memory card reader and used as a disk.
CD-R/DVD-R: Files can be burned to writeable CD-R or DVD-R. However, working with files on a CD-R/DVD-R is much more cumbersome than with a flash drive/memory card; CD-R/DVD-R is not recommended for files you'll be updating regularly. CD-Rs with 700MB of storage can be purchased for $1 at all EVPL libraries.

These new computers are already available at East, McCollough, Red Bank, Stringtown, & West. They'll be installed at Central, North Park, & Oaklyn by the end of the month.

Finally, we're having a Computer Sale this Friday at 9:00am. We'll be selling off some of our old computers. Stop by if you're looking for a good deal!

Official ".gov" web site of the office of the President Elect

Bufkinite@evpl — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:18:00 GMT

It's been said that Barack Obama ran a transformational campaign, and is a transformational political figure. Now, with the advent of www.change.gov, we have what looks like the beginning of a transformational Presidency. This is the official ".gov" website of the office of the President-elect. Not politics, but policy.

Top-of-page informational links include a Newsroom and Blog, a "Learn" link to biographical information on the Presidential and Vice-Presidential families, and an "Agenda" link with Obama adminstration policy statements in 25 different policy areas.

But the truly "transformational" part are the remaining top-of-page links. The "American Moment" link invites you to share your vision for the direction America needs to go. The "America Serves" link currently is not very fleshed out, but looks to become a clearinghouse to opportunities for citizens to volunteer for the Peace Corps, Americorps, and projected new government orchestrated volunteer organizations: Classroom Corps, Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. The "Jobs" link encourages anyone to begin the process of applying for a job in the Obama administration. Finally, the "About" link contains links for contacting the transition team, and a link to the GSA's "Transition Directory," a very interesting document which was developed to assist in-coming administrations work with the current administration to smooth the transfer of power.

Thanks to googler@evpl for bringing this site to my attention.

What do you think about this level of transparency? What is your vision for the first 100 days of an Obama administration?