November 2010. One more month until December.

A team of people and I have signed up as mentors for our own respective team. We are now part of Technology Toolbox program. Where three gadgets are made available to staff and staff are encourage to play with them. Management hopes that all FOH staff would get familiar with these gadgets and in near future be able to assist patrons. Not so much as to educate patron, but how to use such gadget to navigate around out library and access SLV collection materials.

My first priority to get use the pro and cons, its internal system, and websites which supplies goods to view on Kindle. So far...

Kindle apps:
Every Word (free)
Shuffled Row (free)
Mine sweep (free)
Panda poet (USD 2.99)
Triple Town for Kindle (USD 2.99)

Kindle support file with these extensions:
.azw
.txt
.pdf
.mobi
.prc


Free ebooks can be found on these websites and some of them allow you to download in Kindle format (*.azw):

(my fave) http://manybooks.net/
(membership required) http://www.free-ebooks.net/
(best free tech books) http://www.archive.org/details.php?identifier=texts
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

October hints on how to get to particular collections in SLV's catalogue

3 newly added and 1 refurbished Collections.


[1] Research guides found under research tools on library web. 
Http://guides.slv.vic.gov.au


[2] Keyword: War posters


[3] Limit: Online resources and Keyword: "Sketchbook for Lindsay Cobb"


[4] Keyword: "Rennie Ellis collection"

The general public wants photocopy from State Library of Victoria

When it comes to placing a photocopy order you really have 4 choices from State Library of Victoria.

[Method 1]
You go to your local public library and place an interlibrary photocopy request.

Why? Some public library don't charge its members for less than 50 pages photocopy request within Australia, while some public library do charge but it ranges from $5 ~ $9+. Bonus: Also you don't have to travel into the city, especially if you live far away from the metropolitian area.

[Method 2]
To High school and University students, it is best you ask your school library to place an interlibrary photocopy request.

Why? There is a national 4 days turn around time for all libraries, which is lesser than 15 days. SLV public photocopy order has a standard turn around time of 15 days and no lesser for all orders of that category. Bonus: Your school librarian will email it to you and hold it aside for you if went camping or overseas.

[Method 3]
If you need a photocopy of something within SLV collection within the next 24 hours, it is best to place a RUSH interlibrary photocopy request.

Why? SLV public photocopy order has no expedit service level, while compared to SLV interlibrary photocopy department they even do EXPRESS. Bonus: $13.20 covers up to 50 pages and inclusive of national postage fee.

Note: Not applicable for Manuscript / Picture / Maps collection (They said please place a regular SLV public photocopy order).

[Method 4]
Your typical SLV public photocopy order is good, if your not in desparate need and willing to wait 15 days. However, I thought I keep you informed of the following matters surrounding SLV public photocopy order:

• Manuscript items takes approx. 1 month (fragile material);
• Avoid delays by signing the copyright declaration and give an email address;
• Remember your order number on your receipt.

From my experience, if you have questions contact Document Suppy and Support on +61-3-8664-7159. I hope my post has been helpful to you.