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Gates Computer

To promote public access to computers and the Internet, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated computers and software to libraries across the nation. The Blair Public Library was able to purchase a Gates Foundation computer through local funding and a LSTA Grant.

The Gates computer has many special features and software. The software includes the following:

Reference Software
 ·Encarta Encyclopedia 2001
 ·Encarta Africana 2001
 ·World Atlas 2001
 ·World English Dictionary
 ·(MS) Streets and Trips 2001 Office Programs
 ·Word 2000
 ·PowerPoint 2000
 ·Publisher 2000
 ·Excel 2000
 ·FrontPage 2000
Children's Software
 ·Magic School Bus in Concert
 ·Magic School Bus Lands on Mars
 ·Magic School Bus Discovers Flight
 ·Magic School Bus Whales and Dolphins

Public libraries have a long tradition of making information resources available to all. Continuing that tradition, the library provides public access to computer workstations and to the internet.

• Access to Online Library Card Catalog
• Public Internet Access
• Word Processing (using MS word)
• Print information from computer on copy machine

Card Catalog Computers
Two computers are designated to access the online card catalog. Patrons may search the collection for an item by entering a title, author, series, keyword, or by call number. The automation system used by the library is Follett software.

Public Internet Access Computers
There are seven computers with Internet access available to the public. All patrons must register at the desk before using these computers. If the patron is under the age of 18 and does not have a library card, a parent must accompany the youth. The library does not provide filters for the Internet computers.

Internet Access
World Wide Web access is available to the public at the Blair Public Library at no charge. All computer workstations available are filtered.

• Check in at the circulation desk before using a computer
• Children must have a Library Card or be accompanied by a parent
• The Library is not responsible for content accessed from the Internet
• Computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes if others are waiting.
• Printing information cost of 10¢ per page.
• Please refer to the Internet policy for complete details.

Word-processing Computer
One computer is designated for word-processing only. This computer does not have Internet access and is not networked. The computer operating system is Window 95 and uses Microsoft Word. Patrons may save their work to a disk or print their work out at the cost of 10 cents per page on the attached inkjet printer.

Printing and Disk Output
Black and white printouts are available at $0.10 per page or save their work to a disk. Patron will pay for copies printed at the circulation desk. No color printer is available.