by Fusako Miyashiro
New Magazine Service
In January, the medium and smaller libraries, which includes Waimanalo, had subscriptions cut to 50 general interest magazines, and regional libraries, such as Kaneohe, to 100 magazines. However, the good news is that access to periodicals is now provided on-line through the Info-Trac service.
The Magazines Index Plus indexes 850 magazines, with 530 full text (there may be some duplication with the Magazines Index). The Health Index indexes 150 consumer health magazines, with 125 full text, and 600 medical pamphlets are full text. There will be full text medical books in the near future. While the other two indices have back files, the Health Index does not. Graphics are not presently available but will be in the near future. Articles can be accessed through the usual methods, and by magazine and date. Those who have PCs and modems at home will be able to access this service and download or print the articles.
Public Access Internet Service
Internet services are available at the library. There are guidelines and policies set up for use by the public. Reservations must be made. Call the library, or come down if you want more information.
New Fees: After much media exposure and public discussion, the Board of Education approved the new fees and services for the library system. The following went into effect in January:
* $1.00 per video returned not rewound.
* $1.00 for not picking up are served item.
* $3.00 per book plus postage sent through the U.S. mail.
* $2.50 per page to telecopy (FAX) library materials to any site within the State of Hawaii.
* $.25 per page of photocopied document. $1.00 additional to mail.
* $.35 for library book bags.
Approved and soon to be in effect are the following:
* $1.00 a day charge for Best Sellers. A no charge copy of the Best Seller will also be available. The no charge copy will follow the same reserve system presently in practice.
* $60.00 per hour plus applicable charges for custom research.
* Sale of books, videocassettes, and magazines in the libraries.
Another change is the threshold for fines. The threshold for fines was $25.00 which is now reduced to $10.00. Anyone with fines exceeding $10 will not be able to borrow materials. The fines will remain the same: 25cents per day per item for adults, and 15cents per day per item for juveniles.
There is no change to the self-service copy machine charge. It remains at 10cents a page.
Collection of Fines: As reported in the Honolulu daily papers, the library system will be hiring a collection agency to retrieve overdue books and fines.
Library Closing
Waimanalo Library is scheduled to close in early February for two months. Books and materials may be returned to any public library. The nearest public library is Kailua Public Library, at 239 Kuulei Road. Their phone number is 266-9911. If you would like to renew books, you may call the renewal number: 586-3652.
Video and audio cassettes may now be returned in the book drop in public libraries. Use a rubber band to secure the video or audio cassette cover to prevent it from opening and exposing and possibly damaging the cassette.
Kailua Library will be the only public library available in the Windward side for the next few months until Waimanalo and Kaneohe Libraries open in April. Kailua Library is already a very popular and heavily used library. Their workload will increase due to the closures. So if the staff seem frazzled and tired, be sure to cheer them on.
The majority of the Waimanalo Library staff will be at the Kailua Library. Acting Branch Head will be at the Aina Haina Library. The staff will get together often during this period for planning purposes.
We are sorry for the inconvenience of being closed. But once the renovations are completed, our building should be fully accessible, and look spiffier. With the new services in place and other planned activities, the library will then be able to serve you better!