Technology for Tapestry

By Janet Austin (Reference Librarian in a public library)

NO INTERNET? Can't access ATA's color enhanced online newsletter?

Your public library can help. Most public libraries in the US offer free high-speed internet access to the public. (Usually the only cost is for printing). Some offer classes for beginners, and others just have nice librarians who are willing to spend a few minutes showing you the ropes. If your librarians are too busy to help, you can bring along an obliging friend or relative. If you are at all familiar with computers, and know how to use a mouse to point and click, it is pretty easy to navigate around the internet. If you haven't used a mouse before, it might take a little practice, but don't be put off; there are even special websites for that, like Mouserobics.

Some libraries allow you to make an appointment, and others are on a first come-first served basis. Every library has its own rules about things like time limits, printing costs etc. So, call your favorite library and ask:

1. Do you have public internet access?

2. What is the time limit?

3. May I make an appointment?

4. What time of day is least busy?

5. Is there anyone who can help me to get started?

Once you learn the basics, you'll want to check out the ATA website at www.americantapestryalliance.org. To see the online newsletter with the color photos, you should click on Members Only, and then look on the right side for where it says: "Newsletter" and click on "Color version on the website."

You can also sign up for a free email address, so that you can send and receive email on the library computer. Yahoo is a popular and reliable website for this. You may need some help to register for your free email, but it only takes a few minutes.

Finally, once you get comfortable with the computer, and you are sending and receiving email, don't forget to send your email address to us at ATA, so that we can notify you when each issue of the newsletter becomes available online. Just send an email to Janet Austin nitsuanaj@yahoo.com. Welcome to the Web!

Website addresses:

ATA: www.americantapestryalliance.org

Mouserobics: http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html

Yahoo email: www.mail.yahoo.com