Last Reminder - NOLA Winter Quarterly Meeting

Interested in the topic of Public Library Certification?   Want to meet the new NOLA Director?  Then attend the NOLA Winter Quarterly Meeting on February 15th.

Register for the event - http://www.nolanet.org/cfdocs/eventdetail.cfm?EventID=256

E-rate and Internet Filtering Legislation

Republican presidential candidate John McCain continues to make filtering of Internet content in schools and public libraries a campaign topic. In a recent speech he reiterated his belief that libraries offering unfiltered Internet access should not receive federal funds, such as E-rate. Additionally, it appears that likely that several new pieces of legislation related to Internet filtering will be introduced during the next few months.

Want to know more?
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20000121/el/mccain_internet_smut_1.html
http://www.ljdigital.com/articles/news/thisweek/20000124_13257.asp

Library of Congress introduces Web Braille

Braille readers can now read books on the Internet, thanks to a historic technological breakthrough by the Library of Congress called Web-Braille.   Web-Braille offers access to more than 2,700 electronic braille books on the Internet for the use of eligible braille readers by the Library's National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Each year many hundreds of new titles will be added.

As a result of new computer technology, braille readers may now access Web-Braille digital braille book files with a computer and a refreshable braille display (electronic device that raises or lowers an array of pins to create a line of braille characters) or a braille embosser. These 2,700 braille book titles are available on the Internet for download or on-line use by eligible individuals, libraries and schools with a computer and a braille-output device. About 40 new titles per month are released in braille and immediately available on-line to users.

(Source Library of Congress Web Site)

Read more - http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/1999/99-147.html

Linux reaches the family room

Many users still have a fear of Linux due to the perceived complexities of the OS; as a result, it may come as shock that a large multi-national company is developing Linux systems targeted at children ages eight and up. The company, Sony, announced that it will be using Linux in the PlayStation2 video game console due for release later this year. The new systems will combine incredible graphics performance, support for intensive video, Internet access, and music into a single unit.

Why use Linux? The lack of license fees, open source code and a large number of developers. These factors are also causing other companies to look at Linux as the OS of choice for their consumer electronics devices. One certainty - the use of Linux in this environment well certainly continue to increase the popularity of the OS as users become familiar with the performance, flexibility and capabilities of Linux.

Want to know more? http://www.foxnews.com/vtech/news/linux/story.sml

Ford and Delta supply home PC’s for staff

Both Ford and Delta have announced plans to supply home PC’s, Internet access, and printers for all staff members at a nominal fee ($5-$12 monthly). Both companies cite the desire for staff to increase their level of computer expertise and see this as an excellent opportunity to increase access to and interest in technology.

Other companies seeking to provide innovative and attractive benefits are also providing technology staffers with leased BMWs, pet health insurance, and more!

Read more –
http://www.foxnews.com/vtech/020400/delta.sml
http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/cth258.htm

Valentine's Day is approaching and on matters of the heart, the beat goes on at the following sites on RefLinks 616: American Heart Association National Center, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and NOVA Online-Cut to the Heart  Also at RefLinks 612 you can take a virtual tour of the heart at The Heart: An Online Exploration.

Thinking about eating your heart out? Try Epicurious for an interesting "sealed with a meringue kiss " recipe at RefLinks 640 

Finally, if the love bug has really touched your heart, see RefLinks 395 for some great sites on planning that wedding!

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