As you’ve probably already heard, Gaylord Library some fun new resources for you to check out. Below, I’ll be including some information about the new Chromebooks and access to the Commonwealth eBook Collection. Come check them out with your eyes and your library card today!

Acer//Google Chromebook

Chromebooks are laptops that us Google Chrome as their Operating System (OS), rather than other mega-popular platforms developed by Microsoft and Apple and is developed from a Linux kernel. The Chromebook is structured to be primarily used while connected to the internet, and hosts things via a “cloud”-type storage. The first Chromebooks were produced by Acer and Samsung, released in Spring 2011. Starting in 2012, the Chromebox was released — the Chromebook’s desktop-residing-counterpart for those partial to a more permanent set-up.

For those of you who aren’t techies — this means you have the power of the internet at your fingers without having to worry about anything else. You can do anything that Google has an app for — and with cloud storage, there’s no risk of losing work if the computer does unexpectedly shut off like your current laptop probably has done at least once. The Chromebook is easy to navigate, and it’s nigh impossible to “do something wrong.” The Chromebook is easy to learn, no matter what kind of background you have in computers, and have made computer use accessible to communities that previously were either intimidated or could not afford the technology of a more complicated laptop.

What does that mean for you at Gaylord? Well — quite a bit, actually! We currently have two Acer Chromebooks available for loan. One is designated for in-library use only (two hour increments at a time) and the other is available for check out and can go home with you for one week at a time. When not checked out, this Chromebook can also be utilized within the library. There is no need to create a log-in, though you can choose to log onto your gMail account for full work and leisure capabilities. And the great thing is that once you are done with the Chromebook, you only need to sign out and none of your personal information will be stored or accessible by future users! It’s convenient to access your information, but it’s also safe.

In order to check out one of our Chromebooks, a library patron must be in good standing and sign a “Borrower’s Agreement” which we keep on file for future use/you only have to sign once! Chromebooks are also available to patrons under 18 years old, but their “Borrower’s Agreement” must also be signed by their parent/legal guardian/adult supervisor. We also have a “Quick Start” brochure that you can take to help you get started!

Commonwealth eBook Collection

eBooks have become very popular in the recent past. They’re digital, so it’s easier to carry around one eReader than ten books when you’re traveling! Along with the ability for many eBooks to be manipulated in their formatting/presentation that have made reading accessible to many more people who may not fare well with traditional print books. eBooks are also generally less expensive to purchase, while also eliminating the use of paper products, inks, and plastics used in book printing and binding.

At Gaylord Memorial Library, we are committed to providing the most up-to-date and accessible reading collection that we can. Therefore, all Gaylord patrons can check out eBooks — much like library books — with their library card!

The Commonwealth eBook Collection is listed in a massive online catalog, accessible through our website under Catalog –> eBook Catalog. There you will find all titles available for checkout. Titles are then downloaded to your device using one of our three partners: Baker & Taylor (Axis380 & AxisReader), Biblioboard, and EBL. Our partner’s apps work on many phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers — Links and information for these applications and how to download from each partner can also be found on the eBook catalog page!

Interested in learning more? Want to try an eBook but never have before? An old eBook pro, but we’re using a different system than you’re used to? Come check out our eBook Tech Help Sessions on Thursdays July 9th & 16th from 5:30-8PM at Gaylord Memorial Library! We’ll get you started, and the book is yours to choose!

The Commonwealth eBook Collections project is brought to you by the Massachusetts Library System in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and your local library, funded in part, by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.