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library services

Reference | Readers' Advisory | Audio-Visual | Inter-Library Loan | Public Computer Services | Public Meeting Rooms |
Special Needs | Teachers |

• The reference librarians assist library users in locating particular titles or finding general information regardless of its source.
• The reference staff provide instruction in research technique, the use of the library, the computer catalog, online resources, and other specific information sources.
• Reference staff answer nearly 1,000 questions each week either from library visitors, telephone, or written inquiry.
• They provide tours, orientations, or special programs for individuals or groups.
• Reference librarians also do research using the Internet for access to worldwide information resources.

Telephone Reference

• If you are unable to visit the library in person, you may telephone for reference assistance.
• Library staff are not able to perform in-depth research, but will provide information and brief answers by telephone.
• Please be aware that library staff provide service to in-house library users before answering telephone reference requests.
• Telephone numbers:

• Youth reference - 847 / 681-7030
• Adult reference - 847 / 681-7031
• Readers' Advisory - 847 / 681-7032
• Audio-Visual Advisory - 847 / 681-7033

E-mail Reference

• You may also e-mail a reference question to the reference librarians.

Fax Reference

• You may also fax a reference question to the reference librarians.

IM Reference

• You may also send an Instant Message to the reference librarians.

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• The Readers' Advisors provide personal assistance in the selection of reading materials based on the patron's interests.
• They also provide instruction in the use of the computer catalog and other information sources in the Adult Service Department.
• Readers' Advisors will place titles on hold in the computer for library users.
• The Readers' Advisors will help library users locate materials in the collection or will request materials from other libraries on behalf of patrons through the interlibrary loan service.
• The Readers' Advisors also lead book discussions, and give book talks and reviews.

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• Check-out and return of audio-visual materials takes place in the A-V Room
• In addition, they assist library users to locate particular authors/titles/subjects in the A-V collection, provide assistance with the computer catalog, and offer suggestions for listening or viewing.

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• If we don't own a particular title, we will request it from another library.
• We will request a maximum of five (5) periodical articles and five (5) print or audio-visual items at any one time for each Highland Park resident.
• In some cases, fees are charged by the lending library.
• You will be notified in advance if your request requires payment of a fee.
• You can cancel your request to avoid any charges.

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Public  Computer Services

Adult Services

• 18 Windows NT stations are available for public use.

• Internet, word processing, database, and combinations stations are available.

• Patrons may sign up one hour time slots beginning at 9:00 am (1:00 p.m. on Sunday).

• Four 10-minute express Internet stations allow for walk-ups with no reservations.

• Word processing computers are configured with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Printing is charged at .10 per black and white page, $1.00 color; diskettes are available for $1.00 and CD-RW blanks are available for $2.00 at the reference desk.

• The library also offers classes in Internet and database use.

• Reservations for classes may be made up to 1 week in advance by calling 847/681/7031; only 1 reservation can be taken at a time.

Wireless Network

• The Library offers wireless access to the Internet in the Adult Services Department.

• To use the network you need a laptop or notebook computer with a Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless card or processor and headphones for audio reception.

• Computers should be set to obtain a TCP/IP address automatically (DCHP)

• Wireless users are responsible for configuring computers; reference staff cannot give assistance.

• Printing from the network is not currently supported.

• Users agree to all Library policies and procedures when accessing the wireless network.

Youth Services

• The Youth Services department offers computers for Internet access or games and word processing.

•  Internet stations are reserved for children grade 8 and under during all hours when school is not in session.

• During school hours, patrons above 8th grade may have limited use by signing up at the Youth Services desk for one-half hour per day; those 16 years and older who are accompanying children may use these stations at any time.

• Internet stations are first-come, first-served with a 20 minute time limit if others are waiting.

• Computers for word processing and games are available for children 3-7 with the supervision of an adult; 8 years and up may use these computers with no supervision; adults may use them for 1/2 hour per day if no children are waiting.

• Reservations for computers with word processing and game software may be made for one hour time slots up to 1 week in advance at the Youth services desk or by calling 847/432-0216.

• Printing is charged at .10 per page; diskettes are available for $1.00 at the Youth Services desk.

click here for the policy regarding the use of the Internet

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Public Meeting Rooms

The lower level Auditorium and Meeting Room are available to non-profit Highland park organizations for special, civic, educational and cultural purposes.  All meetings must be open to the public.  Please call the administration office, 847/432-0216, for further details.
click here for the policy regarding use of library meeting rooms

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Special Needs Services

For the homebound - Books to Go

• Delivery service for residents of Highland Park who are unable to visit the library due to a permanent or temporary disability or health ailment.
• Delivery of books, audiobooks, and CDs.
• Help in selecting the the type of books and music to be delivered is available.
• Delivery is scheduled every 2 weeks.

For people with vision impairments:

• Large-print books and magazines
• Unabridged books on audiocassette
• Visualtek Voyager (magnifies print 40X)
• Portable table-top print magnifiers and hand-held magnifiers
• Lighted study carrels
• Braille and raised-letter signs throughout the building
• "Talking books" and braille materials through the Voices of Vision library service.
• DVS (Descriptive Video Service) videotapes with voice-over description of scenes and action.

For People with Hearing Impairments:

• TTY (teletypewriter), phone (847)432-7674.
• Assistive listening devices, personal amplifiers for use at library programs and throughout the building.
• Signers/interpreters at library programs (Please notify use at least five days in advance.)
• Closed caption videocassettes.

For People with Mobility Impairments:

• Designated accessible parking spaces.
• Ramp to sidewalk and doors.
• Power-assisted doors (front entrance).
• Automatic doors (lower-level entrance).
• Doorbell (to request assistance at front entrance door).
• Wheelchair-accessible aisles, restrooms, and telephones.
• Elevator.
• Wheelchair lift for access to the Meeting Room.
• Wheelchair platform in the Auditorium.
• Wheelchair for patron use.
• Reference services and item reserves by telephone.

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Copyright 2001, (written, graphic and pictorial material) Highland Park Public Library, Highland Park, Illinois.  Permission for reproduction of any material included on this website must be obtained from the Library.

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