In celebration of the Holiday Season and in the Spirit of Giving, as of December 3, the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) now offers free new services to our library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an app to browse the online catalog, download eMagazines, and learn how to speak Hawaiian:
• HSPLS Mobile Netbook Loan Program – An innovative new program offering netbook computers for loan at 37 public libraries statewide. The fully-functional netbook computers were provided by a federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant and will be available for a three-week loan period free-of-charge for patrons with a valid HSPLS library card. Each netbook is equipped with mobile Internet services as well as Microsoft Office 2010 programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote). “We are delighted to offer our HSPLS Mobile program and envision it as an exciting new way to bridge the digital divide in Hawaii,” said State Librarian Richard Burns. “It is a unique opportunity to bring technology to Hawaii’s people and share our abundant e-resources and free services through our HSPLS website.”
Participating public libraries for HSPLS Mobile include: Big Island – Hilo Public Library, Keaau Public & School Library, Kealakekua Public Library, Laupahoehoe Public & School Library, Mt. View Public & School Library, Naalehu Public Library, Pahoa Public & School Library, Thelma Parker Memorial Public & School Library; Kauai – Hanapepe Public Library, Kapaa Public Library, Koloa Public & School Library, Lihue Public Library, Princeville Public Library, Waimea Public Library; Maui – Kihei Public Library, Lahaina Public Library, Lanai Public & School Library, Makawao Public Library, Molokai Public Library, Wailuku Public Library; Oahu – Aiea Public Library, Aina Haina Public Library, Ewa Beach Public & School Library, Hawaii Kai Public Library, Hawaii State Library, Kahuku Public & School Library, Kailua Public Library, Kaimuki Public Library, Kalihi-Palama Public Library, Kaneohe Public Library, Kapolei Public Library, Pearl City Public Library, Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library, Wahiawa Public Library, Waianae Public Library, Waialua Public Library, and Waipahu Public Library. For more information, please call the participating library near you.
• Zinio for Libraries – HSPLS now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons will have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines, easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website. “Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section Manager. “Patrons with a valid HSPLS library card can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including RollingStone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic, and more, with no waiting, and no loan period to worry about.” Patrons will need to create two accounts – a library Zinio account to view HSPLS’ collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device. For more information on how to access this free service ask a library staff member or visit our HSPLS website.
• Learn Hawaiian with Mango Languages! – HSPLS offers patrons the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language anytime, anywhere, free via Mango Languages and the HSPLS website. “The Mango Languages system offers a unique learning environment that allows patrons to take lessons at your own pace, reviewing and perfecting skills as you advance through new lessons,” said Lynne Kobayashi, Hawaii State Library-Language, Literature & History Section Head. Memory building exercises are embedded into each unit to ensure that you will retain what you learn. You can always go back to review earlier lessons. To ensure that you are pronouncing words correctly, Mango offers an opportunity for you to record your speech and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker to hear exactly how to adjust your accent. Intuitive popups will also help you with pronunciation. Mango focuses on quickly getting you to a point where you feel comfortable using a new language. One way it does this is by using locally relevant conversational encounters to give you tools that you will be able to use in real-life situations. Another way is through the inclusion of relevant social and cultural notes throughout each lesson. For more information, select the “E-Learning @ Your Library” button on our HSPLS website. Create a profile by providing your email address and password, follow the easy instructions to activate your Mango Language account and start learning Hawaiian today!
• “Hawaii Mobile”, the New HSPLS App – Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through our new mobile app called “Hawaii Mobile”. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into our library system’s catalog. This convenient app can be used to:
* Browse the HSPLS catalog
* Scan a barcode from a book, DVD or CD to check availability in HSPLS’ catalog
* View checked out/reserved/hold items
* Renew items
* Check account information such as items borrowed, due dates, fines, and more
To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search “chilifresh hawaii” in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device. In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
Funding for these electronic services is provided by the federal Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information or to try out our new services, please visit the HSPLS website at www.librarieshawaii.org.