High speed access: Local libraries to demonstrate new computer system soon

To improve library access and customer service both in the library and from home, the Thousand Oaks Library and Newbury Park Branch have launched a new computer system. The new online system is described as "the computer nerve center" of the library. A key component of the system is the library catalog, named TOMCat—Thousand Oaks Materials Catalog. Along with describing the library’s collection of 300,000-plus items, TOMCat serves as a gateway to an array of services and information.

The Thousand Oaks Library will offer a free program demonstrating TOMCat’s many features from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thurs., Sept. 25 at the library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. The program will be repeated from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thurs., Oct. 2 at the Newbury Park Branch Library, 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park.

During the program, participants will learn how to use TOMCat II to search for library materials, find book reviews, request titles, access personal library accounts, find full-text magazine and newspaper articles, locate company and investment information and more.

Access to TOMCat is available in the library and online at http://catalog.tol.lib.ca.us.

To register for the program or for more information, please visit the Information Desk at the Thousand Oaks Library or call (805) 449-2660, ext. 204. Reach the Newbury Park Branch Library at (805) 498-2139.

In related news, library patrons may now telephone the library at their convenience 24 hours a day, seven days a week to renew library materials, hear a list of items that are checked out or on hold and hear a list of any outstanding charges to their account. Patrons are invited to telephone either (805) 449-2686 or (805) 449-2688 and follow the instructions to enter the required information via their touch-tone phone key pad.

A Spanish language interface to the library catalog has also debuted and will enable patrons to select Spanish on the catalog menu bar to view a Spanish version of the catalog interface and search instructions.