Protecting Yourself from Fraud on Black Friday

11/25/2015 12:45:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And for a lot of people that means gearing up for the big Black Friday sales. However, recent events have a lot of people wonder how safe it is to shop - both online and in person. So how can you stay safe and enjoy all those savings? We have some tips for you. This week we'll be talking about shopping in person on Black Friday. Next week we'll discuss staying safe when shopping online on Cyber Monday.



Cash Only
The fool-proof way to avoid identity theft or fraud when shopping is to use cash. Many people swear by cash only, saying it no only protects them from fraud but from overspending as well. However, this isn't always feasible for everyone. It can be a different kind of dangerous to carry around enough cash for the big purchases that are often made on Black Friday.


Use Credit Card instead of Debit

Using a credit card  versus a debit card can offer more protection if you are hacked when shopping online. Under the Fair Credit Bill, consumers are responsible for up to $50 of fraudulent charges. Some banks offer similar protection if you use their debit cards, but it's not the same at every bank. It can change if you don't catch it and report it within a certain time-frame. So if you're purchasing big ticket items it can be safer to use a credit card.

Don't have a credit card? Many debit cards are now supported by Visa. This gives you the same rights as a Visa credit card holder. That means you can choose to run it as credit at the store and have more protection. Remember this can mean that your purchases may not show up on your account right away.




Use Common Sense

  • Like most things in life, common sense can be your best defense. 
  • Don't use your card at machines where the card slot looks loose or damaged. This can mean that someone has been tampering with the machine. 
  • Keep your card and cash in a secure location. Pickpockets are prevalent during the holiday season. 
  • Don't leave your purse unattended. We know, this one seems like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to get distracted and step away from your cart for 'just a minute.' 
  • Check your bank account before and after you shop and monitor it closely for a few days after.
Image found here. 

Don't miss next week's blog when we discuss tips for staying safe while shopping online - just in time for Cyber Monday! 

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

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National Read an eBook Day with Overdrive and Hoopla!

9/18/2015 03:26:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
Today is National Read an eBook Day when we celebrate one of the most convenient ways to read a book.



Nothing can replace the feel of a book in your hands or the way a full bookshelf can brighten any room, but eReaders can offer new possibilities to those who are unable to get to their local library branch to borrow books. The ability to customize font size and type, contrast and built in lights can offer improved experience for those readers who are visually impaired.

At Bossier Parish Library we have two services that allow you to borrow eBooks on your device: Overdrive and Hoopla.



Hoopla is our relatively new service that offers not just eBooks, but eAudiobooks, Music and Movies. You can find it online at http://hoopladigial.com. You can also find our instructions here on our blog: Hoopla.



Overdrive is one of our older services, but adds new content every day. Overdrive also allows you to download eBooks. and Audiobooks. You can find it online at http://overdrive.greengoldlibraries.org or you can download the Overdrive app on to your phone or tablet.



For more information on these or any other Digital Service provided by Bossier Library, ask at your local branch! We will also be having a Digital Services information session on Friday September 25th at the Central Branch. Pick up a class calendar for more details! 

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Free Online Classes with Gale Courses

8/14/2015 04:00:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
It's time for students and teachers to once again head Back to School. Would you like to learn a new skill or prepare for certifications on your own time? Bossier Library  Bossier Parish Library has joined with Gale Courses to offer free online courses in a variety of subjects! You can enroll in classes in everything from Accounting and Finance to Languages and Arts. Classes start every few weeks so you can start only when you're ready. Signing up is quick and easy! And best of all - free! We'll go through the steps today.
These classes are instructor-led and highly interactive. They run for 6 weeks and new sessions begin every month. 
To get to the Gale Courses homepage you can click here or go to the Bossier Parish Library website: www.bossierlibrary.org/. There is a link for Gale Courses on the left hand side of the web page, under the Research & Homework heading. 


This will take you to the page for the Gale Courses.On this page you should see the BPL logo in the top left hand corner - this will let you know you're in the right place. You can search for a specific class or browse by topics like Accounting and Finance or Law and Legal. 


Once you've decided on the course you'd like to take, choose the Enroll Now button.  If it's your first time using the service, you'll have to fill out some basic information such as Name, Email address and choosing a password. If you've already done that once before you'll be asked to log in. Once enrolled you'll find more details and an orientation.  Soon after you'll receive an email letting you know you've been enrolled. It may mention tuition but don't worry! All classes are free with Bossier Parish Library! 

Several of our staff have already taken advantage of these classes - including me! I took several courses to learn more about Computer Repair. I enjoyed the videos and lectures that were included in each week's lesson. In the courses I took there were weekly quizzes that did not count toward your final grade, but did offer great practice for the final exam. I also liked that I wasn't penalized for getting a little behind when work and life kept me from working on that week's lesson. I was able to catch up with no problem at all. I highly recommend these courses to anyone. I'm already looking for the next course I can take. 


What classes will you take? Let us know below! If you have questions about how to enroll in classes contact us on Facebook or Twitter. Or you can always contact your local Bossier Parish Library. 



You can also now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
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Social Media Spotlight: Twitter

7/31/2015 03:22:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician

It's time for another Social Media Spotlight. This week we'll be talking about Twitter!



What is Twitter?

By now you have probably heard of the social networking site Twitter. Founded in 2006, Twitter is a social media platform that lets you share messages with online 'followers.' Unlike Facebook, Twitter posts are restricted to 140 characters only, meaning that for the most part messages are short and to the point. Twitter has been embraced by businesses and celebrities as a way to interact directly with customers and fans. We even have a library twitter account!

One of the most popular uses for Twitter to keep up with you favorite celebrities or television shows. You can see behind-the-scenes photos, candid shots of the celebrities and even ask them questions. (There's no guarantee that they'll see or respond, of course) One of my personal favorite twitter trends is television actors "live-tweeting" episodes. Which means when an episode airs the stars of show watch it and tweet interesting facts about filming the episode.



You don't have to be into to celebrities to enjoy Twitter. It also allows you to keep up with breaking news - both locally and internationally. You can be get the headlines as they happen on your twitter account. In fact, some people choose not to post at all, instead using Twitter as a way to stay current.


If you do choose to post, you don't have to let everyone one see it. Like Facebook and other social networking sites, Twitter allows you to make your account private. This means you decide who can see your tweets. Another way to keep people from reading your posts is to block them. This means they cannot see your posts or contact you directly.

Twitter can be used on your computer, smartphone or tablet via the web or by downloading an app.

Do you use Twitter? What is your favorite thing about it?

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also follow us on Instagram!


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Updated! Hoopla - a new service for borrowing movies, tv shows, audio books and music.

7/17/2015 03:42:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
We've talked about Hoopla before on this blog, but we felt it was time to update it since Hoopla has added several new types of material! When we first wrote about this service from Bossier Parish Library back in November, it allowed you to check out movies, television shows, audio books and full albums of music on your computer or smartphone. Hoopla still offers all of those things but now they've added eBooks and Comics to their library! With all these additions there's something for readers of all ages and reading levels.

What does Hoopla offer?

Hoopla offers Audiobooks, eBooks, Comics, Movies, Television and full Music albums! All right at the touch of your fingers. 








How do I use Hoopla?

Step One: Getting to Hoopla

The first step to checking out items on Hoopla is, of course, getting to the Hoopla site. On your computer this means going to http://www.hoopladigital.com. On your tablet or smart phone, you'd download the Hoopla Digital app. 

Step Two: Signing up 

The first time you visit to Hoopla site or app, you'll be asked to sign up for an account. This is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. We'll walk through each step below. The first screen shows you an Overview of the Hoopla service and lets you know what is required to use it. You'll need your library card number and PIN, and a valid email address. 


After the Overview, you'll be taken to a screen that will allow you to choose your library. Most of the time, this will automatically show you all of the libraries in your area that use Hoopla. Choose Bossier Parish Library and click Next. 



After choosing Bossier Parish Library, you'll be asked for your library card number and PIN. Bossier Parish Library does require a PIN, so make sure not to leave this blank. 
(Hint: The PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number)



The final step in creating an account is entering your email address and creating a Hoopla password. This password is for Hoopla only so Bossier Parish Library staff won't be able to access or reset this password for you. If you do happen to forget this password, you can reset it through the Hoopla website. 


That was the final step! You should now see a Welcome to Hoopla page that gives you basic information on your Hoopla account, including the number of titles you can borrow every month. 


Step Three: Borrowing Materials

Now that you're signed up with an account you're ready to start borrowing titles! You can browse by type or search for a specific title or artist. When browsing you can switch between types at the top. There are several categories including New titles, Top titles and genres. Click on the cover picture to find more info or to borrow the item. 



When you've decided what you'd like to borrow, click on the cover picture. This will take you to a screen that will show you more details, including how long you'll be able to borrow the item. Click the borrow button to add the item to your account. 


Once you've borrowed the item, it can be found under the My Titles. This page also shows you how many more titles you can borrow in the month. 



Using Hoopla on your mobile device or tablet

Using Hoopla on a mobile device is exactly the same as the steps laid out above, though the appearance of the screens may be slightly different. 


Are you excited to start using Hoopla? We are. We're even listening to the album pictured above while typing this! 



If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also follow us on Instagram!
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Read Magazines with Flipster - a new service at BPL!

7/02/2015 11:12:00 AM Amanda, End User Support Technician

Borrowing magazines is simple and quick with Flipster! 

Last week we talked about the newest service at Bossier Library - FLIPSTER! This week we'll be walking through step-by-step how to borrow a magazine on your laptop or device. 


On your Laptop:

1. Go to the Bossier Library website at http://www.bossierlibrary.org/start/
    Click on the Flipster icon under Digital Media/eContent. 



2. This will automatically sign you in to the Bossier Library account on Flipster. 
     The most popular magazines and latest issues will be on the front page. 
     You can choose to read one of these magazines or browse through the categories on the left. 
 

3. Once you've picked a magazine, click on the cover to borrow it. 
    This will open the magazine. Then you can use the menu on the side to flip pages, zoom in 
    or see other issues of the magazine. 

4, The magazine will look just like the print version. 

If you find the print is too small or hard to read, you can zoom in. Below is a zoomed in look at the first paragraph on the magazine page above. 


When you're finished, simply close the window! This will bring you back to the magazine library so you can find another magazine to read. 

Flipster is also available as an app on iPad, iPad Mini and Android tablets! 

Simply download the app and follow the instructions on the screen! No signing up necessary! 

Is there something you'd like to see us post about on this blog? 
If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
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Coming Soon to BPL - Flipster!

6/26/2015 04:42:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician

Soon you'll be able to read magazines on your smartphone, tablet or computer for free with Flipster! 


Available starting July 1st, Flipster is a free service that will allow you read magazines without having to visit the library to check them out. No return dates to remember and no late fees! Stuck in a doctor's waiting room with only outdated magazines? Now you can borrow one on your tablet or phone right there in the waiting room! 


How do I use Flipster?

If you are on your computer, simply visit the Bossier Library homepage: www.bossierlibrary.org/start/ and click on the icon for Flipster on the right hand side under the Digital Media/eContent banner. This will take you to the Flipster homepage where you can begin choosing the magazines you'd like to read. 

If you are reading on a tablet or smartphone, you can download an app. It's available on iTunes and for Android. 



We think you'll love Flipster! There are literally hundreds of magazines available, from the popular and well known like Entertainment Weekly and Food Network Magazine to lesser known magazines devoted to subjects like History, Aromatherapy and Helicopters. There are even academic journals like the School Library Journal (one of our favorites) and Mathematics Enthusiast. 



You can now get step by step instructions on using Flipster on your laptop or tablet here on our next blog post! 




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Gadgets for Father's Day!

6/19/2015 04:18:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician

Father's Day is just around the corner and we're bringing back some of our favorite tech inspired gifts. 

Black and Decker AutoSense Drill

This drill and many others like it, take the guesswork out of drilling. This drill can sense when the screw is fully seated in the material and will stop drilling. This keeps it from 'stripping' a screw so that it's difficult to remove and from drilling so tightly that it splinters the material you are working with. It also has built in lamp so you can always see where and what you're drilling.

Image via Gizmodo

RoboReel

This is a motorized, automated garden hose. Now, we know what you're thinking: Who could possibly need a garden hose that fancy? After reading about online, we do! This hose is housed in a hard shell on wheels that allows you to pull it around your yard without worrying about kinks or tangles. It also has a remote that allows you to turn it on and off. There's even a timer that allows you to regularly water your lawn for up to a month. When you've finished watering a battery powered motor carefully winds the hose back into the housing, keeping it out of the way.



Image via RoboReel


Rocki 

If you love your old-school analog speakers but want to play music wirelessly from your phone, laptop or tablet, this is gadget for you. Rocki connects to your current speakers and allows you to stream music using WiFi. The only downside to this device is that you can only play music that is on your device - no Rhapsody, Pandora, or Spotify.

Picture from Rocki


Bag Re-sealer

This gadget allows you to re-seal open bags of food, such as chip bags. They can save lots of much on storage bags as you are able to store food in their original packaging. These keeps food fresh longer than clips. There are several versions of the Bag Re-sealer available, including this one from iTouchless. 

Image Source

iGrill Thermometer


This thermometer works with your iPhone to allow you to check the temperature of your grill from several feet away - keeping you from having to get up out of that comfy lawn chair every few minutes. 


Thermapen

If you're not sure about using a smartphone to check the temperature of your grill, the Thermapen provides a more accurate reading than most meat thermometers. This means you never have to worry about under cooked food. 


Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. 
If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!
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New at BPL: Patron Rewards Program!

6/12/2015 03:38:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician

We're taking a small break from our regularly scheduled tech talk to introduce a new patron rewards program going on at the library! This summer, it's not just the kids who can get the rewards! Adult patrons will have the opportunity to score rewards by earning Library Loot. We love our patrons and wanted to show how thankful we are for the years of support.



Who can participate?

 Any adult patron with a library card that has an account in good standing can participate in the Patron Rewards Program. Adult cards are for patrons 18 and older. If you're under 18, don't worry! You can participate in the other Summer Reading Programs at the library! 

How can I earn Library Loot?

  • Attend library events. (Ex: book club, summer reading program, library expo…)
  • Post positive comments on the library’s Facebook page (Comments may include something about an event you attended or a positive experience you had at the library)
  • “Recommend A Read”: recommend a good book to others either on our Face book page or use our Bossier Central Awesome Box, or any branches “I would like to recommend” comment cards.
  • Donate school supplies at any Bossier Library branch.
  • Donate new or gently used coat at any Bossier Library in support of Porter’s coat drive.

What can I get with Library Loot?


Don't miss out on this fun program! Earn rewards and help out your fellow Bossier Library Patrons at the same time! Ask your local branch for more details.

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow Bossier Library on Instagram and Pinterest!




Apps for Weather Safety

5/29/2015 04:47:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
This post was inspired by the increasingly loud rolls of thunder outside my office window this afternoon. Lately our area just can't seem to catch a break!. Safety during inclement weather has been foremost on our minds. Smartphones and tablets have become an increasingly popular way to stay safe during storms. Fully charged devices can provide hours of updates, even when the power has gone out. Below we'll recommend a few apps that may come in handy.

The American  Red Cross Apps

The American Red Cross organization is often the first on the scene in areas where natural disaster has struck. They've also developed several apps to provide specialized information. You can get an app on everything from general first aid to specific types of disaster, like flooding or tornadoes. You can also find a shelter and even get first aid information for your pets! 

Visit the American Red Cross website for more information. 


The Weather Channel App

This app offers alerts and national forecasts. It also offers up to the minute updates during bad weather. You can also get daily information, like humidity, chance of rain and, of course, temperatures. 


Local Area News Stations

Most of the local news stations in this area offer free weather apps. During bad weather, these apps can offer the most up to date information available and have the added bonus of being locally based. They can often break down what is happening by neighborhood and even streets. 

There are weather only apps available from KTBS, and KSLA, 























Do you use your Smartphone to keep up with the weather? What's your favorite app? Tell us in the comments below!

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow Bossier Library on Instagram and Pinterest!
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Fire Up the Grill!

5/22/2015 04:27:00 PM Amanda, End User Support Technician
With Memorial Day coming up, it's beginning to feel a lot like Summer and for most of us that means enjoying something from the grill! We've found some fun tech toys to make grilling easier.

BBQ Grill Buddy App

This easy to use Timer lets you select your food and how you'd like it cooked, then lets you know when to flip your food along with a countdown clock so you can see time remaining. Never wonder how long food should be on the grill again! 


Looftlighter

This gadget makes starting the BBQ easier than ever! Unless you use a gas grill, lighting the grill can be time consuming and -  depending on how much lighter fluid  - you use a little dangerous! This device allows you to safely start a fire in under 60 seconds and you don't have use any lighter fluid which can change the taste of the meat. 
Not just reserved for summer, this gadget is helpful when starting fires in the fireplace or while camping in cooler seasons! 

iGrill Thermometer


This thermometer works with your iPhone to allow you to check the temperature of your grill from several feet away - keeping you from having to get up out of that comfy lawn chair every few minutes. 


Thermapen

If you're not sure about using a smartphone to check the temperature of your grill, the Thermapen provides a more accurate reading than most meat thermometers. This means you never have to worry about under cooked food. 



GrillBots

We've saved our favorite gadget for last! Grillbots are the world's first automatic grill scrubbers. These devices take the grunt work out of grilling and let you get to the fun part - eating! There's no set up required, just push a button and watch them go to work. 



What do you think of grilling tech? Helpful or unnecessary?

If you have an idea for blog posts or questions/comments, you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter. 

You can also now follow Bossier Library on Instagram and Pinterest!

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