PINES, a

web-based system, is available to patrons in the library

as well as from home provided they have Internet access

(https://pines.public.lib.ga.us). The training sessions

will cover the use of the on-line public access catalog,

also known at WebCat.

"These

classes will show patrons how to search for materials

using WebCat," said Kuhns. "Many of our patrons

do not have PCs at home and are not used to the Windows

operating system; therefore, they are having trouble

locating materials."

On the flip

side, Kuhns also noted that some patrons have found the

new system to be much more user-friendly. Students have

responded especially favorably when asked about PINES.

"Many

told me that they never learned how to operate our old

catalog, which used function keys to conduct

searches," Kuhns said. "Today's kids were

practically born using computers and they can point and

click in their sleep."

Once

everyone is properly trained on the new system, Kuhns

feels that patrons will appreciate the greater search

capability of WebCat.

WebCat

features a "keyword search" which allows a

person to search for materials using just a few words

from the author, title, or subject in any particular

order.

WebCat

searches entire records for these "keywords"

and will thus retrieve more hits.

Space is

limited for the PINES training sessions. Reservations can

be made by calling Kuhns or Richard Mathews Monday

through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 770-631-2520.