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By TERESA ANICOLA
Courier-Post Staff
The William G. Rohrer Memorial Library on MacArthur Boulevard is undergoing a change, but don't expect to be dodging paint cans or skirting around any scaffolding.
The transformation is taking place internally, in its computer system. A branch of the Camden County Library, the entire system's computer network, more than 15 years old, is being switched to an upgraded, user-friendly system. The staff is being trained and the change will be in place, and unveiled to the public, by the end of this month.
"It's a pretty major change," said Janice Masud-Paul, manager of information technology for the library system. " We're going from a text-based system that's command driven to a Windows-based system."
What that means to patrons is the system will be more " user-friendly." Users will be able to use a mouse to point and click on items and interact with many of the icons and menus they have become familiar with through the Internet, she said.
Nan Rosenthal, branch manager for Haddon Township, is pleased with the change. The branch received five new computers with Internet access for patrons this month.
"It's a huge transition. We're giving people extra time with books and hope to keep everything on target," Rosenthal said. "It's a change for the better and will be easier to use. The system we had was never user-friendly. It's a change for the public, too, but we're going to hold their hand through the transition."
Rosenthal has been manager of the branch for close to two years. She has been with the library system for more than 12 years, working previously at the main branch in Voorhees.
"I look at us as a library without walls. We have something for everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest patron," she said.
The library's book collection varies in variety from easy reader books for children to large print books for seniors. It has videos, books on cassette, books on CDs, DVDs, music CDs and an extensive periodical collection.
As a branch of the county library system, anything available in the other branches is accessible to Haddon Township patrons. Additionally, through the county library' s Web site, patrons can access an "incredible database with full-text articles," Rosenthal said.
"The Internet is a wonderful addition to our reference service. Anything you can do with a library card can be done through the Web site," she said.
Art on display
The library also serves as an art gallery. The work of Haddon Township High School students, in all media, is currently on display throughout the building. With the recent addition of two glass cases donated by a local coin club, patrons are encouraged to display their collections for public view.
Karen Hoffman, president of the Friends of the Haddon Township Library, said the group makes many donations for needed library items. The group has 110 members and raises money through yearly dues, an ongoing book sale and the sale of entertainment books, which contain discount coupons from various merchants.
Over the years, the group has purchased overhead projectors, two CD display cabinets, display panels, book carts and "anything the library needs outside of its budget," Hoffman said.
Hoffman has been an avid library patron for 11 years. A retired teacher, she became involved in the library while it was at its former site behind the municipal building on Reeve Avenue.
"I love to read and the library was very important to me. I felt I should get involved and see what I could do to improve it," said Hoffman. "What we really have now is a tremendous staff at the library. That makes working with them a tremendous pleasure."
The Friends hold meetings in a community room within the library. The room can accommodate up to 75 people and is is available free to county nonprofit groups and clubs. On a recent count performed by volunteers, the library accommodates 10,000 people per month, including those who come for meetings.
In addition to raising money for the library, the Friends also offer community programs and provide refreshments and a party for the summer reading program. The program's theme changes annually and this year will be " Book a Performance at the Library."
Children's librarian Donna Cameron said the program will run from June 24 to Aug. 17. Each enrolled child must read a minimum of one book per week and there will be weekly drawings and prizes for bookstore gift certificates, she said.
Cameron has also been charged with supervising the computer switch-over and training the Haddon Township staff in its new system. She had initial training in mid-April and is the branch's resident expert.
"It's a nice system," said Cameron. "It's a good change."
What's nextThere will be an open meeting for anyone with questions or suggestions for Camden County Library personnel at 7 p.m., May 30, in the community room of the Haddon Township Library on MacArthur Boulevard. Nan Rosenthal, branch manager, and Karen Avenick, assistant director for the library system, will be on hand to answer questions. For more information call (856) 854-2752