www.smpl.org: Virtual Library Opens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:       February 17, 2005
Contact:  Susan Annett, Principal Librarian, (310) 458-8640
Alternate Contact:  Migell Acosta, Library Information Management, (310) 458-8625

With construction of the new Main Library well under way but still many months from completion, Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) has launched a new web site, www.smpl.org, that creates an inviting, online library available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The site features a large collection of online resources not available through standard Internet search tools, user-friendly organization, easy navigation, and new content.

"Just as the Library builds a physical collection of books, magazines, and media accessed through the online catalog, we subscribe to online databases covering a wide variety of topics," says Nancy O'Neill, who leads the Library's collection development team. "This online collection far exceeds what could possibly fit into a physical building, and it is always available, whether it's 1 a.m. Tuesday or Sunday at 10 p.m.," O'Neill continues. The online resources include thousands of digitized magazines, books, indexes and directories.

A new "instant access" feature allows any web site visitor to do a quick search or perform in-depth research with comprehensive online databases in business, science, health, biography, genealogy, literature, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. Users are also able to access a wealth of web resources in the arts, history, education, sciences, health, business, finance, consumer information, and other subjects expertly selected by librarians. Pioneers in delivering reference service over the Internet, SMPL librarians can be contacted electronically through email or "Ask Now," an interactive reference service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Through the online catalog, library materials can be searched and availability determined. Library card holders can check their accounts, renew, and place items on hold from work, school, or home. The catalog also features searchable local history databases: the Image Archives, consisting of digitized photographs, slides and postcards that illustrate the history of the Santa Monica Bay area from 1875 to the present; and the Santa Monica File that indexes local information in newspapers and magazines since the 1950s.

A new section "All About Books" serves the interest of readers and book clubs. It features LitSource and Reader's Corner that provide portals to everything readers want to know about literary and genre fiction, an online "Sneak Peeks" book club, suggested reading lists, author programs, and information about Citywide Reads, Santa Monica’s community reading program.

Kids and parents will enjoy using the Kids Page, www.smplkids.org, that provides links to homework help, stories, interactive games, useful information for parents and teachers, and descriptions of library services and programs for children of all ages. Designed by and for teens, the Library’s Teen web site, www.smplteens.org, features a calendar of teen events, places where teens can perform community service, a host of online resources, plus an art gallery and information on local bands.

   Visitors to the Santa Monica Public Library web site get a webcam view of the progress of the construction of the new Main Library as well as information about Library branches, collections, services, and programs. To visit the Library's new web site, go to www.smpl.org, or call (310) 458-8600 for more information.

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This page was last updated on 02/17/05.