Tech Tips: Fact-checking media
We are living in a time with a never-ending stream of information and media that seeks our time and attention. How can you know what is true, what is false, and what is simply taken out of context? It is … Read more
Digital Learning
Tech Tips: A guide to navigating Google search results
Searching for information using search engines like Google can feel overwhelming at times. The results can seem cluttered, making it difficult to sort through. Search results may appear alongside a variety of ads, knowledge panels, featured snippets, and AI-generated overviews. … Read more
Tech Tips: How to use tabs to stay organized online
Have you ever placed a sticky note on a book page to find information quickly later? Tabbed browsing in a web browser works in a similar way. It is a handy way to keep multiple webpages open so you can … Read more
Tech Tips: Copy, cut, & paste shortcuts for Windows & Mac
Do you need an easier way to move text or images around without having to rewrite a whole paragraph or insert a new photo? The copy, cut, and paste tools are useful skills to know—whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Google … Read more
Tech Tips: Computer basics 101: The mouse
Using a mouse seems simple, but did you know there are shortcuts built into many computer mice? In this post, you’ll discover the different parts of the mouse, how to use the mouse, and what the mouse can do. How … Read more
How to watch movies with your library card
Your Oak Park library card is your key to accessing thousands of movies, documentaries, TV shows, and more. Below, find three ways you can use your card to watch films: 1. Stream on Kanopy Part of your digital library, Kanopy … Read more
Tech Tips: Digitize VHS, cassettes & film at the Creative Studio Media Stations
Have VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or film negatives you’d like to digitize and preserve? The library’s Media Stations have equipment to help you do just that. Located on the third floor of the Main Library in the Creative Studio, the … Read more
Tech Tips: What does that icon mean?
By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian In today’s technology landscape, there are hundreds of icons in use. Icons are meant to help people navigate technology by serving as clear, recognizable symbols that represent a function, tool, or file. However, there is … Read more
Tech Tips: How to use the scanner at the library
Did you know? You can scan documents for free at any Oak Park library location. Scan equipment is available on the Main Library’s third floor and at the Maze and Dole branches. Using the scanner, you can send your scan … Read more
Tech Tips: How to use Consumer Reports
Are you thinking about buying a new car, appliance, gadget, or literally anything else, but feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start? Consumer Reports is designed to help you navigate all of the options and narrow down products based … Read more
Helping kids tackle school projects: National Geographic Kids
If you have a school project and need to find a variety of sources for your research, your library is here to the rescue! On the Homework Help for Kids page, you can access many subscription-based resources with your Oak … Read more
Tech Tips: Getting started with cloud storage
Have you heard people refer to backing up digital files to “the cloud”? Or the term “cloud backup” or “cloud-based storage”? All of these phrases are ways of describing how files are saved to an offsite location that can be … Read more
Preserving culture in the Creative Studio
Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your old VHS tapes. Even if you still have a VCR to play them, the tape quality can degrade as the years go by. The solution? Digitize those tapes. And you can do it … Read more
Tech Tips: How to download & upload on a smartphone or device
Today, it’s easier than ever to get information from the internet using smart devices like phones and tablets. When you use smartphones and tablets, you’ll commonly run into the terms downloading and uploading. These words describe activities you have probably … Read more
Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to use & organize your smartphone home screen
By Creative Technology Librarian Amy Hofmockel Getting to know your phone’s home screen can help you find the apps and tools you need to get your tasks done—whether that’s making a phone call, checking email, or using a favorite app. You … Read more
Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app
Did you know that there is an app you can use to search for library materials, place holds, and manage your checkouts all in one place? The SWAN Libraries + app makes finding and requesting items easy. Let’s review a … Read more
Creative Studio turns 1
We’re celebrating the first anniversary of the Creative Studio! Since the digital makerspace officially opened last April on the Main Library’s third floor, it’s been a fantastic year of learning, expanding offerings, and, of course, lots of creativity. “The Creative … Read more
Tech Tips: How to close, minimize & maximize windows on a computer
By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Ever wondered what the buttons do at the top of your browser bar? Let’s find out! Whether you’re on a PC or a Mac, you’ll encounter a similar set of buttons or icons. These buttons … Read more
Tech Tips: Getting started with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with video tutorials to learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Check out LinkedIn Learning FAQs. Meet LinkedIn Learning With LinkedIn Learning you can: How to log in … Read more
Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby
By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In an earlier Tech Tips post, I shared tips and tricks on how to read ebooks and digital magazines on Libby with your smartphone or tablet. But did you know you also can listen to … Read more