Tech Tips: How to use the scanner at the library

Scan station 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 to copy (print), fax, email, save to a USB, or scan to the cloud storage. … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use Consumer Reports

Two older adults laughing while using a laptop and holding a credit card

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 on consumer tests and reviews. Their goal is to create a fair and just marketplace … Read more

Tech Tips: Getting started with cloud storage

Smartphone and tablet both displaying a list of files to upload to 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 accessed remotely. Companies like Apple, Dropbox, Google, and Microsoft store these files for you at … Read more

Tech Tips: How to download & upload on a smartphone or device

Graphic displayed on a laptop screen faturing a cloud with one up arrow and one down arrow

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 already learned how to do. For example, when you open an email on your phone, … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use & organize your smartphone home screen

Person holding iPhone

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 can even organize your home screen so only your most used apps show there. Let’s … Read more

Tech Tips: How to use the SWAN Libraries + app

SWAN Libraries + app displayed on a smart phone screen with shelves of books in the background

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 few basics of how to use the SWAN Libraries + app Install the app Download … Read more

Tech Tip: How to use Beanstack to register for summer reading

Beanstack logo with an adult using a tablet in the background

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia Get ready for an awesome adventure at your public library this summer! We’re thrilled to kick off our summer reading program (for kids and adults), which runs all summer long—June 1-August 21. Once again, we’re bringing back Beanstack, a cool digital tracker, to help you keep track of your summer … Read more

Tech Tips: Getting started with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning on laptop

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 & get started Watch the LinkedIn Learning video tutorial on this page or follow … Read more

Tech Tips: How to listen to audiobooks in Libby

Screenshot of audiobook player on Libby app

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 thousands of digital audiobooks on the Libby app too? Let’s get started! First, let’s discuss … Read more