Tech Tips: How to use keyboard shortcuts (beyond cut, copy & paste)

Close up of computer keyboard keys

By Digital Learning Specialist Amelia You might be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts to copy, cut, and paste (and if you’re not, check step-by-step instructions on how to use these shortcuts in Microsoft Word and on your smartphone). But did you know that there are more keyboard shortcuts you can use to navigate your computer … Read more

Tech Tips: What is a URL?

Laptop sitting on kitchen table

By Amelia, Digital Learning Specialist Have you ever wondered what the letters “URL” mean or seen the phrase “follow this link for more information”? Maybe you’ve seen a URL or a website link in advertisements or on event flyers, product information, or even the news. In this Tech Tip, we’ll cover what URLs are and … Read more

Tech Tips: How to get started with PressReader

A screenshot of the PressReader app on a phone, with the PressReader logo

Interested in a convenient way to read newspapers on your phone? With access to more than 7,000 publications from around the world in their original language and format, PressReader is a helpful tool. This post will cover some basics that will help you get started with PressReader. Here are five things to know: 1. You … Read more

Tech Tips: Basic digital security: How to create a strong password

Lock icon centered inside a shield with a check mark bubble floating above

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian It’s so important to create strong passwords—and frequently update them—even though most websites have security measures in place to keep your personal information private. Let’s go over a few of the most basic—but most important—ways to keep your digital data safe, starting with how to: 7 steps to a … Read more

Tech Tips: How to find a digital newspaper or magazine

Person searching on laptop

Your Oak Park Public Library card gives you access to thousands of digital newspapers and magazines. Different streaming apps like PressReader, Flipster, and Libby all provide access to digital newspapers and magazines. So what is the best way to start when you’re looking for your favorites? 1. Is it a magazine or a newspaper? 2. … Read more

Tech Tips Smartphone 101: How to copy & paste on your smartphone

Hands holding a smartphone

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology You have likely used the copy and paste functions to move text on your computer, within a document or email, or from one application to another. (If you haven’t, check out these copy and paste shortcut instructions you can use on your computer.) But how do you complete … Read more

Tech Tips: 5 resources for spotting misinformation

News website display on a laptop

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology In today’s media landscape, it can be challenging to sort through the constant flow of information and evaluate the accuracy of news articles and social media posts. The fast pace, sensational headlines, and frequent layout changes of social media can make it challenging to assess what you are reading. These … Read more

Tech Tips: How to sign up for a Learning Lab

Two people wearing masks and working on a laptop

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian Looking for one-on-one help with a specific digital learning or technical topic? Sign up for an in-person Learning Lab appointment—available at all three library locations—and get a focused 30-minute session with a Learning Lab instructor. You can request an appointment by filling out our Learning Lab Appointment Request form, but before … Read more

Tech Tips: How to connect to a wireless network

Person using a laptop outside

By Amy Hofmockel, Creative Technology Librarian You may be in a cafe, out in Scoville Park, or at the library trying to access a public WiFi network, or connecting with a mobile WiFi hotspot that you have checked out from the library. But how do you know you are connecting to the right network? Using your laptop … Read more

Tech Tips: Refining your Google search using domain suffixes

Google suffix search

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Searching the internet for trustworthy information can feel exhausting at times. With seemingly endless results, it’s often tempting to just click on the first or second option. But is the first result the most useful or the most accurate? Maybe, but not necessarily.  One easy way to narrow the scope … Read more

Tech Tips: Google Drive basics

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? Gmail provides you with access to Google apps like Docs, Slides, and Drive. If you have used Docs and Slides before, you may have noticed that all of those files are stored in Google Drive. So what is Google Drive? Cloud-based storage: Files are autosaved … Read more

Tech Tips: Google Docs basics

Person working on laptop and writing on paper with pen

By John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of Creative Technology Do you have a Gmail account? Gmail provides you with access to Google apps like Docs, Drive, and Slides. If you have used programs like Microsoft Word before, Google Docs will feel very familiar to you. ‘A more streamlined feel’ Google Docs is a text editor program with a more … Read more

Introducing Tech Tips: Using tabs in your internet browser

Introducing a new digital learning series called Tech Tips. In blog posts and emails, library staff will share digital learning tips in a short, approachable, and easy-to-digest manner. “We came up with this idea to reach our patrons who often attend our digital learning programs or have computer questions in the library,” says John Gargiulo, Supervising Librarian of … Read more