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March 26, 2024
Hosting Solutions & Library Consulting

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NEW!
Britannica Tutorial Now Available in POWER Academy
This tutorial is for all libraries serving children in grades PreK-5th grade, and their families may find this resource useful for school reports, homework, and general reference.   
 
This database features include encyclopedia articles, images, videos, and magazine articles. There is a Britannica Fundamentals section for children Pre-K through grade 2. Tools such as a world atlas, virtual tours, country comparisons, etc., allow learners to explore geography and animal kingdom topics. 
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By taking this tutorial, you will gain a basic understanding of how to navigate Britannica School and learn how to create customized favorites, resource packs, and lesson plans. 
View the Tutorial Now!

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Determining if an eCard is Needed, and Other Tips for Helping Students
Did you know? A public library card can be used to access the databases in POWER Library. Users with a public library card number do not need to register for an eCard. 
 
Attention Schools: When registering for an eCard, students will be sent a confirmation message from the eCard registration system. If students use a school-supplied email address, the school will need to allow emails to be delivered to students from help@powerlibrary.org. Alternatively, students should register for an eCard using an email provided by Yahoo, Gmail, etc.
 
Additionally, the eCard registration system uses a verification service to confirm PA residency. This is why parents' information is necessary when minors register for an eCard. Please encourage students to enter their address, emails, etc., accurately to ensure the best chance of being verified as a PA resident.
Are you a POWER Library participant whose students are prompted to enter a card number when inside your school? If yes, please contact HSLC Support. Inside school, we use I.P. authentication to deliver students directly into an e-resource without being challenged for a card number. 
 
What is the best remote access option for schools? Single Sign-On (SSO) is the best remote option for schools. SSO eliminates the need for students to enter library card or eCard numbers. SSO authentication is now available for school districts using ClassLink, Clever, or Google as their SSO platform.
 
What will it cost my school to make SSO available?
There is no additional fee to add SSO authentication for public school districts. However, every school in the district must participate in POWER Library. Private schools will be assessed a small annual fee to add SSO authentication.
Learn More About SSO for POWER Library!

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Chat with a Librarian Training Opportunities for Contributing Institutions
These trainings are for staff members at institutions that contribute to Chat with a Librarian. Thinking about adding some new operators to your service? Now would be a great time so that they can benefit from the April 2nd live training!
Chat with a Librarian New Operator Training
Tuesday, April 2, 10 AM
This training is designed for new chat staff and will familiarize them with all the basic elements of the service, the LibAnswers/LibChat software, and more!
Register for NEW operator training now!
Chat with a Librarian Operator Refresher Training
Tuesday, April 16, 10 AM
This training is designed for existing operators and will revisit some important chat topics, look at some best-practices for conducting chat and answering tickets, and offer time for Q&A for all your burning questions!
Register for REFRESHER operator training now!
Is your institution interested in learning more about the benefits of contributing staff to Chat with a Librarian? Learn more here!
 

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 Come Visit Us at One of These Upcoming Events!
You can find us in the exhibits promoting POWER Library and providing attendees with outreach materials. Not attending a given conference yourself? Maybe your colleagues are attending. Tell them to stop by the POWER Library booth.
  • Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference, April 8, 2024, in Philadelphia
  • Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program Conference, April 9-11, 2024, in Drexel Hill
  • PA School Librarians Annual Conference, April 11-12, 2024, in Mt. Pocono
  • PA Museums Annual Conference, April 14-16, 2024, in Harrisburg
  • PA Workforce Development Association Annual Conference, May 1-3, 2024, in Hershey
  • PA Intermediate Units Annual Conference, May 29-31, 2024, in Mt. Pocono
Questions? Contact Support!

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Staff Changes?

Moving to a new school, retiring, or otherwise leaving your current position? Please let us know! Keeping us updated with contact changes ensures staff are kept up-to-date on lists, newsletters, and invoices issued by HSLC are received.

Help us keep the participant directory up-to-date!
Please Report Contact Updates to HSLC!

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POWER Library/Access PA Annual Technology Support Fee Notice

The technology support fee will remain the same for 2024-25.

Invoices will be distributed in April of 2024.

What are the cost-savings of participating in POWER Library?
Statewide contracts for POWER Library resources are paid by the Pennsylvania Department of Education/Office of Commonwealth Libraries.  In turn, your school or library benefits by not having to purchase these databases from local funds.

  • It would cost a school $56,515 to subscribe to all of the e-resources in POWER Library on their own. 
  • It would cost a public library $73,366 to subscribe to all of the e-resources in POWER Library on their own.

In addition to cost-savings, participants are provided with enhanced support, training, and custom programming for access to the e-resources.
Need Support? Contact Us!

Do You Need Support? We Are Here to Help!

If you need support, please use one of the options provided below to contact HSLC. 

Complete the POWER Library Support Form
Email us at support@hslc.org
Call us at 215-222-1532
Get Support!

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POWER Library
This project is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Library Access funds administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services or the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

POWER Library is hosted by HSLC
3600 Market St., Suite 550
Philadelphia, PA 19104