Library Briefs

• Cd'A library wonders how it's doing

COEUR d'ALENE - In just the past decade, changing technology has influenced the services that are expected from libraries. The Coeur d'Alene Public Library wants to know how well it has responded and where improvement is needed.

During April, library users are being asked to take an online "Impact Survey" of how they use the technology at the library. The survey is made available by the Information school at the University of Washington.

To participate, go to the library website: www.cdalibrary.org and the survey link will appear automatically.

The survey is anonymous, available in both English and Spanish and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential and the survey does not collect any personally identifiable information.

The Impact Survey is the result of a successful research initiative from the University of Washington with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 2009, the University of Washington Information School conducted "Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries," the first large-scale investigation of the ways U.S. library patrons use computers and the Internet at public libraries, why they use it, and how it affects their lives.

• Cabinet to serve Seed Saver Project

COEUR d'ALENE - A cabinet that once housed part of the card catalog at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library has been repurposed to serve the Seed Saver Project.

The cabinet, originally donated by the Friends of the Library to honor a longtime volunteer, is set up near the Research and Reference desk through May.

The seed swap project was set up to encourage urban agriculture with seeds for plant varieties that do well in North Idaho, depending on the conditions where the seeds are planted.

Participants are invited to take the seeds they need and to contribute commercially packaged seeds that are less than five years old. You don't have to give seeds to participate.

Also, an experienced gardener will be at the library 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to provide advice.

For more information, contact Sherry Bullard, ILL Coordinator, at (208) 769-2315 or email sbullard@cdalibary.org.