Agency Discourse Observation Memo

Agency Discourse Observation Memo

To: English 1311 students

From: Monica Marin

Re: The Computer Information System of the El Paso Public Library

Date: March 17, 2011

Technology is amazing. It is constantly growing, changing, and improving. It exists in all aspects of society and in almost all professions including healthcare, aviation, government and education. It is of extreme importance for everyone to have access to computers and the internet. Therefore, as El Pasoans have increased their use of the internet the El Paso Public libraries have increased the number of computers available to the public that provide access to the internet, its  resources and its services.

The El Paso public libraries serve as technology hubs that are available to the entire community at no charge. There are currently thirteen branches in El Paso, including a branch located inside the El Paso Community College Northwest campus. The website, elpasotexas.gov/library provides access to eight online collections which consist of downloadable eBooks, archives of the El Paso Times newspaper, career guidance and planning tools, and tutorials and practice tests for the ASVAB, GED and US citizenship. Five libraries have free wireless internet access (WI-FI). Most libraries have a computer lab with at least 14 computers that can be used by the public. Also, basic computer courses are offered at 12 of the libraries. The Inter-Library Loan (ILL) program allows any El Paso Public library card holder to request items that are not readily available in the El Paso branches from other locations.

Although the internet has become an everyday commodity, not everyone has the advantage of internet access. It is the libraries mission to bridge the gap and help the disadvantaged groups (with regards to race, income, geography and education). For that reason, the El Paso public library wants its services to be well known and widely available to the public. The website is the most valuable and easily accessible. It contains general library information that includes events, new services being offered, individual account access, and information pertaining to a particular branch. Each branch publishes monthly newsletters regarding hours of operation, classes offered, upcoming events and children programs like story time. Posters and flyers are used to announce special events like concerts and exhibits. Many El Paso residents do not speak English fluently, so a few branches offer Literacy programs for all ages that provide ESL, GED, computer literacy, and citizenship assistance.

The El Paso public library reaches out to the community in several ways. Its website and branches provide heads of information for everyone including infants, toddlers, teenagers, mature adults and senior citizens. The website includes links to computer classes, enhancements to buildings and computer centers, upcoming events sponsored by the library like the Kids Palooza, among additional links. Its design is structured like a tri-sectional newsletter providing easy access to common links. It includes links to their Twitter, Facebook and blogs at several branch locations. Finally, the bookmobile is a fully equipped library on wheels that has many stops throughout El Paso for those that cannot make it to the library. It provides full access to the internet and offers storytelling and other services.