Tyngsborough Public Library recently developed a library toolbar for Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. The toolbar offers users quick access to library sites, library databases, local links, and a selection of websites organized by subject; it also offers users a popup blocker and a Google search box. Removing or updating the toolbar requires one click on the toolbar. At present, the toolbar is available only on computers at the library. In the near future, users will be able to download the toolbar at home. With the toolbar, the library can help users search from home and work too!

Overall, the project marks a first step toward moving away from straight .html into .xml. XML provides a universal data source to generate comparable links for future and unknown projects. XML code will be utilized to generate a set of website links for the Tyngsborough Public Library's site and the development of a toolbar of widgets for the Firefox/Mozilla browser. The beauty of .xml is the avoidance of the duplication of source data, while offering ease for updating these links through one data source, XML.

For your interest, the in-house toolbar is accessible at: www.tynglib.org/toolbar.exe.

Beyond the toolbar for patrons, a staff toolbar was also created; it incorporates some of the great features of the in-house toolbar, while offering librarians access to professional links pertaining to collection development, grants, technology, and much more.

The staff toolbar is available at www.tynglib.org/toolbarmvlc.exe.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Randy at rgagne@mvlc.org