Pat’s first order of business was to computerize the card catalog system and she had actually begun this work as a volunteer. HCPL was one of only 16 libraries left in the state that hadn’t computerized. But in the usual Highland way, Pat and Peggy did the changeover on their own, cataloging everything themselves, rather that bringing in outside help. The Follett Automation System provided floppy discs that had MARC records on them, and you just hoped the book you wanted to catalog was on the disc.
It was a painstaking and arduous process, but they did it all themselves.
The first Public Access computer at the library was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson in honor of the Lunsford family of Highland. Initially it was not connected to the internet and could only be used with pre-loaded programs for word processing or other activities.
Pat was a very early advocate for internet connectivity in Highland County. She met regularly with a group of other interested computer enthusiasts to learn more and push the local utilities for internet for the county. As soon as it was available, she brought internet to the library. Bear in mind, this was 56 bps dial up. She created the library’s first web site; one she had to code. It was a CFW hosted site. In early 1998 she was able to connect the public access computer to the internet.
In September of 1997, a microfilm reader was purchased for the library using donated funds. This would allow microfilm of The Recorder archives to be viewed locally.
The project was brought together with the advocacy of library volunteer Peggy Bird, Recorder owner Lea Campbell, and previous publisher Chris Pugh.
