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Legacy Resources

Modification Instructions

• Build: Modifications Components List (document)

  A list of part numbers and possible sources for the components used in the telescope modification process.

  2855 Hits
• Build: Overview of telescope modifications (document)

  Provides step-by-step details on how to modify the Orion StarBlast 4.5" telescope for use in the library telescope program.  Up to six hours of time for each telescope is required to complete the modifications.  In addition to providing step-by-step details, the overview lists the required tools and parts needed. 

  3011 Hits
• FAQs for distribution to library - Sample (document)

  This document is a sample of "FAQ's" that the St. Louis program distributes to libraries interested in joining the program.   Answers to many common questions are provided.  Of course, you will need to make appropriate changes to your own document.

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Policies and Procedures

• Library patron training outline - Sample (document)

  Outline of a typical "star party" conducted by the St. Louis Astronomical Society for library patrons.  The primary goal of the star party is to train patrons how to use the telescope.  The program is 90 minutes long.  45 minutes of the program is held inside for hands on training and is held even if cloudy outside.  The last 45 minutes teaches night sky navigation is held outside if weather permits, otherwise held inside using sky maps, apps, etc. 

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• Library staff training outline - Sample (document)

  An outline used by the St. Louis Astronomical Society to train library staff during a program launch or as a refresher for existing programs.  This outline presumes the program is being conducted during the day when the library is operating.  Typically, library staff are divided into two or three groups with each group only spending 10 minutes in a conference room with trainers that show them the telescope, how it works and how basics on maintenance.

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• Library telescope checkout procedures - Sample 1 (document)

  Sample procedures used by libraries to checkout a telescope to patrons.

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• Library telescope checkout procedures - Sample 2 (document)

  Sample procedures used by libraries to checkout a telescope to patrons.

  2586 Hits

Optics

• Build (2023): Revised mirror modification procedures

  Revised mirror modification procedures for the 2023 version of the Orion Starblast

  687 Hits

User Manuals

• Build: Telescope user manual - Sample (document)

  This download is sample user manual that you modify for your library.  The user manual is placed into the camera bag.

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• Quickstart Guide - Sample (document)

  For St. Louis area libraries, this "Quickstart Guide" is typically attached to the telescope by the library for use by the patrons.  The guide is less detailed than the indexed sized "User manual" that is inserted in the telescope camera bag.  

  The guide is also used by astronomer club trainers as a handout when training library staff and conducting "star parties" for library patrons.

  2507 Hits

Decals and Stickers

• Build: Base decal (document)

  This is a printable decal placed on the base of the telescope that will provide information about the library that owns the telescope.  You will need to make appropriate changes for the library name, contact information, etc.

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• Build: Get-Started decal

  Add a "Get Started" decal to your telescope for library patrons to quickly access this website.

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• Build: Stickers for the telescope tube

  Printable stickers revised for the tube of the Orion Starblast.  The Moon sticker is slightly reduced to fit the 2023 Orion Starblast model.

  717 Hits

Launch Program Websites

• New Hampshire Astronomical Society

  The New Hampshire Astronomical Society is the founder of the Library Telescope Program.  Their website offers background information and a variety of useful documents on how to get started.

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• Sky & Telescope Magazine

  Background information about the program and links to details on how to make the suggested modifications.

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• The Astronomical League

  Background information about the library telescope program and a number of downloadable documents to help you get started.  Includes an application entry form for the Horkheimer Library Telescope Program which has a drawing to award free telescopes to astronomy clubs or society who are members of The Astronomical League.

  2257 Hits