Same Mission, New Technology: Our Local Libraries in the Digital Age

JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – While the Digital Age has changed many things, the basic mission of libraries to access information to meet the needs of the community remains the same.

(Photos courtesy of Punxsutawney Memorial Library)

ExploreJeffersonPA.com asked library directors in our region what it means to be a library in the Digital Age.

According to Jessica Church, Library Director for Punxsutawney Memorial Library, the focus of librarians remains on helping people access the information they need.

“The role of the public library — to help community members have equal access to information and resources — has always been the foundation of what we do. The methods, even compared to 15-20 years ago, have evolved to incorporate more technology in order to bring information access to more people,” Church said.

As those methods have evolved, so has the role of librarians.

“As with anything, we all have to adapt to the changes that are happening in the world, and technology is a big one, especially when it comes to libraries. But again, we have to adapt with the changing technology. We have to learn the new technologies that are available for our patrons to use, and then, in turn, be the teachers ourselves,” noted Karl Rebon, Director of Reynoldsville Public Library.

Church noted that while the internet has allowed people to access more information, having access to quality internet can still be a challenge for many people.

“The library is a place where people can go to use computers, the Internet, and WiFi to complete the tasks that are now online.”

According to Rebon, another aspect of the library is offering credible sources of information.

“We are a source that is reliable because we have the books. When you look things up on the internet, there is a high possibility that what you are reading isn’t reliable.”

However, the library does also offer access to online resources that are reliable and credible, many of which are available through Power Library, which gives library cardholders free access to a wide array of information digitally, from the Science Reference Center to Business Insights and Auto Repair Source & Small Engine Repairs Reference Center to and Kids InfoBits.

Local libraries also offer digital access to everything from DMV forms and registration and Census data collection to genealogy research and tax forms.

“We have to know how to use an array of technology. We provide ebooks for partrons and have to know how to use iPads, e-readers, kindles, or whatever someone uses to read that isn’t the traditional book. We also have to know how to use google, and emails, and the internet itself, because these are all things that are a permanent fixture in our profession and our libraries,” Rebon said.

Local libraries are also there for helping the local community keep up with technology, offering computer classes on topics like Microsoft Excel and Internet security, and even open sessions for community members to drop by and ask for assistance with their technology devices or tech questions.

Church noted Pennsylvania’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries granted Punxsutawney Memorial Library with STEM and arts technology for afterschool programs, including Buddha Boards, Snap Circuits, a Silhouette, and a Turing Tumble unit.

“These allow youth participants to explore science and the arts through new channels.”

Another popular piece of newer technology is digital lending. Through OverDrive and the Libby app, patrons can use their library cards to freely access a growing digital catalog of eBooks and digital audiobooks.

“OverDrive is the original app, great for Kindle users; Libby is the new and improved model for streamlined service within its app,” Church explained.

“Patrons register in their preferred app by using their library card number, then they can browse and loan the collection of materials. Patrons can also search by a specific title or author or look through the curated collection of materials by interesting topics. These materials can be borrowed to their devices for free for two week lending periods.”

Patrons who use these apps can not only place holds, but they can also use the Libby feature to suspend holds, so books don’t all come in at once. They can also use special features like changing font size, use a special font for dyslexia, or increase the speed of audiobooks. With digital lending, there is also no fear of late fees, as items automatically return themselves after a set period of time.

More recently, patrons within the Oil Creek Library District (which encompasses the public libraries of Venango, Clarion, and Jefferson Counties) can also use their library card to borrow materials from the Seneca Libraries District through a Reciprocal Lending Agreement. Patrons can register as “visiting from another library” to use their home library card number.

According to Church, the agreement between the districts is the first in Pennsylvania and has shown itself to be a great value to patrons.

“They now have access to a whole different library collection. It’s like a two-for-one deal.”

Patrons also have access to RBdigital, an app that provides access to 50+ popular magazine titles in a digital format, as well as eBooks from PALibERty, a local, collaborative alternative as an ebook platform.

The advent of social media is also territory our local libraries have moved into, to better reach out to area residents and library patrons.

“Social media has made a big difference in connecting with people. We get to connect more with patrons because they follow our Facebook page or whatever types of media we use to get the word out. I know Facebook lets me connect with patrons easily when I need to announce closings or events, and it lets me do Facebook lives to promote my library. And Facebook has also been wonderful for things such as the Week of Giving, where patrons can give monetary donations to the library digitally,” Rebon said.

Church noted that social media is also handy for reaching users who may not be tapped into other media outlets in the area.

“It gives us an opportunity to interact with followers by sharing information about upcoming events, photos from events that just happened, and new materials and services that are available. Followers can also get an inside look at behind-the-scenes processes that help the library to operate daily,” she said.

While the Digital Age is offering a lot of opportunities for local libraries, it doesn’t come without its own particular set of challenges.

“I tend to say, ‘These days, libraries have to work 10 years ahead and 10 years back.’ Not everyone uses technology at the same pace or levels, so we try to maintain knowledge about older technology as well as what’s new and upcoming,” Church said.

“We have to enhance ourselves, our knowledge, and what we have to do to stay with the new ideas as they became relevant, and in turn we stay relevant too. I can’t think of any enhancers that we need to become aware of at this time. But we are always on the lookout for the next step in our path to being a relevant staple in our community,” Rebon noted.

According to Church, contrary to the popular idea that libraries and print books are “dying,” she feels local libraries are still vital to our communities.

“Community members and area visitors use library services every day, even if it’s to use our free WiFi from the parking lot. As places for members of the community to explore new topics, converse with mentors, spend time with their peers, and bring their questions to library staff, the library adds that in-person social quality that’s difficult for technology to fill. Human interaction is essential—now more than ever—and the public library can provide that in a technology-driven world.”


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