While technology continues to evolve, public libraries are expanding their own technology to meet the needs of 21st century patrons.
From Nooks and Kindles to Droids and iPhones, technology makes the Internet – and all that it has to offer – accessible from almost anywhere.
As a result, local libraries can provide more options for patrons, including borrowing books without stepping foot into the building and offering workshops to educate residents on these new gadgets.
Librarians are welcoming the challenge.
“I see libraries as always being a place for you to get information and expand your education, and I don’t see that changing – I see it expanding more and more as people become more reliant on devices , “said Courtenay Reece, director of Bridgeton Public Library.” Our role is to help them navigate those devices. “
Located on East Commerce Street in Bridgeton, the public library has developed technology to assist patrons in managing their tablets, Nooks, Kindles, or smart phones.
According to Reece, the Bridgeton Public Library will offer classes on the Nook, given by a Barnes and Noble representative.
“The classes are about how to use the Nook as well as getting assistance directly from the source. We can’t learn everything all at once, “Reece explained.
Additionally, the most recent success in library technology is the loaning of library books through eBooks or audio books – accessible to download from any location.
But, “I don’t want technology to take the place of social connection,” Reece said. “I believe our role is to continue to educate and inform the public, and to provide meeting spaces for people to come in. “
The Woodstown-Pilesgrove Public Library, located on School Lane in Woodstown, has also adapted to the desire for patrons to borrow and download library books, eBooks, and audio books directly from their public libraries. Additionally, residents can access newspaper, magazine, and journal articles from their electronic devices.
For Jean Rishel, of Upper Pittsgrove, using her Kindle for borrowing or downloading books proves beneficial due to her frequent traveling.
“Because Woodstown has this available, and I always travel, being able to access and pick up a new book from anywhere is so easy,” Rishel said. “I can borrow books and have multiple books with me on this device.”
Library patrons who download these eBooks or audio books are actually accessing them from the South Jersey Audio and eBook Download Center.
“Many of our patrons enjoy reading on eBook readers or tablets – audio books are increasingly enjoyed via download and audio services,” offered Debby Dietrich, librarian at the Woodstown-Pilesgrove library.
Jerry Lee Winslow, of the Information Technology Department at the Gloucester County Library System’s Mullica Hill branch, right, trains John Fitzpatrick, of the circulation department, how to download e-books on the iPad and other devices like the Kindle and Nook, on Thursday, July 18, 2013. Library members can borrow e-books from the library for up to 14 days for free (Staff Photo by Lori M. Nichols / South Jersey Times).
Diane Dorrell of Pilesgrove uses her Nook to borrow library books and read them without needing to stop by the library itself.
“It’s very easy, and if there are books I don’t want to buy, I can just get them from the library online. What’s great is you can get audio books and listen to the book while multitasking, “Dorrell said.
According to spokesperson and reference librarian for Gloucester County’s main library, located on Route 45 at Wolfert Station Road in Mullica Hill, many residents began to inquire about use of electronic tablets for books a few years ago when the devices first became popular.
“The public is aware of technological services as far as Internet and public-use computers and now downloadable books,” said Nancy Polhamus.
But library technology is a lot more than that, she suggested.
“With the popularity of the Kindle, Nook, and other devices like iPads and other readers, that opened a whole new world for us,” she said. “Our staff has been trained on the devices and have a general idea how to use them. “
Libraries have pulled together to provide the South Jersey Download Center database, from Gloucester and Salem counties all the way down to Cape May.
“We have a strong commitment to keep up with emerging technology,” Polhamus added. “We are talking about how, from now on, the biggest changes in libraries are going to involve technology.
“We are always on top of emerging demands from the public.”
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Contact staff writer Brittany M. Wehner call 856-935-1500 or email bwehner@southjerseymedia.com
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