I'm not talking about the lack of dust-bunnies that would like to gather in the corners of our wee, aging library building.
No, I am talking about the dust that gathers in the brains of those who are not moving ahead with new technology and innovations. If you haven't been to your public library, you may have a stereotype idea of what a library worker is all about. Dewey decimal system? Classic books? Hair-buns, sensible shoes and a steely glare that tells you to "BE QUIET or ELSE"? (Okay, I'll give you the point for a couple of those last ones...) If that's your idea of your public library, you need to come in and get educated about your library in 2011! Technology has the ability to connect our patrons to information in ways that you may not be aware of. Library staff are constantly learning about the technology we can offer and are poised to help bring our patrons into the information age. Ontario Public Libraries have been recognized as a major asset in the knowledge ecomony and the government has invested in techology within our library.
In the last two years, we have implemented:
Downloadable Audiobooks - These are audiobook files that you can download and use on your computer, CD, and MP3 players.
Downloadable eBooks - These are eBooks that you download to read on your eBook reader.
eResources - We offer several online databases that cover a wide variety of topics, such as geneology, career information, auto repair, health, educational resources and more.
Service Ontario centre - You can get assistance to accessing the Ontario government services from within the library to get information, renew your driver's license, register your new baby, etc.
Playaways - These are small, pocket-sized battery operated devices that contain an audiobook that you can either listen to with earbuds or port through your car stereo.
Daisy Readers for CNIB services - Now, anyone with a print disability (through visual, physical or learning disability) can get obtain Daisy format materials and borrow Daisy Reader equipment from the library.
Tumblebooks, PebbleGo, Grzimek's Animal Life and the Early Literacy Station use new technology to educate young minds in an entertaining way.
Current Microsoft Office Suite of software products - At the time of writing, the library has 10 computers that have the 2010 version of Microsoft Office installed. We've created our webpages on the mycallander.ca website. Here, you can look at the monthly lists of new library materials, read the book club's discussion on the latest book read, find out what our Raising Reader's group is doing next, and much more.
Our library has a large electronic display that shows a visually appealing slide presentation of community event notices, new material information, etc. The display doubles as a large screen for group computer presentations.
Our library has been lucky to have a CAP student, funded by Industry Canada, who can assist our patrons in learning all about using technology. Our regular library staff strive to be competent in our offerings so that we can assist our patrons to get the most out of this technology in their daily use at the library.
The Callander Public Library is embracing advances in technology and the universe of knowledge that lay beyond our doors. Your library card is your ticket...get on board...
