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Technology Use Increases by 38.4%

Usage of public computer stations at the Independence Public Library increased in one year (from 05-06 to 06-07) by 38.4%!  This statistic is not unlike trends in public library computer usage across the country.  The demand is constantly increasing, with 80% of public libraries reporting that there are fewer public Internet computers than patrons who wish to use them some or all of the time.*

What the library has been able to offer to the community in the way of technology has increased due to grants and support from the community and the Friends of the Library.  In 2006 we added 4 laptops to our public computers as well as a wireless connection.  This was made possible by a grant from the Buchanan County Community Foundation.  That boosted availability of our computers from 7 public access stations to 11.  There are still many days when we can’t meet the demand for computers, but it has helped greatly. 

A study that was just completed called Libraries Connect Communities:  Public Library Funding & Technology Access demonstrates interesting findings about libraries, technology, and funding.  For instance, 73% of libraries are the only provider of free computer and Internet access in their communities.  The computers and web access provide education and job seeking services that are critical to their communities.*  This is also true locally. 

With more services like a website, downloadable audio books available online, an online catalog of all our materials, an online book club, free basic computer classes, and wireless access being made available in the last several years to the last few months, more and more library services are being made available through and with technology.  These are in response to the needs and demands of our community. 

The services and additional computers mentioned above probably sound like our technology budget has also increased greatly.  Actually, the opposite is true.  We have been fortunate to obtain grants for the first year of downloadable audio books, for the new laptops, and for the wireless access.  The website was created and is maintained in-house and we are utilizing a server that was given to us through a Gates Grant.  Sponsorships from businesses and the Library Friends have paid for the computer classes and the online book club.  Our technology budget fluctuated between $3,000 and $4,000 between 1999 and 2003.  Starting in 03-04 it was reduced to $2,500 and it is now $2,000.  This is due to our bottom line budget not being sufficient, forcing the library board to cut in areas that should instead be increased.  As you can guess, $2,000 is not enough money to maintain 18 computers (11 public access computers + 4 staff computers + 2 servers + 1 online catalog computer), replace them on a rotating basis every 5 years, or to hire technology support for the issues that frequently crop up with a network and 18 computers. 

The Independence Public Library, like other public libraries across the country, has seen great growth in the use and demand of our computers and technology services.  We are excited about offering more in areas that are so needed.  Unfortunately, the library won’t be able to continue to offer the computer access and other services to this extent in the future if we don’t see changes in the library’s overall budget. 

*Bertot, John and Charles McClure.  Public Libraries and the Internet 2006: Study Results and Findings. http://www.ii.fsu.edu/projectFiles/plinternet/2006/2006_plinternet.pdf

Library Tidbits:

Construction Update:
Have you seen the new library lately?  There is a lot going on at 805 1^st St East!  Structural support beams, rafters, and roofing is all being added.  You can see the basic outline of how the new library will look.  Drive by and/or check out the photos at www.indylibrary.org.

Computer Classes:
Computer classes are almost filled for November.  We will offer classes again in January, so if you have a special interest in one or more classes, let us know and we will try to offer requested classes in January.  Check out www.indylibrary.org or call 334-2470 for more information.

Story Times:
Story times are scheduled for Monday evenings at 7:00 pm and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am.
 

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