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The Book Drop: Creston library stays up-to-date with new technology

Library moves to new catalogue system; 2014 plans include iPads in children's area, improving Wi-Fi in building...
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Aaron Francis is the chief librarian at the Creston Valley Public Library.

I’ve never been one for making New Year’s resolutions, but we do have plenty of plans for the library this year, so here is a sneak peak at what’s in store for 2014!

Given that so much information is now online, and access to technology is required for getting just about anything done these days, it’s essential that we continually keep our technology up to date — as well as continue to provide training and assistance on how to use this technology.

By the time this column is published, we will have moved to a new Integrated Library System. This is the system that stores our catalogue, patron records, lets us know who borrowed what, and so forth.

One major improvement you will notice is that the catalogue — which will be accessible from home or anywhere — will provide access to books throughout the Kootenays. You can place holds on items from Nelson or Castlegar just as you can from our own collection. A second improvement is that you will be able to see our ebook and audiobook collection from within the catalogue, rather than having to go through the Library To Go website. The new system will also provide significantly better protection of data privacy, something we take seriously at the library.

Later in the year, we will install iPads in the children’s area. The educational potential of these devices is incredible, and we are committed to ensuring that everybody, regardless of age, has access to this technology.

Improving Wi-Fi connectivity and access to electrical outlets throughout the building is a third area slated for improvement. At just about any time, one can see a half-dozen or more people connected to our Wi-Fi, and we expect more and more folks to take advantage of this free service.

Landscaping of the front area of the library is scheduled for the spring. We plan to provide better outdoor seating areas, which will ease some of the congestion around the front entrance during the summer months.

Our children’s area is slated for a second phase of improvements. In addition to a new computer area, we plan to open the space up, install more family-friendly seating and begin development of a toy library. We want every child in Creston to have a place in our library.

Signage and displays throughout the library are in urgent need of an upgrade. We need to make it easier for you to come in and find what you want — and perhaps discover something that you didn’t know you wanted!

Speaking of collections, 2013 was a year of cleaning up the unused and unwanted items from our collection. We’re determined to keep our shelves filled with the highest quality items in a quantity suitable for our space. I can promise that, in 2014, you will see all of the latest bestsellers, award winners and feature films, as well as some outstanding hidden gems hitting our shelves. As always, we beg you to tell us what you want. A significant portion of our budget is devoted for direct patron requests, and what we don’t purchase we can usually borrow from another library.

My space is up here, and I’m just getting started! Come by and see what’s new. Better yet, drop a suggestion in the suggestion box or talk to me about your ideas for the library.

Aaron Francis is the chief librarian at the Creston Valley Public Library.