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Date: 1/18/2022
CHICOPEE – The continual evolution of technology places an imperative responsibility on organizations to grow with the times. At the Chicopee Public Library, the organization continues to readily accept that challenge as they work to expand their electronic content database.
Senior Reference Librarian Carol Bagley discussed the platform’s growth amidst COVID-19’s impacts. While the library itself remains open, Bagley shared that interest in digital offerings is steadily increasing with patrons. “More and more people are using the digital options. People who hadn’t used them before started to come in and explore [digital content] more,” said Bagley.
For Chicopee Public Library, electronic content options started to be embraced by the space a little over 10 years ago. Electronic Resources Librarian Brigitte Lyman explained that electronic library comes sourced from the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing (CW MARS), with Chicopee being among one of the 182 locations utilizing the consortium to provide an expansive array of information.
Over time, Chicopee Public Library developed its electronic content base to be more inclusive. “As more and more people have access to the Internet and personal devices, the desire for online resources has increased. We are continually working to add more digital resources to our library to allow remote and digital access to all materials we provide: books, audio books, movies, TV shows, music, magazines and educational/research resources,” said Lyman.
A transition from the hard-wired traditions of hard copy text to the blue light presence of technological screens may seem daunting to some. According to Bagley, the transition continues to be seamless for many of library’s patrons. “It’s been easy to pick up for most people. Some people need a little handholding at the beginning, but most have been able to access electronic content with no problems,” said Bagley.
Among new additions to the library’s electronic content offerings, Bagley discussed the inclusion of film platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla, with the services offering a blend of storied cinematic staples alongside an infusion of modern offerings. Lyman also explained that the electronic database includes an array of essential databases, audio books and electronic magazines.
Readers interested in accessing Chicopee Public Library’s electronic content can access the platforms through their library card or a recently introduced ECard for patrons who do not already have a library card. The ECard can be upgraded at any time to include access to the library’s physical space.