The Camden County Library System released its three-year strategic plan, which focuses on increasing the use of technology and incorporating ideas provided by the public.
Although all county libraries have some hi-tech features, M. Allan Vogelson Library in Voorhees is working on updating its Internet bandwidth to help facilitate the increase of personal devices used in the library.
According to assistant public relations officer Mark Amorosi, the library conducted a survey last year, asking its customers what improvements the library should make in the next few years. More than 1,000 residents responded to the survey.
“Because of changing technology, we are always trying to meet the needs of our customers,” he said, adding the library would also offer programs and assistance for those who are not familiar with tablets or eReaders.
Other long-term goals for the library are allowing customers to print from personal wireless devices; creating additional meeting spaces such as quiet zones, formal meeting rooms and meeting areas; adding new formats and expanding the current library’s digital collection; installing Mac computers and making iMac and Mac productivity and entertainment software available; and providing video conferencing stations.
“We found out from our strategic planning that technology is important to our customers. We also found out that they want to use many of their own mobile devices, so providing technology to them based upon their preferred platform makes sense.
“Our customers are accustomed to having more technology choices from other businesses, and we want to give them the same, if not more, choices,” Camden County Library System Director Linda Devlin said in an email.
Amorosi said more computers, including Macs, are being installed at the Bellmawr branch. He said it would take a while until all goals are met in each library.
According to Janice Masud-Paul, director of information technology, the Voorhees branch’s wireless network needs to be expanded.
“As more people are coming in with their devices and using their smartphones, they are relying on our wireless network more and more,” she said.
She said when the library first installed the wireless network, using grants provided by the state, the use of the network was underestimated.
The network’s expansion is needed to allow customers to print from wireless devices and expand the use of technology.
The traditional library card may also be a thing of the past.
According to Bill Brahms, chief librarian and branch manager, patrons will soon be able to use smartphones to check out items with a digital library card.
The system is currently being installed at the Voorhees branch. Brahms said this app would make checkout easier, adding to the efficiency of the self-checkout systems that were installed in all libraries.
The digital cards can be used at any branch and samples would be “rolled out in the next two months,” he said.
He is hoping to see more people use the digital library cards, but the library will still offer traditional cards, which residents can sign up for online. More than 150 people registered for a card using the online system this month, allowing faster access to the library’s online systems, Brahms said.
The library offers programs such as Freegal, a digital service that allows residents to download up to three MP3s a week; Zinio, a digital newsstand that offers 100 popular magazine downloads for free; and Freading, an eBook service that offers access to more than 20,000 titles. All programs and downloads can be accessed using smartphones, iPads, tablets and PCs.
For those who are digitally challenged and need assistance with programs, by the end of July there will be drop-in times set for people who want hands-on assistance with the devices and the library’s programs, Brahms said.
“We encourage customers to bring in their own devices, but if not we can use our sample Kindle Fires, Nooks, etc.,” he said.
The library is also looking to implement the use of eReaders and tablets in children’s programs, helping the children prepare and become acquainted with in-school use of technology.
“One part of our strategic plan incorporates innovative programming and story times that utilize current and emerging technologies such as tablets and eReaders for children from birth to age 12,” Devlin said.
The library will have materials available for residents to borrow, but will incorporate modern technology to address the needs of the population.
“By giving customers more of what they want, developing innovative new services and enhancing our facilities, we are confident that we will meet or exceed the needs of the communities that we serve,” Devlin said.
For more information on the library’s downloadable content, visit www.camdencountylibrary.org/download, and to view the subscription database, visit www.camdencountylibrary.org/subscription-databases.
The planned drop-in sessions where customers can receive hands-on assistance are on Friday, July 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you can’t make it to a drop-in session, the library has instructional materials for tablets and eReaders, and patrons are able to call the library for assistance.
M. Allan Vogelson Library is located at 203 Laurel Oak Road. It’s open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays until Sept. 2. For more information, visit www.camdencountylibrary.org/voorhees-branch or call 772–6105.
