Jefferson County Public Library Updates Technology Offerings

Jefferson County Public Library is now providing access to new technologies for the benefit of patrons, staff and the community.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to upgrade our technology infrastructure to enhance the availability and security of our technology offerings,” said Pam Nissler, executive director, JCPL. “Now, with a stable network and expanded bandwidth, we’re able to introduce new technologies for our patrons.”

Over the past 24 months, the Library has:

  • Installed new public-access computers across the system. Patrons now have access to current computer technology and may reserve time (up to two hours at a time) on public computers by visiting jeffcolibrary.org/reserve-computer.
  • Updated the operating system and software on all public access computers (including laptops) to Windows 10 and Office 2016.
  • Installed photo-and-video-editing software on public access computers at the Columbine, Lakewood and Standley Lake Libraries. Installed technology includes ability for patrons to transfer VHS tapes to DVDs or USB.
  • Installed Learning Ally software on public access computers at all 10 locations. This software program, used by Jeffco schools and offered in partnership with the Jeffco Schools Foundation, is designed to help students who read below grade level boost their vocabulary, comprehension and test scores.
  • Introduced wireless hotspots for checkout at all libraries. Patrons who need Internet access at home or while traveling can now check out these hotspots and connect to the Internet from any cellular network, anywhere in the US.
  • Launched a new and improved library website at jeffcolibrary.org. The new site offers better performance on mobile devices, improved accessibility and advances in search that make it easier to discover everything the Library has to offer. 
  • Created a makerspace. This dedicated space at the Columbine Library allows patrons to learn about and interact with emerging technologies, including a 3D printer, 3D pens, modular robotics, stop-motion animation, LEGO™ Mindstorms and more.
  • Installed new service kiosks at nine JCPL library locations (Edgewater will be added with the completion of the new library this fall.) These selfCheck™ kiosks, offered by bibliotheca™, allow patrons to complete a number of self-service transactions − including checking out Library materials and paying fines and fees – quickly and efficiently.

The Library is also offering new and improved online resources to patrons, including:

  • Axis 360, an online app that gives patrons a new way to experience their favorite titles. Patrons can choose e-books and digital audiobooks and have them delivered directly to their computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
  • Kanopy, a popular on-demand video streaming service offers patrons instant online access to more than 30,000 movies, including award-winning documentaries and acclaimed films, rare, hard-to-find titles, and classic films.
  • Lynda.com, a robust online learning service offers access to more than 4,200 courses and over 130,000 videos that support personal and professional development.
  • Mango, an online, app-based language-learning tool, expanded from 10 languages to 71.
  • Consumer Reports online, a robust database that features product ratings and recommendations on thousands of products and services in categories including appliances, cars, electronics and computers, home and garden, health and fitness, babies and kids, food, personal finance, and travel.
  • The Oxford English Dictionary (online), the definitive record of the English language.

“These and other technologies have the ability to transform the ways we interact with each other and the world,” Nissler added. “At JCPL, we want Jeffco residents to have access to current and emerging technologies that can improve their lives and their communities.”