Jefferson County Public Library Updates Technology Offerings

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.

Jefferson County Public Library has been busy updating its technology for the benefit of patrons, staff and the community.

“We’re all about giving people equal access to information and opportunity,” said Pam Nissler, executive director, JCPL. “These days, that means giving people access to the tools and technology they need to participate fully in the global digital community.

“For years, JCPL lagged behind other library systems in providing that access,” Nissler added. “With the recent voter-approved increase in the Library’s mill levy, we’re now working to catch up and offer enhanced patron resources.”

Since January 1, 2016, the Library has:

  • Enhanced the security and efficiency of its networks by upgrading servers, switches and firewalls; and
  • Updated more than 100 public access computers across the system. Patrons may reserve time (up to two hours at a time) on public computers by visiting jeffcolibrary.org/reserve-computer.
  • Replaced 12 outdated AWE Early Literacy Stations. Designed specifically for children ages 2 – 8, these computers feature over 4,000 localized learning activities in math, science & nature, social studies & geography, reading, art & music, writing & computer skills, and reference.

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

  • Expanded access to thousands of movies, television shows, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and full music albums available for library patrons to stream on their mobile device or PC though JCPL’s subscription digital service, Hoopla.
  • New online resources now available at jeffcolibrary.org/research, including:
    • New York Times Online;
    • TumbleBooks, an online collection of animated talking picture books that teach children the joy of reading in a format they love; and
    • Mango Languages, a popular language-learning system that offers self-paced online instruction in 12 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

The Library has introduced a number of new patron education offerings as well, including classes in Windows 10, Cloud Computing, Skype and more. A full class schedule is available at http://jeffcolibrary.org/events. Classes are provided at libraries throughout JCPL; in addition, local non-profit organizations may request a visit from our Mobile Computer Classroom by contacting pat.lamprey@jeffcolibrary.org.

This year, JCPL is participating in a nationwide Edge Survey developed by a national coalition of leading library and local government organizations. This benchmarking initiative will allow JCPL to compare its technology offerings against those of similarly sized libraries in four key areas: workforce development, access to legal and eGovernment resources, education and lifelong learning, and health and wellness. By identifying service gaps, JCPL can plan effectively for future technology offerings.

“Technology is transforming the ways in which people learn, communicate and live,” Nissler continued. “This data will help us to ensure that we’re offering Jeffco residents the technology tools and services they’ll need to remain connected and productive in the 21st century.”