Laserfiche WebLink
MAKER: Library cardholders have access to workshops and independent project work in <br />the Maker Hub Open Lab and Media Lab on the Downtown Library’s 3rd floor. <br />Media Lab offers state-of-the-art audio, video, and design equipment and software. <br />FY18 Media Lab uses: 1,741 <br />Open Lab offers ways to develop skills and use tools in an open, unguided environment; <br />volunteers facilitate the Open Lab. <br />FY18 Open Lab uses: 3,134 <br />Maker Hub use has increased 76% from FY17. <br />More Materials and Technology <br />Levy Promise: The Library’s budget for books, movies, eBooks, etc., returned <br />to pre-recession levels, providing quicker availability of in-demand items. <br />New laptops increased internet access at Bethel and Sheldon Branches. <br />MATERIALS: EPL maintains a diverse collection of Library materials in a variety of formats, <br />responsive to community needs. <br />Total Number of Physical Items: 467,064 <br />Total Number of Electronic Items: 695,546 <br />Number of Materials Increased: 171,847 <br />TECHNOLOGY: Bridging the digital divide for community members who lack access is a <br />critical role of EPL. A total of 159 computers are available to community members, which <br />includes the laptops that can be borrowed for up to two days from the Bethel and <br />Sheldon Branches. <br />OFF-SITE: Library staff and volunteers delivered <br />programs at a variety of locations: schools, senior <br />housing, apartment complexes, community events, <br />etc. The programs all had a Maker theme: painting, <br />electric circuitry, virtual reality, embroidery, etc; <br />appealing to a broad range of community members. <br />FY18: 412 off-site events; 9,918 reached. <br />(Reaching 78% more than FY17) <br />During a visit to Olive Plaza senior living facility, staff brought Virtual Reality equipment. <br />The participants were asked, “Where would you like to go?” Many visited old vacation <br />spots or childhood neighborhoods. One participant was overjoyed that she was able to <br />“visit” the remote Rock Islands off of Palau; she even went up to her apartment to bring <br />us a big shell kept from her time spent there. The nostalgia factor and ease of experience <br />helped alleviate some of the anxiety of encountering a new piece of technology. <br />January 14, 2019, Work Session – Item 3