The Digital Revolution @ MPL (2010-2011)

(Last Updated July 12, 2022)

 

In the Fall of 2010 and throughout 2011, the Library revolutionized its electronic and digital resources for patrons' use.  MPL was one of the pioneering public libraries to join the eIndiana Digital Consortium, which provided downloadable electronic books (e-books), audiobooks, and videos through the Internet.  Patrons used their library cards, such as Evergreen Indiana, to download (for free!) books and other e-digital resources (using OverDrive digital media services) for their e-readers and audio or video players.

In March 2022, the eIndiana Digital Consortium merged with the Indiana Digital Library to provide patrons with free e-resource access.  (Learn more from this blog post.)

During the Summer of 2010, MPL introduced Book News, an online readers' advisory service, to patrons.  Clicking the Book News icon on the Library's website provided patrons with some of the latest fiction and nonfiction books just published.  There were different email book lists to which patrons could subscribe (again, at no cost) using their email addresses.

After a few years, the library discontinued Book News and replaced it with a comparable service called Wowbrary.

MPL Promo Trailer for Wowbrary

(Click Play Arrow in Image to Start Video)

The Library became Skype-enabled during 2010.  Patrons may use, free-of-charge, computers in the MPL Study Rooms to access Skype, which allows users to make free video calls to anyone around the world (provided both users have computers, Internet access, and the Skype software).

In December 2011, thanks to a Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Indiana State Library, MPL purchased a new microform digital scanner, which is available to patrons in the MPL Indiana Room.  The device digitally scans microfilm and microfiche, which may then be printed or saved to USB portable drives (i.e., "flash" drives or "memory sticks").  Patrons could also email scanned images directly from the computer to which the scanner is attached.

 ScanPro 2000 Digital Microform Scanner in Action

Besides digitization, in 2011 MPL upgraded its computer resources throughout the Library and streamlined its wireless Internet access (introducing wireless printing options), and new computer video projection equipment was installed in the Bonita Marley Community Room and the computer lab.  It was a high-tech year for the Library and its patrons.

Technological improvements continue.  In the coming weeks the Library will launch a new, enhanced, easier-to-navigate website, which will presumably use the same domain name as our current website.

A century ago, MPL staff and patrons could hardly have imagined all of the technological improvements that modern Library users take for granted.  It is yet another example of how MPL has adapted to better serve its patrons' informational and educational needs.