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Exciting Enhancements to IPPL Technology Presented

After Roll call and  reviewing the Missions and Vision Statements of the Library, a report was given to the Board by the Head of Computer and Technical Services, Ann Stovall. It was exciting to hear the technology update for the library, as well as upcoming plans to better serve the community with new technology advancements.

One new addition is that the Library’s “Ask a Librarian” service now has a “Text-a Librarian” version. Patrons send a new text message question on their mobile phones by following these steps:

1.    Compose New SMS
2.    Send to 66746 (this spells MOSIO on the phone keypad)
3.    Type “AskIPPL”
4.    Send.

How easy is that? No matter where you are -  in the store, on vacation, at a restaurant -  and have a question for the Library, you will be able to send a text message and get your answer!

Other exciting technological changes include the new “Playaway View” devices. Hand-held in size, these are for young children and are pre-populated with video versions of story books. We’ll have 24 of these nifty devices for check-out, and will be a great way for small children to prepare for their technological futures!

After Labor Day, we’ll also have eBook readers available for check-out to patrons age 14 and up. These will be preloaded with books and will be very helpful to anyone thinking about purchasing one. You will have the opportunity to try different kinds to see what they are all about and which type you might prefer.

Another new technology IPPL is implementing is the use of iPad 2′s for staff and patrons!

• Staff will be able to use these iPads while walking through the library, to provide assistance to patrons wherever they are. One exciting feature on these devices is the translation feature, which will help the librarians when assisting non-English, or English as a second language speaking patrons. With 44 different languages spoken in the home within our Library District, this feature will be very helpful for our staff!
• We also will have iPads available for parents to use with their kids for early child reading development with interactive books and alphabet recognition apps.

Strategic Plan Update

Much of the remainder of the meeting was related to the Strategic Plan initiative we are working on. Much input has come in from the community, and we are very grateful to you for that! The Board will hold two Trustee Retreats in September to review and make sense of all the data that has been compiled.

I look forward to updating you further on the Strategic Plan as we move forward over the next few months