EVERETT – Armchair computer gurus and fumbling do-it-yourselfers can now browse a trove of technology books at the Everett Public Library – in their bathrobes at 2 a.m. if they wish.
The library recently launched an online service that connects members to a technical library of more than 5,000 books.
It’s just one example of how libraries are adapting to a changing world, where time and place are no longer king.
“It seems like a really good way to connect people with books that they might be interested in,” said Eileen Simmons, the librarian in charge of reference services.
The service, Books24x7, can help people whether they are trying to solve a nagging computer problem or are interested in navigating the backwater of an obscure operating system.
The only tools needed are a library card, a computer with Internet access and basic search skills.
At cost of $1,600 a year to the library, the service is a relative bargain, said Simmons, who estimates it would cost about $125,000 to amass a hardcopy collection of the same books available on Books24x7.
“It gives us access to more IT (information technology) books than we would ever be able to hold in the library, given our budget,” she said.
Rather than going to the library to check out a book, the service allows library patrons to find answers with a few keyboard clicks.
With access to books from major publishers, such as Microsoft Press and McGraw-Hill, users won’t have to do the same weighing of sources they must do when browsing the Internet.
Joseph Janes, associate dean for academics at the University of Washington’s Information School, said online innovations are gaining traction at libraries.
And those innovations can help libraries maintain relevance in an era when many turn to search engines, such as Google, for their primary research.
“The opportunity to provide better-quality services to the public has never been greater,” he said.
While Janes doesn’t envision digital collections replacing physical libraries, he said more services are being offered online.
For example, some libraries now allow members to get audio books, which they can download onto their computers or MP3 players.
The Everett Library doesn’t offer that service now, but Simmons said posting audio books and movies online might be an option in the future.
Last week, the library also unveiled an e-mail book newsletter service.
NextReads allows patrons to keep tabs on new books in 20 genres, including fitness, science fiction and romance.
The monthly newsletters are published by an outside service. However, the library can customize them to include information on book signings and other local events.
The library pays $1,200 a year for the NextReads service.
Library director Mark Nesse said the newsletter will be especially helpful to those who have trouble visiting the library to browse the shelves for new books.
“Our newsletters will be our opportunity to bring the library to them – whether they are at work, school, home or on the road,” he said.
Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
