The Salem Public Library relies on technology to provide a variety of services. Library workers scan dozens, sometimes hundreds of books at a time, checking them into the computer system that the library uses to catalog and track materials. A bank of public use computers is regularly utilized by local residents who may not have internet access, or even a computer, at home. These systems are in dire need of technological updates, according to Library Director Kate McBride. McBride said the library successfully applied for and was awarded a grant in the amount of $7,550 to be put toward technology improvements.
“The library has named it ‘Tech Connect’. It is a technology ladder grant through the Missouri State Library. It is supported by funds of the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act,” said McBride.
The grant application period was opened in January, with a due date in February, she said. Out of a competitive field of applications for the limited funds, the Salem Library’s urgent needs put the application on top. Only 13 libraries in the state were awarded a portion of the $222,548 that was distributed through the grant program.
“I believe the need for upgrades spoke for itself,” she said. “Technology ages, it becomes worn out, just like everything else. It also becomes out of date. It reaches a point where it can no longer support upgrades or updates. We have reached that point on a lot of our equipment.”
Through the grant, the library has received seven new computer and monitor sets, as well as two new barcode scanners. McBride said that the computers that will be replaced support many of the library’s services.
“We make very good use of the money that we are granted through taxpayers, here in Salem, and through our members, our library patrons that support us directly. We use things until they just can’t be used anymore, and we’ve reached that point with our technology,” she said. “Everything seems to surround technology anymore, doesn’t it? Our circulation software is obviously on the computer, it’s software.”
McBride said that they rely on computer systems to provide patrons with efficient circulation and trustworthy, accurate records, and to provide access to computers for personal business.
“Patrons rely on the public-use computers to do their personal business. We do have some patrons that conduct a bit of business on our computers, especially if their computers at their business or home are out of sorts temporarily. We see a lot of use if patron’s printers aren’t functioning and are out of toner. So, they rely on the library then, and we have that technology available,” she said.
According to McBride, patrons use the public computers for everything from job applications to homework, and for many, the library has the only internet access available, other than the public use computers at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. In an area with broadband challenges such as Dent County, library technology services have become even more vital.
“We do see a lot of folks use public use computers because their internet is either nonexistent at their home, or way too slow. So, they do come in and utilize the library’s internet service and our computers,” said McBride.
Though the public-use computers are the most visible improvements provided by the grant, the other systems purchased are just as vital to the operation of the library.
“The cataloger’s computer, a workstation computer she uses to enter all newly donated or purchased materials into the system. It needs to be replaced. It’s rather old. She uses it for other purposes, office purposes,” she said. “We all wear multiple hats here; all staff members do. We are constantly needing to use our time as efficiently as possible. When we have a computer that doesn’t want to start up, and then wants to shut back down as soon as it is fired up… It’s also giving us alerts that it will no longer support upgrades.”
The library has also received two new scanners through the grant that will streamline the circulation of incoming and outgoing materials.
“We’re so excited about (the scanners), we’re excited about all of it of course, but the scanners have reached a point where they have to be ‘encouraged’, rather consistently, to scan. That can be a light tap, or a more aggressive thump, and that slows everything down. It slows circulation for patrons, and it also slows the processing of materials that come in three times a week through our courier. We receive loads of materials either coming back to us from either other libraries within the Missouri Evergreen Consortium, or coming to our patrons from other libraries,” she said. “Those items all have to be checked in, and so we could receive anywhere from dozens to a couple hundred, three times a week.”
The old scanner refused to read barcodes that included characters other than numerals, she said. The new scanners have the capability to scan barcodes with letters as well as numbers, which will help process materials from other libraries.
“It comes back to using staff time efficiently, because we are quite a bit busier than most people believe. A lot of folks have the misconception that we read and shush people all day, and that’s not what we do,” McBride laughed.
With the need for upgrades evident, McBride said she had embarked on a learning process while selecting the new system components.
“I sought input from other librarians, I sought input from IT specialists here in Salem. I talked to a handful, and told them what our needs are, and sought their opinions on what would best suit our needs. The State Library also helped in that area. The grant requires certain specifications on equipment, so we do have to meet or exceed certain specifications, so that helped a learning person like me in at least getting a starting place,” she said. “This has been a tremendous growth opportunity for me, learning the details of our technology.”
The upgrades did not cost Dent County or City of Salem taxpayers a dime, according to Mcbride. She said the grant fund request came in under the threshold to require local matching funds.
“This particular grant, I was able to request funding for immediate needs, and that fell underneath the requirement for a match. Our Friends of the Library Auxiliary Group is doing a couple of fundraisers right now, and they’re planning to help us with matches for future technology grants, because there will be the need for more. We do have other equipment that needs to be upgraded.”
The current upgrades are just the beginning, said McBride, as there are other areas in need of upgrades such as the public-use catalog computers. She said the library’s technology will be updated in phases due to limited funding. She said the Friends of the Library Auxiliary Group often helps provide matching funds and will do so for future grants.
“Friends of the Library is right now selling tickets for a raffle. They have the most fantastic prize packages! There are three baskets full of gift cards and gift certificates for local eating establishments. It’s my understanding that the drawing will be June 10, at the Friends of the Library Book Sale, which is another fundraiser. The Friends of the Library Book Sale is June 9-10, in the North Basement Meeting Room in our library. That is an annual fundraiser that the Friends group does,” she said. “All the money that Friends receives eventually serves the library. Friends has provided matching funds over the years and have also provided multiple fixtures here in the library. Bookcases, rounders to hold media, all kinds of things. They work hard. It’s all volunteer, and it’s very much appreciated.”
For now, the library will be working on installing the new upgrades.
“We were able to order and receive all of the equipment without trouble,” said McBride. “It has been delivered, it’s in boxes. We’ve hired a local IT person to (install the equipment) for us, to make sure that it’s done properly. Again, being good stewards of the public trust, the public funding. The money to pay this IT person is coming through the grant. The installation is not costing the Salem or Dent County public anything. We’re thankful, very thankful.”
