Do you use our public library? Norwood’s Morrill Memorial Library is part of the Minuteman network which allows all library card holders to borrow across the association. In addition to books, audiobooks, eBooks and audio eBooks, you have access to music, movies, technology assistance and many other products and services.
“Over the last ten-plus years, libraries have been trying to figure out how to remain relevant to the younger generations who aren’t using their public libraries and who are, instead, going to streaming devices and on-line book buying sites.” Library Director Charlotte Cannelli said.
Norwood’s Morrill Memorial Library has addressed that challenge by adding programs that have attracted not only more young people, but all generations. One of the areas of great improvement is their new website, which was rolled out in August.
According to Technology Librarian Allison Palmgren, the previous website was more than 10 years old and was not conducive to mobile use. And, while most of the information that people needed existed on the old site, it was not always easy to find and it was not accessible to people who used tablets and smart phones.
“Our web presence is geared to the future,” Palmgren said.
Palmgren explained that there is a decreasing number of people who are using their computers to access information and a huge percentage are assessing the website through their mobile devices.
Rather than contract out the build of the new website, which can be prohibitively expensive, Palmgren and her assistant, Sam Simas, tackled the task. They spent several months evaluating the old site trying to determine areas library patrons were using on the old site and what service information the library needed to retain or expand upon. They already knew that mobile users could not use the site because it was the number one complaint they received, so that area definitely needed to be addressed. They also concluded that quick links would be more effective, that the font used on the old site was too small, and they needed to make it easier to find core services.
Palmgren said they streamlined a lot of things from the old website, deleted redundancy and labeled things more intuitively. She said the library policies were not on-line and, while they aren’t used much, they needed to be there. She says that the site is now more searchable and it is easier to find what you want.
The major improvement, however, is that the site is mobile-responsive, no matter what size device you are using. There is also a Minuteman mobile app that “puts the library in your pocket.” Using the app, you can search the catalog and place holds on or renew items; explore digital content 24/7; review thousands of eBooks, stream movies, read digital magazines, and premium subscription resources, obtain library event information, and, you can use your device as a digital library card.
Palmgren stated that site statistics show approximately 1500 people visit the website each day.
“We’ve received very positive feedback, especially from those who say ‘I never knew x or y was offered before,’ so we’re incredibly pleased about that,” Palmgren said.
While the new website is a portal to easy use of the library, it does not leave non-computer or non-device users behind. They still get the high level of services they always had – but now they have more options from which to choose.
Some of the new and expanded programs and services at the library include: passport applications; notary public services; technology help, including basic setup for tablets and phones, and technology skills for job applicants. The library also hosts history lectures; a Titles on Tap book group for 20 to 30 year olds held at Napper Tandy’s; Musical Sundays Concerts (from October to May); monthly Learn to Knit classes; Stitch Therapy (a more social group for more advanced knitters); along with lots of Children’s Story-times and Science programs.
When asked what one piece of information she would like people to know about the library, Palmgren said, “I want people to know about the many different services and resources we have. They can follow us on Facebook or visit the website. We really want to hear from people.”
Donna Lane is a Norwood-based writer, lecturer and designer. You can reach her at addictedgardener@verizon.net.