Library Candidates on Maintaining Relevance with Technology

The following question was asked of all Orland Park Public Library Board of Trustees candidates in our Patch election questionnaire.

Answers are listed in the order received.

What can the library do to stay relevant as technology evolves?

Diane Jennings

The library needs to build up its collection of e-books and acquire additional readers that patrons can borrow. The new gaming stations in the library’s teen area are proving popular and may need to be expanded. This is a feature that we also might consider adding to our youth area as well, as today’s children are more computer savvy than ever before.

Linda Zec-Prajka

Stay ahead of the curve, basically. The library has always tried to do so, even when I worked there. However, more than ever, the pressure is on for libraries, since the ebook/ereader have come to join the games.

James McCague

No matter how far technology advances, the library will always be relevant. It is a place that the community gathers in fellowship, whether for one of the many talks and presentations the library hosts, or one of the book clubs, or even an educational class taught by the library staff. The library provides a positive service for all the residents of Orland Park. So, no matter how much technology changes the library will be there to serve the community as a center of fellowship and learning.

Catherine Morrisey-Lebert

It is essential that our library is part of the digital revolution and that we adapt to the shift in how patrons seek resources.  A significant portion of the community need help navigating the digital age and a library can assist them.  Even within budget constraints, our library prides itself on its ability to offer the newest technology.  This past year saw upgrades to our wireless service and the addition of new computers for instructional classes.  We have also added devices such as iPads and notebooks for our customers. Our eBook selection has over 2,400 titles and is growing.  The library has long served as a gathering place.  This will continue as long as we keep up with the digital age and not try to compete with it.

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