|
the ever -changing needs of our residents, and
<br />endeavored to provide educational, recreational, and
<br />technical resources to all age groups and demographics.
<br />We are open to everyone, we welcome everyone, and
<br />for those who walk through our doors, the possibilities
<br />are endless.
<br />Whether you love to read books, listen to books,
<br />or enjoy books simply for the pictures -we have what
<br />you are looking for, and the staff to help you find it and
<br />take it home. Our holdings are curated and maintained
<br />by librarians as part of the on -going collection
<br />development and management process. We recognize
<br />and honor our role as stewards of the community's
<br />assets and are committed to creating collections that
<br />provide opportunities for learning, research and
<br />pleasure. We procure library materials after evaluating
<br />metrics such as usage and circulation, as well as
<br />informal feedback from patrons and colleagues.
<br />Selection is based on popular and critical response
<br />mixed with staff expertise and local knowledge. We
<br />consider obtaining materials relative to cost, space,
<br />interest, demand, and strive to create collections that
<br />surpass your expectations.
<br />In 2016, format was as important as genre in the
<br />selection process. Funds were allocated to enhance our
<br />Large Print book holdings, as well as books on CD,
<br />which continue to appeal to patrons of all ages. Our
<br />commitment to ensure access to "digital" materials in
<br />the eBook and downloadable audiobook format
<br />remains unwavering. The Library offers free patron
<br />access to the OverDrive eBook and downloadable
<br />audiobook collection via its membership in the
<br />CLAMS consortium. This collection includes 17,973
<br />eBooks and 5,267 downloadable audiobooks, and
<br />contains popular fiction and non-fiction bestsellers, as
<br />well as classic titles. In light of the ever-increasing
<br />demand for the downloadable format, we continued our
<br />participation in the Commonwealth eBook Collection,
<br />which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Board of
<br />Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library
<br />System. This initiative was launched as a model for
<br />state-wide cooperation and currently supplements our
<br />local OverDrive titles. Patrons are encouraged to
<br />engage with both platforms for access to a wider range
<br />of titles and holdings.
<br />Although the popularity of streaming services like
<br />Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon continue to gain
<br />momentum for the convenience of accessing content
<br />instantly on personal devices, the Library's media
<br />collection continued to be heavily trafficked, and
<br />posted circulation figures of more than 65,000 for the
<br />year. Our DVD collection is comprised of over 6000
<br />titles including contemporary films, old-time favorites,
<br />PBS series, foreign films, and instructional videos.
<br />Following in the footsteps of "Downton Abbey,"
<br />British television series are rapidly finding a new
<br />audience among our patrons, and establishing
<br />themselves as niche collection on our shelves. DVD
<br />compilations of series previously only available
<br />through streaming services are also requested by eager
<br />viewers. Staff began the process of refurbishing the
<br />Music collection adding content by contemporary and
<br />classic artists across all genres. Expanding our portfolio
<br />of holdings in this area is an on -going goal for the
<br />Library.
<br />Providing a wide array of materials and resources
<br />is key to any successful library operation, and easy
<br />access to those resources is a necessity. In service to
<br />this goal, the CLAMS consortium introduced the new
<br />"Encore" version of our classic online catalog. While
<br />some aspects of the catalog changed, other things have
<br />remained the same. You can still log in from anywhere
<br />anytime, search multiple collections to find and request
<br />titles, and receive materials quickly at the pickup place
<br />of your choice. Our enhanced catalog integrates results
<br />from our databases of newspapers, articles, eBooks,
<br />along with traditional library materials. Additional
<br />filters can be applied to the results to quickly identify
<br />available copies and formats of any title. In the
<br />upcoming year, Encore will replace our classic
<br />interface, and staff will be available to support this
<br />transition to ensure that all users continue to get the
<br />most from their library experience.
<br />The Library's "Living Room" on the second floor
<br />attracts a daily crowd of residents who enjoy browsing
<br />a variety of daily newspapers and magazines. An
<br />increasing number of magazine publishers are
<br />experimenting with different ways to package their
<br />monthly issues as fee -based digital content, including
<br />limiting the scope of articles appearing in print editions.
<br />In response to this growing trend, we are now offering
<br />full -text and complete access to Consumer Reports
<br />online. Our cardholders can access this free service
<br />anytime from a Library computer or remotely on home
<br />computers or devices and review research and test
<br />results that will allow them to make informed
<br />decisions.
<br />118
<br />
|