iPads and Enhanced Wi-Fi at the Pulaski County Public Library
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 22 October 2014 22:29
The Pulaski County Public Library is offering a new way to access its digital services: iPads can now be checked out for use at both the Winamac and Medaryville library branches. In addition, the library’s wireless network has been improved at each branch.
The library was recently awarded a Library Services and Technology Act grant in the amount of $8,531 to fund these new and improved services. The goal of this project is to expand access to the library’s digital offerings to all members of the community.
IPad Airs, the latest in the line of iPad tablet computers, are available to resident adult cardholders for in-house use at both library branches. Using these devices is an opportunity for community members to gain familiarity with tablets and remain up-to-date with the latest trends in technology.
Each iPad is equipped with apps for the library’s digital media offerings: Zinio, OverDrive, and Freegal. Zinio provides access to digital magazines; the iPad’s form presents an ideal way to read these magazines and view enhanced content. OverDrive offers e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video, while Freegal provides downloadable music and video. The iPads can also access other library services, such as Ancestry.com, World Book databases, and the online catalog.
All of the library’s digital services are available to resident patrons on their personal smartphones, tablets, or computers. By offering iPads, the library hopes to expand that availability to people who may not have such devices of their own.
The library has also recently enhanced its publicly accessible wireless network. With funding from the LSTA grant, the library has been able to purchase new network devices for both branches, and these have increased the coverage, reliability, and security of the library’s Wi-Fi. Improving its wireless network is another way the library is expanding digital access.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.
