Page 48 April 2014 Phoenix public libraries expand digital content selection By Agnel Philip The digital era is moving its way through Phoenix libraries as they begin to adopt more forms of electronic media like technology loans and digital content services. Programs such as Project Nook, which allows library patrons to rent an Amazon Nook e-reader for three weeks, and the digital media service Hoopla, have incorporated a new dimension to all Phoenix Public Libraries including the Saguaro branch. Even though the reaction to the introduction of digital media remains mixed, most people are embracing the digital Feeling Overwhelmed by Your HR Tasks? We Can Help! Payroll, Payroll Taxes, Workers’ Compensation, Claims Management, Customized Reporting, Risk Management, Benefits, HR Services, Online Services and more! (800) 339-3548 www.cpspeo.com Let Us Simplify Your Business! Locally Owned for Over 20 Years! DEBBIE FRAZELLE, ABR 602.954.6888 Office • 602.399.8540 Cell • 3113 East Lincoln Drive bestarizonahomeinfo.com • dfrazelle@cox.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated TOP 6% OF ALL COLDWELL BANKER AGENTS NATIONWIDE Now is the time to buy... while interest rates are still low!! 4481 N Launfal Unique Soft Contemporary in the heart of Arcadia. One of a kind open floor plan lends itself to family living and elegant entertaining. 5875 sq ft, 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, Library, Exercise Room, Basement and Game Room. Family room has full bar that will interest the most discriminating entertainers offered at $1,699,000. REDUCED PRICE 6232 E Lafayette Blvd Traditional Arcadia Charm. Remodeled, light, open floor plan is perfect for living & entertaining! Hardwood Floors! French doors everywhere! Family Room, Game/Media Room, Office. Wonderful Kitchen with front window, breakfast room & pantry. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3463 sq ft. Off ered at $996,000. PENDING 5316 E. Exeter A dramatic contemporary located on the North Side Exeter with amazing views of Camelback, soaring ceilings, large rooms, and majestic windows overlooking the yard, great fireplaces, a media room, wine room 6142 sq ft, 6 Bedrooms 5 Baths offered at $1,799,000. AMAZING VIEWS 4130 North Paradise Way Traditional Arcadia Charm and Elegance. Completely remodeled, light airy open floor plan is perfect for families and entertaining! Showpiece Gourmet Kitchen, 4 Bedrooms/5 Baths, 3720 sq. ft., sitting room/office off the master suites, Large game room with sitting/media area. 1451 sq. ft., 4 car garage. NEW LISTING content, said Theresa Shaw, manager of the Saguaro branch. “By and large, I think most people are embracing the technology,” Shaw said. However, some people still remain reluctant to plunge into digital media and, as a result, libraries have begun to introduce programs that offer training and assistance to those that wish to take advantage of it. In the next six months, Shaw said these programs would expand significantly. Incorporating digital content into the libraries’ offerings has proved challenging, said Jeriann Thacker, who is an electronic resource librarian. Thacker said the primary challenge has been finding digital content itself, especially content that allows multiple customers to use it at once. “There aren’t a whole lot of products that do offer simultaneous access, but I see it as a direction a lot of e-content will be going because it is so popular,” Thacker said. “We would much rather purchase a simultaneous use product.” “Despite the challenges, digital content circulation is booming as usage statistics of e-content has doubled every year,” Thacker said. The budget for digital content has also doubled from last year to this year, Shaw said. Thacker said there is still a place for the traditional print book in this new digital landscape. “We really see [e-content] as an expansion of our services,” Thacker said. “We’re not eliminating physical materials at all at this point. We haven’t noticed a dip in our circulation for our physical materials.” Similarly, Shaw said there is still a strong demand for these books in the Saguaro branch. “We also have people who are not resistant but they’re reluctant to change and who are just really bibliophiles,” Shaw said. “They love books. They don’t want to give them up, and so, they don’t want to read in any other format.” Rent an Amazon Nook at the Saguaro Branch of the Phoenix Public Library.

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