Message from Karen Franklin, Director of Library Services, SDG Library
March 27, 2020
“Hindsight is always 20-20.” Certainly, the year 2020 is looking like one that we will look back on with very clear memories! I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits, despite the difficult circumstances that we find ourselves in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps one day we will be able to reflect on this experience in a positive way, as we are all part of the solution to a terrible global event. The solution involves doing one simple thing right now – stay home.
For my part, I continue to look forward to what I can do personally, and what I can do professionally, to help our community as a whole – and our Library patrons – to feel informed and engaged during this time of social distancing and self-isolation.
I am practising self-isolation, and I admit to finding it difficult. I miss my husband, my son, and even the family dog! I miss meeting up with my neighbours, and the interactions that occur during my normal “erranding” activities. I miss borrowing my weekend supply of videos from the Library. And, I miss the lively face-to-face brainstorming and discussion sessions that are part and parcel of working with great people at the SDG Library.
Using technology and creating “virtual” collaborations have become the norm for SDG Library staff. We are constantly in communication with each other, and we have been sharing ideas on how to reach out to our patrons and community members. From these communications, new offerings such as the ‘Library at Home Daily Challenge’ (www.sdglibrary.ca/daily-challenge) have recently been launched – I can tell you that we already have enough “challenge” material to keep you going for months! Watch for more new activities and resources starting soon.
Some of you may have already started exploring the new cloudLibrary eBook/eAudiobook platform that we’re introducing; currently we are in the “soft launch” stage, and we have seen a really strong uptake in people getting the app and signing on to the new platform. As an added enticement, you should know that all new eBook/eAudiobook titles purchased so far in 2020 have been on cloudLibrary. You should also be aware that as of April 28th, OverDrive/Libby will no longer have any items to borrow, as the content from that (old) platform will “migrate” over to cloudLibrary. Now is the time to get the cloudLibrary app (www.yourcloudlibrary.com/)! Don’t hesitate to contact us (by phone, email, Twitter or Facebook) if you need help.
Another virtual enhancement to SDG Library services that is just around the corner is the launch of our new catalogue “discovery overlay”, BiblioCore. Essentially, this overlay will help you to search our catalogue in the same way you might search Amazon or a similar online shopping service…only in our case, it’s for Library materials, read-alikes, or recommendations from others. You certainly won’t need to have your credit card handy, but you will want to be taking notes (which can be done virtually as well!) on what your next great read will be. Sorry, for the time being, it will have to be in digital format if you want it from the Library…which takes us back to cloudLibrary! A great feature of that platform is that you can borrow eBooks/eAudiobooks from any participating library in Ontario if we don’t own the title you’re looking for. You won’t even notice that you’re doing so.
We will continue to keep you informed of new developments in how the SDG Library can serve you. Just know that the Library is here to help – we really do ‘Connect. Create. Explore.’ well!
Take care – we look forward to seeing you in person soon.