Free Public Library Supplies Patrons’ Evolving Technologies

AVALON – Despite a decline in visits and circulation, the Avalon Free Public Library continues to adapt to meet the needs of its patrons. Digitization of historical content, expanded access to electronic media, increased daytime programming, and better collaboration between organizations are all a part of the library’s strategy moving forward.
“The (circulation) stats are disappointing, but not unexpected,” said Library Director Norman Gluckman, in the State of the Library address, presented during council’s regular meeting Feb. 12. “We’ve declined in our circulation from last year by 7.6 percent, or a total of almost 12,000 items.”
Gluckman cited a number of reasons for the decline, including Hurricane Sandy, road closures at the Townsends Inlet Bridge, library construction, and loss of residential homeowners.
“Technology, believe it or not, has hurt us, too,” said Gluckman. “We’ve declined from 30,000 computer sessions in 2009 to just under 14,000 this past year.”
Instead of visiting the library to access their email, people are now reaching for their smartphones or tablets, or utilizing wireless-enabled rental properties.
But the library has had many accomplishments over the past year, including improvements to the vestibule, a variety of concert series, a new website, and an expanded news database and e-book selection.
“We introduced a new e-book database called ‘Freading,’ which in one swoop increased the number of e-books by 30,000,” said Gluckman. Last year, e-book usage increased by 16 percent, while audio e-book usage increased by 14 percent. “We still have a market there that we’re catering to,” said Gluckman.
Library programming, which is heavy on technology and children’s activities, continues to grow. “Last year we had over 540 programs that were attended by 11,167 people,” said Gluckman.
The library has also become a place for tech support, said Gluckman. On average, the library has 10 individual interactions per day. “We have people coming in, saying they received a device from a grandson or granddaughter and how do you turn it on,” said Gluckman.
Digitization of Avalon Yacht Club Yearbooks began in December. The Rutgers Digital Highway has been assisting on the project.
Asked by Council Vice President Charles Covington the long-term benefits of digitization, Gluckman said the goal is preservation.
“Considering what Sandy did north of us, that material could be destroyed,” said Gluckman. “At the very least we’ll retain the content. I’m concerned about the history vanishing in a storm like that.”
In addition, digitization would make the material accessible to people outside of the borough.
“The ability for people to get on their computer, wherever they are, cements that relationship that they have with us,” said Gluckman.
The library is currently seeking additional funding so that the digitization of documents extends to other historical records, such as the fire department.
In other business, council introduced an ordinance regulating Resort Houses. Solicitor Stephen Barse explained, that after receiving some additional input from the Avalon Home and Land Owners Association (AHLOA), a few minor changes were applied to the ordinance draft.
“I thank borough council, the administration and legal team for your efforts in creating the proposed Resort House ordinance,” said AHLOA President John Cuthbert. “Thank you for taking our comments seriously.”
The updated ordinance can be found on the borough’s website. The public will have the opportunity to discuss the ordinance March 12.
To contact Kirby Reed, email kreed@cmcherald.com.