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In many countries, public libraries attract tourists from home and abroad. In addition to acting as cultural and educational centers, public libraries contribute immensely by disseminating information to visitors with varying demographic characteristics. There was a time when people were approaching public libraries regularly to read fiction books, nonfiction books, textbooks, newspapers, and magazines.
Likewise, public libraries create opportunities for many people to access posters, records, tapes, and videos. However, many recent studies suggest a decline in the number of people approaching public libraries. Many analysts believe that conventional libraries find it challenging to attract visitors due to the massive popularity of digital content. Many people these days prefer reading eBooks to print books and journals.
Also, they collect information and access news by watching videos or listening to audio. Mobile devices make it easier for them to access digital learning content in various formats anytime and anywhere. Many public libraries have been overcoming this obstacle by setting up digital libraries. They enable members to access content physically or digitally by implementing cloud-based digital library software. We are discussing some important benefits of a digital library for public libraries.
9 Reasons Why Digital Library Has Become Essential for Public Libraries
1. Accommodate Changes
Access to smartphones has changed the way modern people consume content. Several studies suggest a consistent increase in the amount of time adults and teenagers spend on their smartphones and tablets every day. In the age of mobile devices, public libraries can remain relevant only by delivering digital content to members. Also, they need to ensure 24/7 access to digital content by mitigating access restrictions. A digital library helps public libraries enable members to access digital content anytime and anywhere.
2. Deliver Multi-Format Content
Modern people prefer multimedia content to print books. However, they consume digital content in various ways. For instance, some people spend most of their digital media time watching online videos and listening to podcasts. At the same time, many people still read eBooks, journals, articles, and blogs on their cell phones. New-age digital library software enables public libraries to deliver digital content to members in different formats – videos, audio, journals, eBooks, simulations, and quizzes.
3. Share Curated Content
Many students and working professionals these days understand a topic by accessing thought leadership content. The content shared by subject matter experts helps them understand a concept deeply by accessing different viewpoints and perceptions. Along with providing off-the-shelf content, leading online library platforms share curated content with users. They further curate informative and insightful content using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Content curation helps public libraries share high-quality content with members without investing extra resources.
4. Accelerate Content Search
While visiting a public library, a person has to put in time and effort to find relevant print books or journals. Also, the librarian assists him in finding the required information by accessing the right resources. Digital library software features intuitive search interfaces. The search interface makes it easier for users to find and access relevant content. Also, a user can use search filters to access the information according to his needs and preferences.
5. Mitigate Language Barriers
Both native and non-native speakers visit public libraries to collect information. However, most public libraries do not provide content in non-native languages due to resource constraints. A digital library helps them mitigate language barriers by delivering multilingual content. A user can access the digital library software to consume content in his preferred languages. Public libraries can mitigate language barriers by implementing multilingual digital library software.
6. Automate Essential Library Tasks
Often public libraries hire part-time staff to perform essential tasks and functions. However, digital library software helps them curb staffing costs by automating routine library management tasks. While configuring a cloud-based digital library solution, an administrator can automate recurring tasks and activities like catalog management, circulation tracking, patron management, and discovery services. Also, the librarian can manage the library efficiently by generating custom reports based on real-time data.
7. Preserve Knowledge
Every year public libraries discard damaged books that are no longer of value to users. Also, they spend money on repairing damaged books and procuring replacement copies. However, public libraries still find it challenging to preserve knowledge for future generations due to various constraints. The digital library helps them preserve knowledge for the next-generation users without escalating extra costs. Leading libraries have been preserving knowledge by digitalizing existing resources.
8. Curb Costs
An eBook, unlike a print book, can be accessed seamlessly by a large number of users. Likewise, a large number of users can watch an online video or listen to a podcast simultaneously. Hence, libraries need to purchase multiple copies of books, journals, and magazines after implementing robust digital library software. In addition, they can save money by eliminating the need to repair and replace damaged books. A public library can further curb upfront and ongoing costs by choosing cloud-based digital library software.
9. Achieve Sustainability
Like other for-profit and non-profit organizations, public libraries explore ways to achieve sustainability. However, physical resources make it challenging for them to avoid compromising on the future. A digital library keeps them sustainable by replacing physical content with multimedia content. Also, public libraries can become eco-friendly by eliminating the need to build and expand physical infrastructures.
Conclusion
Public libraries play a crucial role in society by acting as cultural and educational centers. However, the growing popularity of digital content makes it challenging for them to attract visitors. A digital library enables them to overcome the challenge by combining physical and multimedia content. Public libraries can allow members to access content in person or remotely by implementing cloud-based digital library software.
The software will drive library membership by delivering online content in various formats and languages. Also, a member can use the software to access digital content across platforms. At the same time, the digital library helps public libraries become sustainable as well as curb operational costs. That is why; public libraries have been building digital libraries across regions to cater to the changing needs and preferences of members.
