GROWTH IN E-RESOURCES KEY FOCUS FOR LIBRARY
Macquarie Regional Library (MRL) is experiencing year on year growth in the borrowing of its eResources collection, with plans to continue to grow the eResources catalogue in 2023/2024. Last year the eResources collection grew by 10 per cent and a similar increase is planned for the coming year.
From 31 July to 6 August is Library Services and Information Week and MRL is highlighting their eResources collection which includes over 40,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks, nearly 5,000 eMagazines as well as online films and eNewspapers.
In 2022/2023 MRL recorded 45,000 eResource loans, 17 per cent of the total number of loans of library items, this is up from 9 per cent in 2018/2019 prior to COVID.
“We have seen an increased demand from the community for eResources, especially as awareness of the range of eResources at the library grows,” Library Services and Collections Coordinator Ken Klippel said.
“Macquarie Regional Library is focused on increasing its investment in eResources to improve accessibility to library services online as well as continuing to provide these free to residents, which in the current economic climate is a valuable community asset.”
There are a lot of benefits in borrowing eResources, including the fact they are free to library members and are accessible 24/7.
Loans are automatically returned after the borrowing period so there are no overdue fines and many items have simultaneous loans eliminating the wait times.
“Our eResource platforms also provide a range of reader support services such as online book clubs, wish lists, reviews and new title alerts.”
“Most eResources are accessible on any internet connected PC but some also can be accessed via an app on a mobile device. We encourage the community to come into the library and chat to our team about how to access the eResources so they can start enjoying this part of the collection from the comfort of their own home,” Mr Klippel said.
The Library’s major eResources collections are now included in the catalogue, so members can search for them from one location via the search box on the MRL Homepage at www.mrl.nsw.gov.au. To access individual platforms visit the MRL website and click on the Online Library tab.
Last Edited: 31 Jul 2023