Forbes Library aims to raise $25,000 for technology
Sun., Apr 27 Forbes Library is embarking on their first annual fund drive to raise money to improve technology resources at the library. "The library needs to increase technology offerings to library users to keep up with ever growing demand for computer access and to be able to offer the innovations in software and devices required as technology continues to change." says director Janet Moulding.
During the long rang planning process, the library conducted a survey and found out just how important computer and internet access is to the community. For 22% of people responding to the survey, the number one reason they use the library is for a computer with access to the internet. Computer access at the library bridges the "digital divide" for those that do not have computers at home.
Technology has allowed the library to deliver information and services to patrons wherever they are any time of the day or night. The Forbes library community is very tech-savvy and library patrons have come to expect cutting edge technology services such as Playaway MP3 players, Kindle e-book readers, downloadable books and videos as well as access to our databases from home or office. Without sufficient funding, it is impossible for the library to keep current with the services that the community desires.
Even with over seventy computers for staff and public use, the library's computer resources are barely keeping up with demand. And even without increasing the number of computers, updating the current ones is very expensive. Industry standards mandate upgrading each computer every three to four years. To keep up with this alone would cost a minimum of $17,000 annually. This does not take into account maintaining and replacing printers and wireless accessories, software upgrades and all the other expenses associated with modern technology. In fiscal year 2008 the library received $10,000 from the city for all technology needs which does not begin to cover the actual technology costs to maintain the level of service Northampton needs.
The library maintains four microfilm reader/printers, the newest of which was purchased in 2000. These machines are used nearly continuously by students and researchers viewing reels of newspapers including back issues of the Daily Hampshire Gazette. These elderly microfilm machines are not up to current digital standards and regularly break down, requiring expensive repairs and causing frustration to library users. Microfilm Reader/printers cost $15,000 each, which is far beyond current library budgets.
Computers have changed the way Forbes Library does business and the services it provides. Technology is as essential to library operations as books and staff. The Trustees of Forbes Library have established a technology endowment fund that sometime in the future will provide revenue to support the library's electronic needs. For now, money raised through the 2008 Annual Fund Drive will be used for computer and software upgrades, laptop computers, a color document scanner/printer/copier, downloadable books and videos, and digital microfilm reader/printers. This year the library is hoping to raise $25,000 for technology. Future annual funds will focus on other areas of the library including Special Collections and the Children's Department and eventually Technology again. More information about the drive and online donations are available by visiting the library's award-winning website, www.forbeslibrary.org or by calling 413-587-1017.