Mollie Verret Verdin
January 17, 2007
Pre-schoolers heading to Terrebonne libraries’ Reading WELL
January 19, 2007No more late fees, no more heavy books; the Terrebonne Parish Library System is keeping up with the times as its launches its new digital media service.
Starting Jan. 22, the main parish library will offer a new online service that will allow users to view books, music and videos. Library Director Mary Cosper LeBoeuf is excited at the prospect of patrons being able to explore the library’s growing digital media collection of fiction and non-fiction books.
“This program is going to bring electronic books to the community, it launches us into a whole new genre. Computer technology is becoming the way of the world and we want to stay with the current trend,” LeBoeuf said.
The service is supposed to be fast and easy, according to library administrators. The library has partnered with the latest digital media provider, Overdrive, Inc., to give users access to the services. The library chose Overdrive because it is one of the leading providers for this digital media technology, LeBoeuf said.
On any given day, library users can access electronic books, music and videos from anywhere in the world as long as they have a Terrebonne Parish Knowledge Card, which is a standard library card. She said the knowledge card is the key into the library’s digital media world.
First-time library users will have to bring a picture ID such as a driver’s license or a school ID to the library and fill out an application. There is no charge for the first library card, but there is a $5 fee for a replacement card.
“Once inside, the media card link would be supplied for conventional browsing of popular audio books and other reading resources,” the director said.
The service will cater to all genres. There are more than 300 available titles including romance, mystery, science fiction, biographies, and foreign language instruction, said Assistant Director Amy Whipple.
But, before the user can enjoy listening to music, audio books or video material, they must first download the Overdrive Media Console. Adobe Reader and MobiPocket Reader downloads are required for reading the electronic books.
“Once the free software is installed onto the computer, your selection can be checked in and out or downloaded to a computer through an assortment of supported electronic devices like MP3 players,” Whipple said.
The cutting-edge technology supported by Overdrive, Inc., also allows for automatic check-in and check out, without the concerns of late fee penalties or books being lost. Whipple envisions offshore workers or college students away from home being able to enjoy the latest John Grisham or graphic novel online.
Wanda Bruchis, the computer service administrator for the library, said she enjoys the convenience of burning selected titles to CD’s for listening on the go. Bruchis will also be available to those who need help downloading the resources.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on how to use the new digital service, call (985) 876-5158.
