Library Websites Aid Working Women
On-line Library Services Save Time, Provide More Than Just Books
With a little initial effort, the library can be a significant resource to time-pressed and budget-conscious working mothers.
Though a 24-hour-day rarely feels long enough to accomplish all necessary tasks, a quick stop to the library website is infinitely more achievable for many mothers than a stop at the physical library. In addition to finding the newest cookbook, child development book, required school reading book, or best seller, women can also choose from a range of nontraditional offerings. Using the library is a time-saving and budget-conscious choice for working mothers.
On-line services frequently include reference sites, electronic books, and searchable databases. Other lifestyle friendly choices include downloadable audio books, placing an order for DVDs or requesting the latest best seller through the library web site, and researching cultural outings for their families. Here’s how to make the most of innovative services many libraries offer.
Downloadable Audio Books
Libraries are frequently updating their technologies to offer downloadable audio books that patrons can check out directly through the library website. Patrons browse the website and using their library barcode check out the audio book. Downloading audio books is a two-step process: checking it out and then downloading software from the library website.
Libraries generally have two tiers of downloadable audio books: always available and one-at-a-time. The always available titles are available to multiple users while the one-at-a-time books may have a waiting list just like a traditional book due to licensing. Depending on licensing, these books can be burned to CDs or used on MP3 players. However, currently iPods cannot support the copyright-protected Microsoft technologies that most libraries use.
On-line Catalogue Requests
As library hours are getting shorter and working hours are getting longer, many women cannot coordinate time to browse the stacks. Fortunately, most library systems allow for on-line requests. This enables women to look at the offerings of not just their local library but the entire library system to which it belongs, and place requests for books and even movies.
Depending on the library, direct patrons may get lending priority, but women can request or get on waiting lists for newly released books and DVDs. When the material is available, they receive an e-mail to come pick it up. This service is free and convenient, and enables busy working women to fully use library resources.
Community Bulletin
Much like a physical bulletin board, the community bulletin available on many library websites provides working women with an additional place to see what is going on in their community. Whether it is a book group, concert, or children’s story time, women can quickly skim through topics that connect them to their community. Depending on the library, patrons can also sign up to check out discount or free passes to cultural and family-friendly destinations such as museums, aquariums, and the local zoo.
Brick and mortar libraries - and the stacks of books within them - remain integral parts of the community. However, the available on-line services increase usage and enable busy and budget-conscious women to benefit from a range of services that help patrons fully utilize the library at times convenient to them before even stepping foot in the building.
