South Carolina libraries are raising the stakes when it comes to high-tech innovation. Spartanburg County Public Libraries has signed up for MyLibraryTV, which offers on-demand video downloads, and the Greenville County Library System recently purchased a 3M SelfCheck System that allows library users to check out books, videos, CDs or DVDs.
By April Morris
Greenville County
Winifred Walsh
Spartanburg County
South Carolina libraries are raising the stakes when it comes to high-tech innovation.
Spartanburg County Public Libraries has signed up for MyLibraryTV, which offers on-demand video downloads, and the Greenville County Library System recently purchased a 3M SelfCheck System that allows library users to check out books, videos, CDs or DVDs.
The MyLibraryTV system is expected to be available in Spartanburg in October, according to librarian Todd Stephens.
The new self-check station is already located at the Hughes Main Library in downtown Greenville. The station features a touch screen and step-by-step instructions that take users through the checkout process. The self-check equipment uses a V-shaped guide that lines up library cards and materials with the scanner and desensitizes the security strip.
Library users of all ages have taken advantage of the self-check station.
“The self-checkout machine is a great asset to the circulation department in that it affords staff members the opportunity to spend a good deal more time helping patrons find materials, answering reference questions, and becoming more familiar with our resources and library users,” said Abigail Johnson, a member of the Hughes Main Library circulation staff.
The Hughes Main Library is located at 25 Heritage Green Place, downtown Greenville. For more information about the self-check technology, call 242-5000.
The Spartanburg County Library System has plans to expand use of its new MyLibraryTV technology, offered to libraries by Recorded Books.
The library system may put its own video content online and gain access to other libraries' programming. Some original content will include a panel discussion with well-known figures in the arts and entertainment world, interviews with authors, kids’ storytime events and other programs.
The content of the network is all video experience with DVD quality. Library managers predict MyLibraryTV will attract a loyal audience, just like the downloadable digital audio books that went live Feb.1.
