Public libraries are changing - the digital library is growing, which is not to say that the books we know and love are any less valued or visible, but rather that they are being made more easy to search and find, and increasingly you can choose which format you want to read them in. Public libraries are delivering more digital content than just the traditional online catalogue:
- digital collections of texts
- online libraries of databases on every subject
- digital photographs, maps and images from the heritage collections
- virtual exhibitions
- blogs and discussion forums
- downloadable content such as e-audiobooks
- digital streaming of music, such as the Naxos music library
- online tutorials and classes in the learning centres to learn more about the internet and web
- online Ask-a-Librarian service for help with questions about anything at all
Through Auckland City Libraries' new website, you can access this range of digital content and services. It's great that technology is expanding the role of libraries to create social spaces in the digital library as well as in the physical library. You can interact with these services in the central or community libraries, or from home, school or work. The public library will continue to be a place where you can read and relax, chill out, do research and learn new tricks.
Welcome to Auckland City Libraries!
