Ebooks Popular With Book Lovers During Lockdown

Ebooks popular with book lovers during lockdown Rotorua Daily Post April

During the nationwide lockdown, many organizations experienced significant challenges, but Rotorua Library stood out as one that thrived, highlighting the increased demand for digital reading materials. The library reported substantial growth in the usage of its electronic resources, reflecting the community’s adaptation to staying at home and seeking entertainment and educational content remotely. With an extensive collection that includes over 22,000 eBooks, nearly 2,500 eAudiobooks, alongside hundreds of magazines and newspapers, Rotorua Library demonstrated the importance of digital media during this period.

In the past four weeks, the library's eLoan figures more than doubled compared to the same period last year, with an average of 249 loans daily, up from 114 in April 2019. Notably, the Saturday before the lockdown’s implementation saw a nearly 50% increase in physical items borrowed, which indicated heightened community engagement even in the shift away from traditional library services. Over the eight days leading up to the closure, staff recorded a nearly 25% rise in issues compared to the prior year, suggesting a sharp increase in borrowing activities amid restrictions. Currently, about 19,422 items are in the possession of community members—about a third of the library’s entire borrowable collection—highlighting the community’s reliance on digital and borrowed resources during lock-in periods.

Library director Laura Marshall emphasized that the eLibrary had been crucial in maintaining the library’s role in supporting the community’s needs. She expressed excitement at the rising usage of digital resources and outlined future plans to expand services as New Zealand moved through different alert levels. Among these initiatives is a delivery service, where librarians will personally select and deliver books based on individual preferences to those advised to remain at home due to age or health conditions. This service aims to ensure that vulnerable community members continue to access reading materials without leaving their homes.

In addition to delivery services, a click and collect option will be introduced, allowing patrons to reserve and pick up materials conveniently. Details on these services are expected to be announced soon. Moreover, the library has adapted its programming to suit the online environment, offering virtual sessions of the popular preschool initiative He Pi Ka Rere, engaging children with easy craft ideas, virtual origami classes, and lessons in New Zealand Sign Language. While the physical library will remain closed during alert level 3, overdue penalties on existing borrowings have been waived until June 1 to accommodate the community’s needs and avoid unnecessary stress during uncertain times.

Overall, Rotorua Library’s experience underscores the essential role of digital media and innovative services in maintaining community connectivity and literacy during times of crisis. As libraries worldwide continue to adapt, their capacity to serve diverse community needs through digital platforms remains vital, fostering resilience and lifelong learning irrespective of physical restrictions.

Paper For Above instruction

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated nationwide lockdowns, public libraries faced unprecedented challenges in continuing their service to communities while adhering to health and safety protocols. Rotorua Library in New Zealand exemplifies resilience and innovation in this context, witnessing a remarkable surge in the usage of digital resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks, during this period. This case study explores how Rotorua Library leveraged its digital collections and introduced new services to meet the community’s evolving needs during lockdown.

The key to Rotorua Library’s success during the lockdown lay in its extensive digital resource platform. Housing over 22,000 eBooks and nearly 2,500 eAudiobooks, the library provided access to a broad spectrum of literature and multimedia. The data reveals a significant increase in digital borrowing, with the average number of daily loans rising from 114 in April 2019 to 249 in the corresponding period of 2020—a more than twofold increase. The surge continued with a nearly 50% increase in physical borrowing just before the lockdown, emphasizing a spike in community engagement with both physical and digital materials. Such figures indicate a shift in user preferences driven by restrictions on physical movement and access.

The pandemic's impact prompted the library to reassess service delivery methods. As noted by Library Director Laura Marshall, the eLibrary played a pivotal role in ensuring continued access to reading materials, STEM resources, and educational content. Recognizing the importance of convenience and safety, the library developed innovative solutions, including a planned delivery service tailored for vulnerable groups. This service involves librarians selecting and delivering books directly to patrons based on their preferences, minimizing the need for physical visits and complying with health advisories. Additionally, the introduction of a click-and-collect system allowed patrons to reserve and pick up items, providing flexibility and continuity of service amid restrictions.

Beyond lending services, the library transformed its programming to suit remote engagement. Virtual sessions of He Pi Ka Rere, a popular preschool program in New Zealand, alongside craft tutorials, origami classes, and New Zealand Sign Language lessons, kept children and families engaged while at home. These initiatives not only mitigated the social isolation caused by lockdowns but also demonstrated the importance of community connectivity facilitated through digital platforms. Such online activities fostered lifelong learning and strengthened community bonds in times of physical distancing.

In terms of operational adjustments, the physical library remained closed during alert level 3 restrictions, but overdue items from prior loans were automatically extended until June 1, easing the burden on users. These changes highlight how libraries adjusted policies to prioritize community well-being and accessibility during crises. Their proactive approach, underpinned by technological adaptation and customer service innovation, exemplifies best practices in crisis management for cultural institutions.

Looking forward, the library’s plans to enhance delivery and digital services indicate a strategic shift towards more resilient and adaptable models of community support. As libraries worldwide face ongoing challenges, Rotorua Library’s experience underscores the potential of digital transformation to sustain literacy, learning, and community engagement during emergencies. It also demonstrates the importance of proactive planning, community-focused services, and technological integration to ensure the continuity and relevance of library services in uncertain times.

References

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