2.6 Enabling Access to Technology

Libraries are currently operating in a period of rapid technology innovation, enabling them to meet the needs of their customers in new and exciting ways such as through use of wireless devices that have made Wi-Fi and independent work/study stations more vital. While computer commons are still at the heart of most libraries, Wi-Fi technology and the proliferation of personal laptops are dispersing computer use to every corner of the library. Laptop lounges, seating bars, and cafés provide unique amenities that complement reading, relaxing, and studying through the digital medium. Brampton Library provides over 400 computer workstations and Chromebooks for in-branch use which collectively facilitated more than 330,000 computer sessions in 2019 (Figure 7).

Makerspaces & Digital Innovation Hubs

Brampton Library is playing a part in Brampton’s move towards becoming an increasingly “smart city” in the technological sense while and nurturing innovation, with a recent example of the latter being the investments in Makerspaces at the Four Corners, Chinguacousy and Springdale branches. A Makerspace or Digital Innovation Hub is an important program element found in any new library. Brampton Library’s MakerSpace Brampton initiative is a joint venture with the City of Brampton Economic Development Office and Sheridan College’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. Equipment includes 3D printers, vinyl cutters, electronic cutting machines, music-making equipment, and more; Makerspace Brampton programs include interactive learning in 3D printing and modelling, coding, web design, robotics, and other STEAM and maker topics for all ages while the Library also hosts special events and meetups such as Tech Talks and Repair Cafés. In addition, equipment commonly found in other makerspaces includes 3D scanners, laser cutters, sewing machines, power tools, electronics tools, and so on. Makerspaces may be subdivided or augmented by more defined rooms for music and voice recording, photo and video studios, computer stations and collaboration areas for coding.

Digital Literacy & Bridging the Digital Divide

Digital literacy is quickly expanding and libraries play a key role in the education process. New technologies are leading to the emergence of new public experiences, allowing libraries to reinforce their value to their community, including to younger generations. Through the provision of computer commons, makerspaces, program rooms and other areas, the public library has become a place for residents of all ages and backgrounds to learn about the types of technology prevalent in the global arena along with how to use technology for the betterment of their daily lives.

Libraries are also witnessing challenges relating to what is known as the “digital divide” where there are segments of the population that cannot afford and/or have the ability to navigate technology. Brampton Library is a critical community resource that bridges the digital divide by enabling free access to the internet, provision of computers and laptops for library cardholders to use, delivering programs and technical assistance to help residents navigate technology, and providing affordable printing, scanning and access to makerspace equipment.

Digital Programming

Brampton Library’s increased focus on digital content and programming has proven popular and now invaluable during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (as will be discussed in the pages that follow). The act of borrowing printed books is still by far the most popular activity at libraries, however, the desire for variety and different library formats has increased considerably in recent years. Traditional print and non-print formats (CDs, DVDs, etc.) continue to dominate Brampton Library’s circulation figures though digital circulations have been consistently increasing their share. Figure 8 shows that digital borrowing increased by 56% between 2016 and 2019 – an annualized average of 19% per year – while there has been a 31% jump in digital borrowing between 2019 and 2020 which has most likely been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This illustrates the necessity of maintaining a diverse collection to meet the needs of the entire community.

A 2015 Market Probe Survey commissioned by the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries revealed that: 66% of library cardholders mostly read in hard copy while 17% mostly read in electronic format and 18% read both. Although there may be a growing tendency away from physical collections and toward digital access, broad trends indicate that many people, including children and youth, still prefer books and other physical items. As a result, physical collections will continue to coexist with emerging digital formats for the foreseeable future.

Therefore, the impact of technology has not significantly lessened the demand for traditional materials but in fact has led to greater space needs –particularly for study/learning spaces and creative spaces. Conversely, the use of library-provided computers has been declining over the past few years, reflecting the trend to work on one's own laptop or other mobile devices while in the library. Self-serve technologies are now ubiquitous and have “unchained” library staff from their desks thereby allowing them to be flexibly deployed wherever and however necessary within the branch or community.

In addition to spaces that enable physical access to technology and equipment, technology procurement, renewal, systems data analysis, and related programming have become a key focus for Public Libraries in recent years. Not only can technology introduce the community and staff to new possibilities, it can also streamline and improve existing processes.