Dundee Libraries have seen a very large increase in use of their digital resources since they temporarily closed their buildings last month due to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced by National Government.
eReading checkouts have risen dramatically in the latest period when compared to the monthly average over the last year. Digital book and eAudio books have grown by 67% and eMagazines and comics are up by 60% in the last month.
Libraries have also added temporary access to another digital platform Ulibrary courtesy of supplier Ulverscroft, offering Dundee Libraries’ members free access to an additional 500 audiobook titles. Plus, they have launched a brand new digital newspaper services, RBDigital PressReader Unlimited Newspapers, bringing free access to full text of thousands of newspapers including local titles directly to homes through the RBDigital App. There is extended access for in a wide variety of online resources available at home including family history site Ancestry and World Book Online together with a wide range of digital courses and tutorials.
Further to this, staff in the Local History Centre have put together a survey to collect social history information during these unprecedented times for future generations. They would like to hear about you and your families' experiences during this time - how it affects you, how it is it changing your life at work and at home, and how you think it will affect life in the future.
Sinclair Aitken, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee who manage the City’s Libraries said
“We already had tremendous online services available and these have been developed and extended further during the current restrictions. We have an important role in helping everyone’s wellbeing at the moment and reading for pleasure can provide great comfort and relaxation for many people. Staff have responded to a huge increase in membership applications and PIN numbers to allow access to eResources. We are really pleased to be able to continue to engage with everyone and also look forward to welcoming customers new and old to our libraries once this temporary situation passes.”
To find out more about all about what Dundee Libraries have to offer visit the Resource Centre on their website at http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/coronavirus/resources. Anyone unsure of which books to download can get help from Lockdown Librarian reviews posted on their social media pages.