Digital Devices Success

Last year a new initiative was pioneered by Dundee Central Library, which introduced digital devices, such as iPads, e-Book Readers, iPods and Mp3 players into the Community, for use with individuals , organisations and groups of previously digitally excluded people.

This project offered an alternative way to deliver Library Services, and information, to users who had problems accessing mainstream libraries.

Such was the success of this venture, that ,earlier this year an additional bid for funding was submitted to SLIC (Scottish Libraries and Information Council), to assist with the future development of this scheme. This application was successful, and has now enabled the digital devices programme to be extended and enhanced, by offering free internet services in areas, and to individuals, who previously did not have online internet access. Sim cards and Mi-Fi's have been purchased to allow users to connect to internet services no matter where they are at the time.

This project will now enable people such as Housebound users, or groups in the Community who do not have Wi-Fi, or an internet connections, in their agency, or organisation, the opportunity to discover the many uses of the internet. Funding was also granted to allow a number of specialised Apps to be purchased, which would further benefit digitally excluded groups, individuals, and organisations in Dundee. Elderly residents in care home, and sheltered housing complexes, will now, for example, be able to access local reminiscence material online, including the 'Live Archive' and 'Bygone Dundee' sites on the Library WebPages, and they can now interact by using these devices to add their own stories.

Digital Devices

Earlier this year Dundee Public Libraries were successful in applying for funding to the Scottish Government Public Library Improvement fund.

From this fund digital devices were purchased, with the intention of bringing public library services to users who were unable to attend mainstream libraries and to offer alternative formats of library materials.

A number of organisations and groups are already involved in this project. These include Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ninewells Children’s Oncology ward, NHS Speech and Language Therapists, Dundee Disabled Children’s Association, as well as Housebound and Mobile service users within the Central Library.

There are range of devices available, such as iPad, e-Book readers, Ipod Touch and iPod Nanos, that can carry books and information in a

variety of different formats

People who have visual impairments benefit from audio books being downloaded , from the library website, onto these devices as well as, in some cases, for housebound readers for example, puzzles, jigsaws and crossword apps, which stimulate motor functions and sharpen mental agility.

Using these devices in health settings are desirable, as they can be cleaned with a sterile wipe and so reduce the risk of infection, that may be present with printed books, but still allow patients to access all the services that a public library would offer, such as free internet services and a range of entertainment and informational material.

This project ensures that no one in the community is excluded from library services because they can no longer make it to a library; we are simply finding unique and innovative ways to take our services to them, tailored to their individual needs