Convenience, e-books are priorities for library users

Washington County Library users have asked for more e-books, and they will get them in 2011.

The library recently signed a contract with a vendor to provide the service that will be rolled out during the first quarter of the new year, allowing patrons to download books directly to their personal computers, portable readers and phones.

That was the top priority of users who responded to the Washington County Library Customer Survey conducted in October and November to identify services and programs that library users want and to guide the Library Board as it sets its priorities for the next three years.

The new service will cost about $15,000 a year, but it won't come at the expense of shuttering any of the system's smaller branches, such as those in Marine on St. Croix and Lakeland. That was another concern expressed by the more than 800 people who took the unscientific survey.

"This [e-books] is what the people want and we are doing it," said library Director Pat Conley, but "we have no intention of closing anything."

Survey respondents said they want more options for self-checkout of materials and to have Library Express in more locations. The library's first kiosk allowing customers to order, reserve and pick up books remotely began operating late last year in Hugo.

Library users also want more evening and weekend hours, as well as access to music they can download. St. Paul Public Libraries recently began offering that service. With the arrival of e-books, Conley said Washington County won't be offering that service at this time.

Despite the overwhelming desire for more and improved technology, the majority of respondents still ranked books, magazines, newspapers and other printed materials as the library's most important resources. They also said the library should spend the largest part of its budget on keeping its print collection strong.

"To see the value they put on print materials is heartwarming," Conley said. "People still want print material."

Patrons gave high marks to the library staff, both as a valued service and in user satisfaction ratings. They also ranked reading programs for children as their most preferred programs.

The feedback poses a challenge for the nine-branch library system as it attempts to expand services to meet its diverse customers' desires, all while operating with a finite budget and limited staff resources.

But Conley said the results show that people are passionate about their library, and that things are going in the right direction.