2. Growing Digital Services
• Local historical and genealogical collections from
the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, including:
•The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story
•Historical Map Archive
•Growing online collections
•Online Services including Reader’s Advisory, Chat-Enabled
Reference, Customer Account Self Service, and Online
Tutoring /Homework Help
• Online Resources include a wide variety of e-books, e-
magazines, videos, downloadable audiobooks, research
databases, and access to a wide variety of classes and training
3. Innovative New Digital Services
Demand is strong for new digital services that provide more options for
library users, including:
Stream thousands of movies, TV, music and
audiobooks from any device.
Design and develop websites and mobile applications using this
Interactive Learning Platform.
Download up to 3 songs per week from Sony’s vast
catalog of current and legendary artists.
View digital magazines online from any device.
4. Use of digital resources has
doubled annually for the
past 2 years and has
increased 65% in the past
year alone
5. Our Digital Strategy
•Not a computer lab.
•Not a bookless library.
• Not an updated website (by itself).
6. Our Digital Strategy
A digital platform for our community that is
personal, easy to use, and efficient, while
removing barriers and allowing customers
unlimited access to materials and services,
anywhere.
One login.
One interface.
One platform.
Access to everything, anywhere.
An online community of library users.
7. Why Do We Need a Digital Strategy?
Currently the library’s traditional web-presence does not meet the
demands of information access in the 21st century.
The growth of mobile devices as portals to information means the
Library must take a new approach to providing access for County
residents.
8. Why Do We Need a Digital Strategy?
Changing Demand – Demand for digital content
continues to grow but is not yet reducing traditional
usage.
Physical A/V
Streaming
Media
Print E-Content
10. Why Do We Need a Digital
Strategy?
There is a better way to
distribute digital content.
A team of 70 library staff were
tasked to develop strategies
for a customer-focused
approach to digital services.
11.
12. CML needs to invest in a uniform
platform to bridge the gaps in
service our customers are
experiencing with our digital
content.
Customers should gain access to
everything the library offers with
only one login.
Customer content should be
instantly available, mobile
friendly, and “device agnostic.”
A few ideas from the
Digital Strategy Teams:
13. Real World Example
Steam – A digital distributor of PC games owned by the Valve
corporation. Check them out at store.steampowered.com
Revitalized the stagnating market of PC games by releasing a
digital distribution platform for games.
In 2013, Steam includes about 70% of all games distributed
digitally.
How does this apply to libraries?
15. What Will a Dedicated Digital
Platform mean for CML?
An always open, 24/7 digital library
experience for our customers, accessible
anywhere and anytime, regardless of
device, including
• responsive online customer service
• educational webcasts and storytimes
• online book clubs and discussions
• interactive community meetings with
real-time feedback from residents
16. What Will a Dedicated Digital
Platform mean for CML?
•Expanded offerings of e-books, online
learning, and other digital materials.
•Better access to local history from the
Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room.
•Nimble and responsive library customer
experiences in the ever-evolving digital
landscape.
17. Investments needed:
How Do We Get There?
• Content and systems integration that
is seamless for customers
• Digitization: showcasing history/
materials not “born digital”
• Infrastructure for online programming
for children, teens, and adults
• Upgrades to the library database/ILS :
including SMS, user analytics, and user
registration anywhere
• Mobile Application Development for
all formats
18. Investments needed:
• Enterprise Architect / Digital Strategy Manager to
ensure the Strategy is implemented systemwide
with flexible technology for today and the future.
• User Experience Librarian to ensure that the
customer experience is the highest priority.
• Collaboration and support from Mecklenburg
County
• Industry expertise in the first year to build the
framework and begin implementation
How Do We Get There?
19. What will Success Look Like?
• Expanded digital library services
delivered at times and places
convenient for customers.
• Opportunity for all in our
community to be informed,
competitive, and digitally literate.
• Lifelong learning accessible to
every citizen--anywhere, anytime.
• By 2018, at least 20% of all
customer transactions will be
through the digital platform.
