The document discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitization of public libraries, particularly focusing on the efforts of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Library Service. It highlights various initiatives and successes in expanding digital resources, engaging online audiences, and adapting library services to blend physical and digital experiences. Looking ahead, the document emphasizes the continued need for innovation and investment in digital spaces within libraries.

1. The Library in the Digital Space:
How the Covid-19 pandemic is
digitising the public library
Daniel McGrath
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Library Service
CILIP Ireland/LAI Joint Conference, April 2021

2. THE LIBRARY IN THE DIGITAL SPACE:
HOW THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS DIGITISING THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
CILIP IRELAND/ LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND ( LAI) ANNUAL JOINT CONFERENCE 2021
Daniel Mc Grath (DLR Libraries)

3. DLR LIBRARIES MISSION To connect and empower people, inspire
ideas and support community potential.
DIGITITAL SPACE
The term ' digital space' refers to what is displayed on the
screen of a digital device (e.g. laptops, computers, tablets,
or smartphones). What can be displayed in digital
spaces is vast and diverse, and can take countless forms.

4. Libraries During COVID
• Singular branch based events
• Patrons in physical buildings
• Digital literacy a priority i.e.
‘Getting the most from your
library card’ initiative.
How did we already augment the
library space?
• OverDrive
• BorrowBox
• Press Reader

5. • Move from branch based branding
to dlr library services
• Increase in online users
• Expanded audience e.g. families
and young children
• Online Events and Activities
• Digital/Media literacy amplified
COVID Libraries
What did we move online?
• Summer Stars Reading Challenge
• Family Quizzes
• Healthy Ireland
• Exhibitions and Events

6. SUCCESS OF DIGITAL SPACE
• Increased investment in online resources collection (user increase of
108%).
•
• Facebook live story times have had 84,000 views in 2020.
• A 275% increase in Library courses online e.g. Universal Class and CISCO
NETAcad.
• Average 1,400 participants each weekend for family quizzes with 415,620
questions answered to date.
• E-bulletin mailing list with over 7,000 subscribers fortnightly

7. SUCCESS OF ONLINE EVENTS

8. • Staff engaged in online training themselves to upskill
in areas of self-identified need i.e. Webjunction,
Teams and Crowdpurr and Crowdcast.
• Budget was provided for staff to engage with these
new tools.
• Staff became familiar with the dynamics system for
the Book Drop.
HOW DID WE ADAPT?

9. WHERE DOES DLR
LIBRARIES GO
FROM HERE?
• Continue Digitisation efforts i.e. dlr app
• Stay ahead of the digital curve in the library space –
blending physical and digital.
• Look for further methods of improvement to the digital
space
BEYOND THE
PANDEMIC

10. DANIEL MC GRATH
Library Assistant , dlr LexIcon
EMAIL
dmcgrath@dlrcoco.ie