In this technological age it is vital that everyone have access to computers and the internet, our modern conduit of information from the entertaining to the necessary. One way the Bay Minette Public Library is helping citizens in our community bridge the digital divide is by providing that access via our library PCs. We now have 10 patron computers available thanks in part to the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Auburn University.

Auburn University Outreach was awarded $4.6 million dollars by the United States Department of Commerce to increase the availability of broadband technology in rural schools and public libraries across Alabama. The Bay Minette Public Library was one of only 115 public libraries in our state to be awarded computers and the award allowed us to add five new computers bringing us to a total of 10 computers available for public use. Overall, the BTOP project installed 2,700 computers in Alabama libraries and public schools, making a real impact in rural communities and among people who otherwise might have been put at a disadvantage.

The additional computers have cut patron wait time for a computer for us exponentially. Patrons now have more time for internet access to pay bills, check emails, and even fill out online job applications. The latter need in a time where unemployment remains a real and pressing problem for so many has made this function extremely important for the library to provide. Computer access for individuals who may not have a home computer or internet access otherwise is crucial given so many businesses have or are migrating to online job applications and searches.

With the additional computers came the need for an integrated time and print management and computer reservation system to ensure our patrons have plenty of time on a computer and get their turn in a fair manner. With our current management model patrons are given their own user name and password for computer access, allowing them the freedom to select a computer as soon as they arrive if one is available or to make a reservation for the next available computer. I am also able to keep track of usage statistics with the system. To give you an idea of how important our computers are to the community, during the month of March there were 1,289 computer sessions with an average of 42 minutes spent during a given session. Another illustration of how technology has become an integral part of our daily lives.

If you get the chance check out this wonderful video http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/cgs/BTOP/ that shows how much computers mean to rural libraries and public schools. An added bonus is that the video begins in Baldwin County! It features Liz Reed, the Director of the Baldwin County Library Cooperative, speaking about how this computer grant has impacted her library and the lives of her patrons.

Having online computer access does change lives for the better. While it’s always been popular to view technological advances as the beginning of some new intrusion or attack on traditions, a reasoned and reasonable integration of technology can, does and will continue to make our lives easier and better. We have had a handful of people get the jobs for which they applied via one of our patron computers, an obvious benefit for our community and the individuals involved.

But then there’s the less obvious easy, quick access to more information than our parents dreamed of and only a fingertip away, enriching us with knowledge and entertainment. It is incredibly gratifying to see that impact in our community and in the lives our patrons. Technology is a gateway to the future. Come to your local library where that door is opened daily.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com