Downloading eBooks is like riding a bike. It takes a lot of practice to get going, but once you do, you never look back. Because it can be a tricky process to learn and many people look to the library for assistance (which we encourage!), we offer classes to download eBooks, audiobooks and magazines. In the past, these classes had been challenging to personalize, with two staff members assisting up to ten individuals at a time, each with a different type of mobile device and in need of customized downloading instructions.
We gave some thought as to how we could improve the classes, with a goal of every customer leaving with a complete understanding of how to download digital content onto their own devices. Our solution was for staff to offer one-on-one downloading sessions. With a one-on-one session, the customer and staff member can focus on a single device, identify the apps that work with that specific device, and review the entire process for downloading and reading digital content. In September, we put this new format into motion.
The third Thursday of each month has been dedicated to these downloading sessions. With the September and October dates behind us, we are confident that we are meeting our goal. We’ve received positive feedback about this new way of teaching and will continue to offer the sessions regularly, with the next one being held on November 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And for anyone who is receiving a new mobile device this holiday season, mark your calendars for our sessions taking place on December 19th and January 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Customers can make an appointment by contacting the Information Desk. We will ask you a few questions about your device and specific downloading interests to determine if your appointment should be 30 or 60 minutes. We have the flexibility to assist walk-in customers but making an appointment assures no waiting time! We’ll remind you to bring your mobile device, your library card number and logins for your Amazon, Apple ID and Adobe ID accounts, as appropriate.
You probably already know how to ride a bike, and now’s your chance to get that help you need with downloading!