San Antonio Public Library shares the Connect at Central experience

Recently, San Antonio Public Library premiered Connect at Central, a brand new 12,800 square foot space at their Central Branch devoted exclusively to bringing the digital media experience into the physical library. In addition to two OverDrive Media Stations (OMS) for users to discover, sample and send to their devices the titles in San Antonio Public Library's digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks, video and music, Connect at Central boasts hundreds of  computers and dozens of devices, along with a dedicated training center and tech lounge for users to learn new skills and explore digital content.   To learn more about this awesome and ambitious project, I spoke with San Antonio Public Library's Community & Public Relations Manager, Caitlin Cowart.   Tell us a little about the Connect at Central space – what can patrons expect to find when visiting the Central Branch?   Connect is an innovative, sleek 12,800 square foot space located at our Central Library downtown. Connect provides free, faster Wi-Fi that can handle more users; reduces public wait time by providing 114 desktop computers as well as 15 laptops, and 20 Google Nexus tablets for check-out; provides easier access to training opportunities; and educates about emerging technologies through our Technology Test Drive that features the OverDrive Media Stations.     Technology Test Drive is an exploration area with a "sandbox" where patrons can experiment with tethered tablet devices and interact with staff to understand basic functions and features. Technology Test Drive also includes tethered iPads downloaded with apps that are intended to teach digital literacy, stimulate the imagination and provide entertainment.   Training at Connect offers classes in Back to Basics, eReader U, Life and Learning Skills and 21st Century Tech Skills. In an effort to bridge the digital divide for San Antonio, we are really excited about the enhancements to our training classes.   What prompted the initial idea of Connect at Central and how will this initiative benefit your library's community?   A grant from the Federal Broadband Technology Opportunity Program enabled the San Antonio Public Library to make technology and broadband enhancements at 13 branch libraries and the Central Library. As for Connect, this was the brainchild of the library director. He has a vision of improving the overall library experience for visitors of the San Antonio Public Library. It was an opportunity to make the best use of the grant in a way that would have the greatest positive impact on the community. The entire process was truly a team effort among partners at the Texas State Library, OverDrive, City of San Antonio ITSD department and San Antonio Public Library staff.   Connect at Central is among the first library spaces to feature OverDrive Media Stations (OMS). How will OMS help accomplish your library's goals?   A couple of key goals are ease of access and public awareness of our digital collections. The new OverDrive Media Stations help us to reach a wider audience and in turn, better serve the citizens in our community by providing them with valuable information and resources. With the OMS, patrons can get to know our growing collection of 36,000 items and also have librarian support if they have questions. It's the best of both worlds!   What has the response been like so far and how do you expect it to grow?   We've had a ton of positive patron feedback! Our regular visitors have seen the evolution of the space from the start of construction until today and the enthusiasm has been building for quite a while. Our computer usage numbers are way up and our reference librarians are receiving positive feedback left and right.   As the community continues to visit Connect, we believe that many will be inspired by the digital learning opportunities available in the space. We expect a lot more interest in the months ahead!   Is there anything else you'd like to share with other libraries on your experience launching this innovative space?   Libraries around the country are experiencing transformation in best practices for information access and digital literacy. As mentioned, the themes of the project were vision, teamwork and partnerships. It's time to get creative and together, we make it all possible! We hope that Connect is a model for our system that will eventually be rolled out to our branches. As far as our fellow libraries out there – good luck to all who are considering or undergoing any project that provides innovative services to the community. Feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time.   Heather Valentine-Gold is an Account Specialist with OverDrive

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