Off the Shelf: Want to Expand Selections at Library? There are Over 30 Electronic Services, Databases
By Sharon Saye on March 03, 2021 from Off the Shelf
The Bridgeport Public Library provides access to over 30 different electronic services and databases.
The Library has a brochure that you can request when you call to ask for items. It provides details on all the electronic services and how to access them. The same information is also available at the library’s website at youseemore.com/bridgeport or from the City of Bridgeport website under departments, www.bridgeportwv.com.
The most popular online service is WVDELI which is a consortium of over 11 libraries all of which add new items including eBooks and audiobooks regularly. There are more than 70,000 items on the WVDELI for download; some of these items are restricted to individual library cardholders, so it is best to sign in with your library card to see these Advantage collections. You choose how long the download is for from 7 days to 21 days and you can put a hold on popular items. Although the wait may be long, since the WVDELI members represent almost one third of the state’s entire population and competition is fierce.
If you are into music, then Freegal is for you with its millions of songs from over 28,000 labels. Patrons can download three songs for their permanent collection per week or can stream three hours of free music per week.
If you are interested in genealogy, there is HeritageQuest. If you have a legal question or need a legal form, try LawDepot. If you want to learn a language, there is Mango. If you want to take a class, try Universal Class or The Great Courses. If you have a car problem, there is ChiltonLibrary, or not sure what career is for you, try Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center.
If you are into the arts, there is ArtistWorks. For movie and documentary film fans, there are several services including IndieFlix, Qello concerts, Acorn TV, Access Video on Demand or Just for Kids Video Collection.
Links and instructions are included in the brochure as well as on the websites. So, even if the library building is closed, there are loads of resources available to patrons online. All you need is a library card and an Internet connection. And if you are puzzled when they ask for a pin number, it is the last four digits of your library card barcode number.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.