Updated online resource offers new features, 24/7 access
As the teen services coordinator at Citizens Library in Washington, Katy Pretz is used to frantic calls from parents.
“The library is about to close, and their child needs resources for a project most likely due tomorrow,” she said. “What do you do? We tell them about POWER Library.”
POWER Library, an online resource provided by the state as a component of the PA Forward initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association, provides 24/7 access to reliable, authenticated resources, said Pretz. While the program has been around for some time, Pretz said the state most recently gave the portal a face lift.
“It’s more user friendly now,” she said. “The old interface had three different sites. Now everything is on one site, which has a new look.”
Pretz, who is also the library’s system administrative assistant, said the changes have been in the making for a while.
“The new state librarian wanted to simplify the access of materials,” she said. “She was trying to do away with barriers.”
Which is why Pennsylvania residents can now access POWER Library without a library card.
“That’s the best part,” Pretz said. “Pennsylvania residents now have access whether they have a card or not. They just register (on the site) for an e-card.”
The new interface also incorporates features for young children, including a tab called BookFLIX, which provides e-books for children in Pre-K through third grade.
“It’s interactive,” Pretz said. “It reads aloud to them.”
An original feature, chat with a librarian, also has been improved.
“Anyone can use the site. Especially kids,” said Pretz. “If they have a big project, the online librarians can guide them through the site. It eliminates the use of Google. Now, if you are in college or at a university, you have the option to speak with an academic librarian.”
POWER Library also offers free access to newspapers, magazines, journals, historical documents, photographs, databases and e-books. The site can be accessed at www.powerlibrary.org.
Pretz said Citizens Library is thrilled with the changes.
“We love it,” she said. “It’s an amazing resource. With just a few clicks, people have a ton of information at their fingertips. “