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By Geena Matuson
Hometown Weekly Staff
The Medfield Public Library is doing something that, in this day and age, all libraries should be doing: integrating technology.
The town library has been hot on technology trends over the last few years, many townspeople may be unaware of what the library has to offer. While they offer the basic technology patrons might expect - DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and books on tape - they also offer the use of a 3D printer.
New software ‘Sprout HP’ could even allow for patrons to create their own 3D models, creating things like tabletop book holders, action figures, and items that have multiple, moving parts.
The library also offers VR (Virtual Reality) goggles and, using Google technology, patrons can visit such places as Egypt, Spain and more.
These goggles use motion-tracking software that follows the wearer’s movements; turn your head to the left, and the goggles display whatever true-to-life landscape, or game interface, in that direction.
For those who are crafty, the library even has a dehydrator.
Similar to how print newspapers have expanded to online news platforms, the library understands that integrating new technology will only make it a greater source of education.
However, the library can offer more than news and theory; it’s a physical hub at which to explore new ideas, technology, and learn from knowledgable librarians and staff through a hands-on approach.
For those who have ever wanted to learn web design, music-making programs, social media marketing, or even the basics on ‘how to use your Canon camera,’ the Medfield Public Library now offers Lynda.com to cardholders.
Lynda is “an online learning site that hosts a constantly growing library of over 3,000 courses that include over 130,000 videos. Courses cover a variety of topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and software” taught by industry experts
Patrons can even add an official certificate to your LinkedIn profile once you’ve completed a course, sharing their skills with the world.
For more information, visit www.medfieldpubliclibrary.org/lynda.
For those who already have already hold a personal account, a Lynda.com customer service representative can move all certificates, playlists and information to a new account through the library, too.
Have you ever wanted to learn a language? The library boasts a room full of foreign language courses and travel guides, both text and audio, and they can order programs from other libraries in the network, too.
Purchasing a full language program such as Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone can cost anywhere from $500-$1500, but the library may just have the complete courses in their network.
Patrons can also use the library’s new eBook catalog ‘OverDrive,’ offering an ever-expanding database of popular works. Those who have tried using OverDrive before will be delighted to know it’s now faster, and the database is growing.
And, as if this list of new technology isn’t expansive enough, the library has a device that allows patrons to self check-out, too.
The Medfield Public Library is always working to add more technology, so keep checking back.
Keep updated by visiting the library at 468 Main Street, and online at www.medfieldpubliclibrary.org. You can also follow the library on social media with Facebook at facebook.com/medfieldpubliclibrary, and on Twitter @medfieldlibrary, too.
