New Technology Rolled-Out across Lake Mac Libraries

Published on 09 March 2020

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Lake Mac Libraries is excited to launch a number of new initiatives as part of a high-tech overhaul aimed at improving library services.

We’re delighted to announce a new, dedicated ‘Lake Mac Libraries’ smartphone app is now available for Apple and Android devices.

And to coincide with this, we’re also pleased to unveil an upgraded Lake Mac Libraries website plus new self-checkout kiosks across seven of our most popular branches.

Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the new kiosks were much simpler to use, operated via an intuitive touchscreen to make borrowing easier and quicker.

“They’ve specifically been designed for people of all ages and literacy levels,” Ms Hemsley said.

“Across the board, our aim is to bring our libraries into the modern era and make them more accessible to everyone in the community.”

With the new app, library users can use their smartphone as a library card, managing multiple accounts – children, partner or family – using one device.

It will also provide access to thousands of e-audiobooks, and GPS-powered information about a user’s closest library branch and how to get there.

Users can also scan any book’s barcode to see if Lake Mac Libraries holds a copy and place a reservation at their nearest branch.

“If it is, they can then reserve it at their local library,” Ms Hemsley said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the streamlined website was easier to navigate and compatible across mobile, desktop and tablet devices.

“Lake Macquarie residents certainly love our libraries and all they have to offer,” Cr Fraser said.

“This will make it even easier to search for and borrow the wide range of titles and items in our collection.”

Lake Mac Libraries customers borrowed almost one million books and other items in 2019.

Digital loans increased significantly in that period, as people shift towards e-books and e-music.

“We’re expecting that trend to accelerate with the roll-out of the new app and improved website,” Ms Hemsley said.

New Lake Mac Libraries App

  • Your ‘mobile library’ is now available. You can now easily access to all your favourite library resources, manage loans and reserve items at any branch.
  • To download, search ‘Lake Mac Libraries’ in the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android).

Learn more about the new app

New Self-Checkouts

  • Intuitive, touchscreen units which are incredibly user-friendly and make borrowing easier than ever before.
  • The new self-checkouts are now operating at Belmont, Charlestown, Cardiff, Speers Point, Swansea, Toronto and Morisset libraries.

New Website

  • Has been re-designed to make it easier to navigate and is fully optimised to operate seamlessly across all devices.
  • Browse https://library.lakemac.com.au/ and let us know what you think!
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