Photography by: David Hayden
Welcome to the second installment of Hoopla Half-Dozen! This time, we’re heading to Pueblo to explore the Pueblo City-County Library District. We’ll learn about their vision and gain Hoopla-related insights from Jill Kleven, the director of Technical Services for Pueblo City-County Library District. Let’s discover how this library is making a difference in their community!
Click the arrow next to each question to reveal the answer.
1. What unique programs or services does your library offer to the community?
Pueblo City-County Library District is focused on offering free access to information in all formats. We maintain a robust physical collection, including items for checkout such as books, DVDs, Chromebooks, and hotspots, while meeting the increased demand for digital resources.
2. What is your library’s biggest point of pride?
Our library serves as a foundation for Pueblo by offering welcoming, well-equipped, and maintained facilities, diverse programming, outstanding collections, and well-trained staff who provide expert service by encouraging the joy of reading, supporting lifelong learning, and presenting access to information from around the world.
3. What do your patrons most frequently comment on regarding their experience with Hoopla?
Patrons often express excitement about having two types of borrow options. They love knowing they have 10 Instant borrows for the month, while being able to check out up to 10 Flex borrows at a time. I also inform them about Bonus Borrows, so they can access as much content as possible.
4. What is your long-term vision for your digital collection, and how do you see it evolving to meet the needs of your community?
PCCLD currently offers various formats on multiple platforms. We aim to see our digital circulations grow while providing the resources and technology to patrons to make this possible.
5. What have you learned as a Hoopla member library that can help other libraries maximize their experience?
Listen to your patrons, even if they aren’t speaking. Patrons communicate through their borrows. What formats are popular? Which genres? If your patrons consistently check out thrillers, ensure you have access to many titles that fit the bill. Having both Instant and Flex borrows helps provide a variety of content, showing what is popular and what isn’t. Every library and community is different, and the titles your patrons check out will indicate their preferences.
6. How do you balance the increasing popularity of digital services like Hoopla with the financial constraints imposed by tighter budgets?
Every library deals with a budget, some larger than others, but all have one. The best way to maximize each dollar spent is to ensure you are investing in the right titles. If unsure about a title’s popularity, you don’t have to purchase a license immediately; you can observe its performance as an Instant checkout. Utilize the Metered Access License rather than a Perpetual Use License to gauge if the book is popular enough to add a Perpetual Use copy. Be ruthless when renewing licenses. Set a minimum number of checkouts required to renew a license. If a title does not meet that minimum, pass on it and invest in newer titles.
About the Pueblo City-County Library District
The Pueblo City-County Library District (PCCLD) serves Pueblo County, Colorado, with 8 branches offering books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, music, streaming movies, and free internet. Key services include the Adult Literacy Program, Assistive Services, and the Digital Memory Lab. The InfoZone News Museum features vintage equipment, art exhibits, and films. The district has won the Leslie B. Knope Award and the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. It engages the community through various programs and events, fostering a love for reading and learning.
