Library launches Aspen Discovery to enhance electronic resource access

In a vibrant meeting held at the Corona City Hall, the Library Board of Trustees gathered to discuss the impressive growth of the library's electronic collection and the upcoming launch of a new platform, Aspen Discovery. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Miss Marla presented a detailed report on the library's digital offerings, which have expanded significantly over the past few years.

The library now boasts a staggering total collection of 2.4 million titles, with a remarkable 97% of that being eBooks—over 2.3 million titles available to patrons. This digital shift reflects a broader trend in library services, as federal and state agencies increasingly combine physical and electronic resources in their statistical data. Marla highlighted that each resident has access to approximately 15 items from this vast collection.

Four major platforms deliver this e-content: Canopy, Palace Project, Cloud Library, and Hoopla. Canopy, a pay-per-use model, offers around 34,000 titles, while the Palace Project, a consortium of California libraries, provides 82,000 titles. The Cloud Library, the oldest platform, features popular eBooks and audiobooks, making up 12% of the e-collection. However, it is Hoopla that stands out, offering an impressive 1.8 million titles, including audiobooks and comics, with simultaneous access for multiple users.

The library's strategic plan aims to enhance access to materials, and the usage of these platforms has surged by 130% over the past year, with Hoopla accounting for 60% of that growth. Last year alone, there were 71,000 checkouts across all platforms, contributing to 20% of the library's overall circulation.

Looking ahead, the trustees eagerly anticipate the launch of Aspen Discovery on April 21. This new platform will streamline access to the library's resources, allowing patrons to search for eBooks, check out materials, and even reserve study rooms—all from a single app. The integration of local history collections and online resources, such as ancestry.com, will further enrich the user experience.

As the meeting progressed, trustees raised questions about the platform's features, including the potential to display community events and the ease of accessing library cards through the app. The enthusiasm for Aspen Discovery was palpable, with trustees expressing hope that it would enhance patron engagement and streamline library services.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the library's commitment to evolving with the digital age, ensuring that residents of Corona have access to a wealth of resources at their fingertips. The upcoming launch of Aspen Discovery promises to be a significant step forward in making library services more accessible and user-friendly, paving the way for a new era of community engagement.