Four Lessons Libraries and Businesses Can Learn From Vigo County Public Library (Indiana)

In last Sunday’s Hoosier Times newspaper, Vigo County Public Library (VCPL) was in the spotlight for implementing a new technology program called “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD), where patrons and members of the community can bring in their devices for help with learning how to use the new technology. The library offers classes four times this month as a pilot program funded by a grant from the Indiana State Library.

The four lessons I learned from this library’s venture into obtaining, learning, and teaching new technology include:

• Invite the community into the business’ doors.
• Look forward to newer technology.
• Use pre-existing apps and technology to make services better and reach more people.
• Get grants to make budget go farther.

By getting the community involved in projects, such as VCPL’s BYOD, it can be a quick marketing tool as well as a way to improve services to customers.

Works Cited

• Greninger, Howard. “Terre Haute Library Helps Patrons Master Technology.” Reporter Times. Reporter Times, 6 Jan. 2013. Web. 12 Jan. 2013. <http://www.reporter-times.com/stories/2013/01/06/news.449992.sto>.