Library e-services up 300% during Covid crisis

Tipperary Co Council Library Service recorded a 300% increase in usage of e-services during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Library Service has made a significant investment in E-Resources in recent years. Library users can now access daily newspapers, e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and online courses.

During the Covid-19 crisis, the Library Service made a significant effort to promote these services; this included local newspaper and radio promotion, while the library website was redesigned to highlight and promote e-services.

County Librarian Damien Dullaghan delivered a presentation on the Library Service at last month's meeting of Nenagh Municipal District. He said the 300% increase in usage of these services between March and May last was well above that of the national average.

The Library Service has also been making good use of social media since the Covid-19 crisis commenced. This included live streaming online children's storytime and arts & crafts sessions on Facebook, which can be watched back on the Library Facebook page. One of these storytime sessions by Margaret Ryan at Nenagh Library had 3,500 views alone.

Nenagh Library reopened to the public on June 29th. Restricted IT services are on offer to the public and the number of people entering the library is limited to ensure that Government advice on social distancing is adhered to.