Library offers digital reading apps

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
The Integrated Learning Center here offers a workshop where eligible patrons can gain free access to three applications that lead to thousands of electronic resources.

 

Anyone with access to Eglin can attend.  Attendees need an Eglin Digital Library card that can be issued at the workshop.

 

The workshop begins with a one-time registration process on the Air Force-approved applications “Overdrive,” and new apps “hoopla” and “RBdigital.”

 

Once registered, attendees are shown how to use the applications to search for titles and download e-resources to their electronic devices.

 

The databases include books, audiobooks, magazines, television shows, films, concerts and music.  The three databases contain more than 30,000 books and approximately 40,000 audiobooks. 

 

Becky Delk, an avid reader since childhood, found the workshop helpful in transitioning from book reading to reading on an electronic device.

 

“There’s just something about holding a book and turning the pages,” she said.  “I found I can do the same thing on my device.  I just swipe through pages instead of turn them.  I can also adjust the font sizes, which makes reading easier.”

 

She said the user-friendly databases give her easy avenues to her various interests.

 

Among the many benefits to having access to e-resources is the portability for military members and their families who move to new duty stations, or deploy anywhere in the world, according to Jennifer Kepple, head librarian. 

 

“Having e-resources available eliminates packing up or lugging those heavy books,” she said. 

 

Workshops are March 12 from 1 to-2 p.m., and April 18 from 10 to 11 a.m.  One-on-one training is also available by appointment.

 

Registration is required.  For more information, call 882-9308.