Digital loans spike at Mackay libraries

Mackay Regional Council libraries has reported a spike in its digital loans over the past year, reports the Daily Mercury.

In 2018–19, the number of electronic loans of magazines more than doubled compared to the previous year, going from just over 70,000 to more than 176,000. The number of electronic loans of movies jumped from 1029 to 8632 over the same period, while electronic loans for music more than doubled, from 9494 to 23,117.

The boost in loans came after the library added 30 percent more content and several new digital platforms to its collection.

Councillor Fran Mann said the digital loans weren’t detracting from physical loans, which had remained steady. ‘Customers like the flexibility to choose the resources that suit their needs and lifestyle,’ Mann said. ‘Our digital collection simply provides an opportunity to reach our borrowers at all hours.’

Category: Library news