Library considers digital newspapers

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Readers who are interested in daily newspaper content can help Roseburg Public Library decide whether to add digital newspapers from around the country to the collection through an annual license with NewsBank.

Please complete the Digital Newspaper Survey on the library’s website, www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org, by Friday, Oct. 10. Or you can take the survey at the library. Results will be shared with the Library Commission, which will make a recommendation about how to proceed.

Please note “The News-Review” is not available through this subscription service. However, other Oregon newspapers are available as image editions, including “The Oregonian,” “The Register-Guard,” the “Herald and News” and “The Bulletin.” An image edition lets patrons read the entire paper as if they were holding a physical copy in their hands.

Several hyperlocal Oregon newspapers are available in text-only format. The package also includes image editions of well-known national newspapers such as “The Seattle Times,” “San Francisco Chronicle” and “The Denver Post.” For a full list of available titles, check out the “Newspaper title list” on the library’s website.

Most newspapers can be read the day they are published. Readers also can access archived editions.

The annual subscription cost is $2,300, which would be paid with operating funds. That would mean reallocating some funding assigned to print and digital books. Given current pricing, library Director Kris Wiley estimates the library would purchase up to 100 fewer physical books or 50 fewer electronic books/audiobooks – or some combination of the two.

Patrons can share additional comments on the survey, in person or by email to kwiley@roseburgor.gov.

Collection Survey

Wiley thanked the 44 people who responded to the library’s collection survey focusing on digital and large-print materials.

Respondents overwhelmingly indicated they prefer the library broaden the digital collection rather than purchase additional copies of the most popular downloadable books.

Nearly 50% of respondents reported they both listen to and read digital content on the library’s platforms. About 31% exclusively listen to digital material, and 21% only read electronic books.

Library staff received a number of author, title and series suggestions to add to the collection. Library cardholders always are able to recommend purchases of physical and digital books by logging into their accounts at roseburg.biblionix.com or completing a purchase request form at the front desk.

“Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts about library services. Your feedback is valuable,” Wiley said.