Roseburg library requests reader input

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg Public Library is asking patrons to share ideas for collection development as staff dedicate additional resources to purchase digital materials and large-print books.

The deadline for feedback is Saturday, Sept. 13. Please visit the library’s website at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org and click on “Collection Survey” to answer a brief list of questions, said library Director Kris Wiley.

The first set of questions focuses on digital materials.

The library realized a 21.7% growth in digital materials’ circulation in fiscal year 2025 vs. fiscal year 2024. Much of that change is because the library added online magazines on the Libby app, Wiley said.

Still, there was a 13.7% increase in digital audiobooks use last year, with patrons checking out more than 19,000 items. Digital book use was status quo with 15,350 checkouts, Wiley added.

About 80% of the library’s digital circulation consists of material for adults, which tracks because most of the collection is targeted toward adult readers.

“Historically, I purchased digital materials with high numbers of holds by Roseburg patrons. However, over the past year, I have dedicated more funds to digital books and audiobooks, which allows the library more flexibility in collection development,” Wiley said.

That is where the reading community comes in. Currently, Wiley purchases additional copies of digital books when there are five local holds on a title. Library staff are asking if patrons if they would like that threshold lowered, so more money is spent on the current bestsellers and hottest books? Or would patrons prefer the library to offer a broader collection?

“Do you prefer digital audiobooks, books or both? What genres do you like? What titles or authors have you searched for on our digital platforms and not located?” Wiley asks.

Digital readers should keep in mind the library provides access to two apps. Libby has a larger collection, including long-running series. CloudLibrary often has newer books available sooner than Libby. Wiley recommends using both platforms.

The second set of survey questions focuses on large-print materials in physical format.

The library has dedicated extra funds for the large-print collection, and the library recently added several Agatha Christie mysteries along with a handful of new bestsellers, including “The River Is Waiting” by Wally Lamb and “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry.

Christian fiction is the most popular genre in large-print format. Wiley will continue to purchase Amish, contemporary and historical romances. She asks what other genres, authors, series or individual titles do patrons want to see in large print?

“Whenever I talk about large-print books, I like to remind readers that every digital book can be adapted to large print by changing the text size. Library staff are available to help set up the Libby and CloudLibrary platforms on tablets and phones, and we can demonstrate how to change the type size,” Wiley added.

Wiley recommends setting up an appointment by email at library@roseburgor.gov or phone at 541-492-7051. Walk-in help is dependent on staffing. Plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes for setup and a brief tutorial.