GCC digital library is a success Latest figures show that digital library transactions in Gloucestershire have risen enormously in just one month.

The Gloucestershire library app was launched in May with a total of 1,421 transactions carried out via the app, by the end of June it had reached 3,363 transactions. This is a great success for the app and will continue to develop.

Cllr Dorcas Binns, Cabinet member responsible for libraries said, “Building on this success, we are working on a number of new developments to improve digital access to library services. Our new library app allows library users to use their phones and tablets to search the library catalogue, reserve books and explore eBooks online, wherever they are 24/7. We are trialling new products, like online language courses, on our Virtual Reference Library too.”

Simply type Gloucestershire Libraries into the app store on your Apple device or play store on android devices to get the app and keep in touch with your library.

If you would like to know more about the range of services available via the Digital Library, or any other aspect of library services, go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries or ask at your local library.

Two new trial products have recently been introduced to the Virtual Reference Library: • Transparent Language Online – start learning a new language for free. Sign up using your library card and learn to listen, speak and write with courses in over 80 languages.

• Universal Class – sign up using your library card to access hundreds of courses for free. Learn in your own time and at your own pace. Courses include yoga, digital photograph and computer basics.

A new library management system is being launched in the autumn. As part of this, the public library catalogue is being redesigned to make it quicker for people to access key library services. The new catalogue will help people access their library account 24/7 to search, reserve, renew and browse new stock collections.

Twitter and library news feeds will give instant access to the latest library news. Follow us on Twitter @gloslibs eAudiobooks and eBooks will be integrated into the main catalogue, meaning a single search will show books in all available formats.

This press release was written by Jade Marshall, 15, a year 10 student from Beaufort School who is doing work experience with Gloucestershire County Council Communications Team. The county council is committed to helping young people into work. If you could offer work experience or apprenticeships to a young person, sign up at http://yes2jobs.co.uk/