The miami-dade public library system (mdpls) will improve its online services by increasing user access to e-books and eaudiobooks

The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) was awarded a $100,000 project grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants program to improve its online services and expand access to e-books and audiobooks. MDPLS experienced increased demand for online resources at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and will use this funding to add new online content, purchase additional copies of popular titles to reduce wait times, and incorporate pandemic-related materials on career readiness, mental health, stress management, and self-care. The initiative supports MDPLS's tablet lending program, which provides internet-enabled devices preloaded with educational and recreational apps, including library resources, to expand remote services for the community. The one-year project runs from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022 and aims to strengthen MDPLS's online services and address critical needs during the ongoing public health emergency through the IMLS National Leadership Grants program.

At the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, mdpls experienced a substantial increase in demand for online services, e-books, and eaudiobooks. Through this project, libraries will add new online content and purchase additional copies of popular items, reducing wait times for materials in high demand. They will incorporate pandemic-related content, such as career and readiness, coping with stress and anxiety, mental health, and self-care. The initiative will work in concert with mdpls's internet-enabled tablet lending program, which expands the library's remote services to the community. The tablets are preloaded with popular social media and videoconferencing apps, as well as library apps for educational and recreational entertainment services such as e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music.