JMRL Flourishes in the Digital Age

The ways that we get our information have changed dramatically during the past several decades. With the rise of the internet in the mid-90s, the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 and the ever-increasing influence of social media, there’s a seemingly infinite amount of information—and distractions—at our fingertips. And, in related developments, a 2023 Gallup poll revealed that American adults are reading about two or three fewer books per year than they did between 2001 and 2016.

Where does this leave public libraries? Are they still relevant in today’s digitally dependent world? For answers to these questions and more, albemarle Magazine checked in with David Plunkett, director of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. A graduate of Charlottesville High School, Brown University and LSU, Plunkett has implemented innovative programs throughout the JMRL system.

How has the role of the public library evolved over the past few decades, and how does it continue to adapt to the changing needs of the community?
Public libraries have always served to connect people to information. For many, many years that was primarily accomplished through the printed word or the expertise of the librarian. That has changed over the last few decades, as library staff have become fluent in all the different ways that people seek and find information. Now, while the library is still here for your favorite novels, kids’ books, or reference volumes, library staff are just as likely to be showing patrons how to stream JMRL’s online audiobooks through the Libby app, or how to come in and research their family tree on Ancestry.com, or how to read today’s newspaper online with their library card.

In the age of digital information, how does the library stay relevant and remain a valuable public resource?
Libraries are essential as we all face a daily firehose of information, and people have new concerns about what information can be trusted. Library staff can help curate the never-ending flow of information and give people the tools they need to use their critical thinking skills and find the information they need.
Public libraries are also a shared community space in a time in which social connection is more important than ever. The US Surgeon General’s office last year warned of an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation.” JMRL not only provides a third space—along with home and work—for people to gather, but the library cultivates that connection by providing community programming, displays, discussions, and opportunities for people to interact with ideas and each other.

How are the uses of physical spaces in the libraries changing?
One of the most popular features in modern libraries are publicly available conference rooms. These are in high demand for individuals or small groups to get together, or to use privately for job seeking, remote work, or telehealth. The conference rooms at Northside Library are incredibly popular and in high demand! JMRL has also installed privacy pods—self-contained, sound-dampened rooms for individual use—in several branches to meet an increased need for such spaces.

In general, public libraries aren’t the home of the shushing librarian anymore. They are vibrant spaces for the community to gather. At JMRL’s Northside and Nelson Memorial branches, there are quiet rooms available for individuals who need to concentrate, while the rest of the branch may have the hustle and bustle of kids in storytime or book discussions or community meetings.

With the rise of online platforms and e-books, how does the library strike a balance between traditional printed materials and digital resources?
JMRL’s digital collection has experienced quite a boost in popularity over the last few years. In fact, if this collection was a physical location it would have the highest number of checkouts of any branch, just barely nudging out JMRL’s busiest library (Northside).

JMRL had an opportunity to bolster this collection in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, when COVID effectively shut down ordering of printed materials. This was a hidden silver lining, with time and resources dedicated solely to digital materials. The library had over 100 years to build a print collection, but only the last 15 or so for downloadable e-books.

While digital materials are very popular in this region, print materials are still in high demand. Last fiscal year about a quarter of checkouts were digital, and physical materials still circulated over 1.2 million times.
The library is in the business of getting people the resources they need, so this balance is largely driven by the demand in our community. Some people prefer print, some digital, some just want the first available copy in either format. One common misconception is about how library digital lending works. JMRL purchases a license for each title, and generally that license allows one user at a time to access it. This model is similar to a physical book, where an additional license needs to be purchased if there is high demand for a title. In fact, digital licenses frequently cost more than a printed copy of a book! Having said that, as demand for digital materials grows, the library will dedicate more resources toward growing the digital collection.

What are some of the innovative programs or initiatives that the library has implemented to serve and engage the community?
JMRL annually hosts the Same Page Community Read to encourage Central Virginians to read and discuss the same book at the same time. This region-wide reading initiative culminates with the author’s appearance at the Virginia Festival of the Book. So, it’s a great opportunity for our community to engage with the work, its creator, and each other.

The library has recently opened makerspaces at Central, Northside (for teens), and Nelson Memorial. In these spaces, people can engage with new technologies in a safe environment and learn how to turn their ideas into reality. People are surprised to find the range of materials available at these locations—from sewing machines to 3-D scanners and printers, and button making to laser cutting. Library staff can also help people to digitize their old VHS tapes or even 35MM slides.

Over the last few years, JMRL has really pushed to meet people where they are when providing service. Digital resources are available anytime, anywhere to anyone with internet access and a device, removing the barrier of travel to the library. And with added Bookmobile stops in our region, new outdoor holds-pickup lockers, drive-up windows and kiosks, printed materials are also more accessible than ever. JMRL has partnered with the University of Virginia to offer free interlibrary loans of UVA Library materials at JMRL libraries. Being able to offer a variety of formats allows for the greatest access and meets the widest range of our community’s information seeking needs.

What are the biggest challenges that libraries face today and how are you addressing them?
Public libraries sometimes face a gap in perception, in which people envision a storehouse for books where library staff are gatekeepers to information. The reality of any public library in America is that modern library staff are connectors, finding ways to get people the knowledge they need, whether that is in a book, in a new technology, by hearing a speaker, or by meeting others and sharing experiences.

The public library is a vibrant center for any community and needs resources and support to continue to foster this important civic duty. Luckily, in the JMRL service area there is broad support for public libraries. The elected officials and staff of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson recognize the importance of library service, and work hand in hand with JMRL to make sure that our public libraries are well funded and cared for.

This support from local governments is a large reason that JMRL was named the Virginia Library Association’s library of the year in 2022. Not every community has the same level of support for public libraries, so I’m grateful every day that the people and local governments of our region continue to prioritize this crucial service.

JMRL at a Glance
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system spans five localities and nearly 2,000 square miles in Central Virginia.

Eight branches and a bookmobile provide library services to the rural and suburban communities of Albemarle, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties, as well as the City of Charlottesville.

JMRL provides library services to a population of more than 200,000 residents.
Along with combined holdings of 500,000 physical items, the library also offers access to online databases and downloadable e-books.