The Missouri River Regional Library upgraded its computers this summer thanks to a state grant.
A grant of $26,365 covered 75 percent of the cost for 38 new Dell 9030AIO computers, and the library made up the remaining balance of $8,788, according to Nikki Bateman, the library's computer center supervisor and training coordinator. The grant comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Technology Act through the Missouri State Library. The new computers cost $925 each, Bateman added.
With a core i5 processor, the computers are faster, Bateman said, improving from 2.2 gigahertz to 3 gigahertz. The new computers also have larger memory space - 8 gigabytes of RAM (random access memory), and increase of 6 gigs each. Bateman said the hard drives are part of the
monitor, freeing up desk space, and there is a place to insert memory cards so patrons can view and upload photos.
Computer patrons started using the new computers after they were installed on June 30.
The previous models were more than six years old, and Bateman said computers generally need to be replaced about every three years. In July, more than 3,300 people used the computers, she said. Summer months are typically slower, and the library sees 3,200-5,400 computer patrons per month.
New computers have Office 2013 and iTunes installed. Bateman said she would eventually like to upgrade them to Windows 10. Each computer is protected with software, and when a user logs off, the computer reboots and erases information from that user.
Jason Shelvy, MRRL information and technology manager, said the new computers allow the library to be up to date of technology standards while providing patrons with more efficient machines. He added there will be less upkeep and maintenance.
"The parts won't have that chance to break down as often as the last ones," Shelvy said.
When the library discovered the grant, Bateman said there was no way it could be passed up.
"I think when you serve the public you want to give them the best they can have, and when we have opportunities like this that make it where we can afford to give them better computers, why would you pass up on it," she said.
It's important for a library to have computer services, Bateman said, as people don't have access to one, or the Internet or a printer. She sees patrons using the computer services to apply for jobs, complete online schooling, print legal documents, complete their taxes, create resumes or play games.
"If their computer goes down, or their printer goes down or they can no longer pay for Internet, they can come here and use this for free," she said. "There's no other place I can think of that you can go and use a computer for free."
Bateman added a library staff member is always available to assist patrons to help them with tasks like completing a job application or setting up an email account.