The Milford Public Library is nearing completion of an initiative to update its technology services to patrons and reduce costs. Key benefits to patrons include simpler logins, reduced service charges, and the ability to make payments with credit and debit cards.

Library patrons have recently begun using a simpler login system to access the library’s patron computers and WiFi. The Internet is faster and more reliable as are the library’s printing, faxing, scanning, and photocopying services. Cost reductions have allowed the library board to pass along the savings in library’s service charges for printing, faxing, scanning, and photocopying. The charges have been streamlined to .10/page for basic black and white prints, copies, scans, and faxes and .25/page for large formats and color printing. The board adopted the reduced charges at its October 26 meeting. The library had already begun accepting credit and debit card payments October 1 after modernizing its cash register system.

“We are fortunate to be able to partner with a wide variety of businesses, many of them locally owned and operated, to bring significant improvements to the library’s technology along with cost reductions,” said Karl Stutzman, Library Director. “Many patrons depend on the state mandate that local libraries offer certain core technology services, including access to the Internet and photocopying. Whether it’s due to religion, beliefs, cost, or knowledge, not everyone wants to have these technologies in their home, and the library is a perfect place for people to access the level of computer services they need in a safe and supportive environment.”

In addition to the printing, copying, faxing, and scanning services offered upstairs in the adult department, the library has three patron laptops that adults can request at the upstairs desk and one traditional desktop upstairs that is always ready for use. The adult department also has a microfilm station that can access historical materials and a dedicated catalog search computer. Downstairs in the children’s department, the library provides four laptops for children to use in the library as well as a catalog search station. Patrons are not required to be residents or cardholders to utilize the library’s technology services. Anyone who complies with library policies is welcome.

At the October meeting, the board also adopted an updated Internet Acceptable Use and Computer Policy. The new policy reflects changes in the library’s systems, including better filtering and security technology. The library will still require parental permission for children to use library computers without a parent present, but everyone in the library is covered automatically by effective web filters that screen out unsafe content without blocking helpful sites.

Behind-the-scenes efforts with a variety of companies have made this modernization possible. The first step was updating the library’s internet connection and information technology network. The library switched to a new fiber connection from New Paris-based Internet Service Provider, NP Tech. The library has continued to partner with Elkhart-based Blue Byte Technology Solutions to install a new network gateway and switch and transition to using Google Chrome OS on all patron computers. Other work behind the scenes has included decommissioning the library’s on-premises servers and migrating staff files and email to cloud hosts. The library has also continued to work with Fort Wayne-based WM Imaging Solutions to configure the new multifunction copier the library purchased in 2023 to use it as effectively as possible. The library has also worked with providers including SHI, a technology reseller, to negotiate discounts on Google services, and Westfax, to get a more cost-effective fax solution.

In addition to the work at updating the library’s systems, the library board adopted a resolution in August to send and receive electronic payments. Along with that, the library was able to purchase a new Square cash register system that accepts most credit and debit cards and allows the library to more carefully account for receipts. The library has a minimum card purchase amount of $5 to minimize fees, but other than that does not add surcharges. If patrons wish to pay with a card and have charges below the minimum, they can add a small donation to the library to reach this minimum charge. In addition to the new card payment system, the electronic payment resolution allows the library to partner with Warsaw-based Lake City Bank to authorize electronic payments and increase security for its banking transactions.

Building on its already low non-resident borrower card fee of $68, the library’s updated fee schedule now offers non-residents the option to purchase borrower cards quarterly to get three months of service for only $17. The library’s taxpayer support permits it to offer cards at no charge to residents and property owners in the Town of Milford, Van Buren Township, and eastern Jefferson Township in Kosciusko County, but state laws mandate that the library charge a fee to those who are not residents of the official service area. According to the state map of library districts, several townships south and north of the Milford Library’s service area are not part of any library district. “Along with the ability to pay with a credit or debit card, I believe our new $17 quarterly payment option will make the Milford Library’s non-resident cards one of the most accessible options for residents of nearby areas that do not have their own library services,” said Stutzman. “We’re here to build literacy, cultivate community values, and save everyone money while we do it. We welcome everyone who wants to be part of that.”