Bridgeview wins grant to join SWAN – goes LIVE April 27, 2009
Bridgeview Public Library received a $25,000 LSTA grant in order to join SWAN (System Wide Area Network) as a full member. Patrons gain access to information through local, state, regional, international electronic networks. The grant gave patrons of the Bridgeview Public Library access to more than 30 databases and materials in multiple formats from all types of libraries. Bridgeview is a small blue-collar community,16 miles southwest of Chicago with a population of 14,933. On a daily bases the library serves 450-500 patrons of diverse ethnicities, including Arabic, Polish, Slovak and Spanish speaking patrons.
During the time the Bridgeview Public Library was closed for the completion of the library’s expansion project, patrons went to neighboring libraries for library services. These neighboring libraries were full SWAN members. When the Bridgeview Public Library reopened, patrons told the board, director and staff about the advantages and services that have been provided to patrons and libraries who are full SWAN members. Patrons wanted to take advantage of these benefits and encourage the Bridgeview Library to take the necessary steps to become a full SWAN member.
The project targeted all Bridgeview Public Library cardholders as well as all patrons and libraries in SWAN. There are over 4,000 Bridgeview Public Library cardholders and 79 libraries in the SWAN system comprised of public, academic and special libraries. The Bridgeview Public Library became the 80th full member of the SWAN system. Patrons now have access to a broader range of materials extending far beyond the holdings of a single library. Patrons are able to place their own holds, renew materials, and pay fines from any computer. It is now easier to find materials at the Bridgeview Library or other libraries.
The positive outcomes from this grant have been many. First the percentage of Bridgeview Public Library card holders have increased from 10 % to 25% since going live with SWAN. The library is issuing over 500 new cards per month. Next, the circulation of the library has quadrupled. The library gets, on average, 100 new patrons visiting the library each day.. Interlibrary loan has tripled since joining SWAN and continues to increase each month. The library borrows and loans material throughout the world. Patrons continue to be thrilled that Bridgeview is now a full member of SWAN..
