Library display showing the Rashes to Research: Scientists and Parents Confront the 1964 Rubella Epidemic’ exhibit
By MARK MCGEE
mmcgee@bedfordcountypost.com
It is a case of better history through modern technology.
The Shelbyville-Bedford Public Library has received a tech grant and is putting the money to good use.
Library director Margaret Petty outlined the new items as part of her report for the January meeting of the Shelbyville-Bedford Library Board of Trustees.
Patrons who frequent the History Room have their own copier/printer in the room. Petty says it will be especially useful for genealogy patrons.
A “lay flat” scanner has been purchased and delivered and is ready for set-up by library staffers. It will be used for staff members to scan Bedford County History books that are print.
“This will help us preserve these books digitally in case anything were to happen to the only copies available,” Petty said.
Petty added a document scanner has been ordered for use in scanning photos and other items needing to be preserved for genealogy purposes.
“It will also be used to scan receipts and documents to make our audit easier and give the auditor easier access to online sources for our records,” Petty said.
One last planned project is the purchase of a 3D printer and supplies for use in the YA Makerspace area of the library.
“It will be used with library supervision, for Teen and Adult programs,” Petty said. “We hope to expand the Makerspace area with more hands on devices over the next few years.”
In addition to all the new technology patrons are also invited to view an exhibit from the National Library of Medicine.
“In May 2023 I registered our library to be chosen,” Petty said. “We were chosen to host the ‘Rashes to Research: Scientists and Parents Confront the 1964 Rubella Epidemic’ exhibit.
“This exhibit is being displayed next to the YA area through February 17. It shows the journey of how scientists and parents navigated the epidemic and how the vaccine came about. It is a very informative and interesting exhibit.”
