Politics & Government

Gwinnett Library System Begins Focus on Digital Model

The library system has a new executive director.

The Gwinnett County library system has a new director, and grappling with a digital business model -- or perhaps models -- will be a priority.

Charles Pace, formerly the leader of the library system in the St. Louis, Mo., area, will be taking over the Gwinnett system in January, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post. Pace was formally hired at a called meeting of the library board on Dec. 13, agreeing to a $125,000 annual salary.

And one of the challenges that awaits the new leader is how to deal with the digital world that has affected libraries everywhere.

That situation is a "moving target," said library system board Chairman Dick Goodman, who also is Suwanee mayor pro tem.

"So much has not been settled, as far as formats and business models," Goodman noted Wednesday. He explained that one book can be available in print, e-book, and audiobook formats, for example.

"It becomes a matter of how many (to obtain) in this format. It's difficult to determine what that mix is going to be."

Goodman also noted that some people do not have digital devices, and must rely on books, including those in large print format.

"It will be awhile before there is anything identifiable," he said.

In the Post article, Goodman said Pace’s experience raising funds for the library and building new branches will be useful in Gwinnett, where the recently approved SPLOST means that some replacement branches will be built.

“We look forward to working with Charles to create stronger connections between the library and its patrons in the numerous and diverse communities the library serves and to guide the Gwinnett County public library to become a showcase of the 21st century library,” Goodman said in the Post of the 15-branch system, which has almost 300,000 card holders.

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