Cathy DeCampli prepared to expand on ‘the traditional library’
The Haddonfield Public Library has been working on integrating 21st century technology into its plethora of offerings. Before the recent building renovation, it was difficult, as the 100-year-old building needed technology improvements.
Now, the Haddonfield Public Library is ready to step up its technology game. With that, the library recently hired Cathy DeCampli as its emerging technologies librarian. DeCampli will be working to help the library with advances in technology.
“We’re expanding on the traditional library, which is always about exploring new interests and developing passions, but we’ve taken it out of the realm of print and books, and now we are adding new technology and digital resources into the mix,” DeCampli said.
DeCampli comes from Woodbury where she served in a different profession. She majored in political science, earning a bachelor’s degree, and worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., doing research for her job. Having to do so much research, it pulled her toward library science. She decided to go to Drexel University and major in library information science for her master’s degree.
“It seamlessly grew and transferred from one job to the other,” DeCampli said.
Although DeCampli is new to her job, having only worked for a month, she has felt right at home at the Haddonfield Public Library and has excitedly delved into her job.
“I like it because it is the kind of job where you get to be creative and forward thinking, trying new stuff. That is what keeps me on my toes and engaged,” DeCampli said.
“She brings with her a really well articulated vision for how to introduce people to new technology. She has an open-mindedness and fearless nature (good for the job) because the job does demand someone who is not afraid to jump in and learn things,” Library Director Eric Zino said.
DeCampli is responsible for learning and teaching the new technology that comes into the library, preparing programs in regard to technology, trouble shooting, overseeing teen services and the reference department.
The library has had a 3D printer since its renovation, but no one really knew how to work it. DeCampli knows the ins and outs of it, according to Zino, and will be working to get people interested in using it and designing programs around it.
Other technology available to the public includes computers, tablets, an interactive projector, online databases and resources and improved wireless internet connectivity throughout the library.
DeCampli hopes to constantly be finding new pieces of technology or software the community could really enjoy and make use of in their private or business lives.
Other new things at the library include:
• A writer-in-residence, who can act as a tutor to help improve writing skills and for test prep
• Artistically painted chairs designed by students of the Haddonfield National Art Society, where organizations or individuals sponsored a student to design a chair based on an art style of their choice
• The possibility of a teen advisory board in the near future
For more information, visit www.haddonfieldlibrary.org.
