I just engaged with the Whitby Public Library. It has been the most positive technological experience I have had throughout this entire COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
First, when you enter the Whitby Public Library site at WhitbyPL you have a chatbot available at the bottom right of your screen. Maybe we were really lucky as we not only got immediate service when clicking on it but the agent, whose name was Megan, was the epitome of assistance. She not only knew the answers spot on but had them at her fingertips the moment a query was posed.
The more I asked, the more I learned. In short, the quality of this service likely depends on the skill and knowledge of the agent who is online at the moment, but my experience was unreservedly outstanding.
I believe residents of Pickering can apply and receive a library card to the Whitby library. Thankfully, I had the foresight long ago to apply for such a card and will definitely make much greater use of this library. The Whitby Public Library may be small when compared to the Pickering Public Library, but its service is big, really big! Now, if the attitudes and patron interaction is as good as their tech service, then “it’s worth a drive to Acton…oops, to Whitby.”
CEO Rhonda Jessup should be congratulated for having such service in place that’s foremost, but more importantly, that she makes it work. Marvellous.
Kudos to the Whitby Public Libary!
