In the Kitchen with Dave Costa
By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — In his role as system administrator, Sparta Library’s Dave Costa has to constantly keep on trend. As technology continues to evolve and change, libraries have stepped up to the plate to compete in the cyber world.
Costa is responsible for all technology including the library’s automation system and all physical staff and public computers. Since arriving in Sparta three and half years ago from Warren County Library, Costa has overseen the conversion to a new and better automation system which checks books in and out; and he also maintains the library’s 13 computers for public use. But his ongoing challenge remains keeping on top of technology.
“It is my responsibility to manage anything new dealing with technology and implementing ideas to work with the director Carol Boutilier’s overall plan. An area of growth has been our on-line services and eBooks,” said Costa. “Our director is always focusing on the public — we see ourselves as a community center.”
And so he makes himself accessible to members every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in a service called Tech Dave where anyone can ask him technology questions.
“I get a wide range of questions. People are welcome to bring in all their devices and ask any question — non-library related also.”
Costa grew up Hampton and attended Kittattiny High School and had no idea that the library would become a career for him. After studying psychology at Rutgers University, he worked as a library trainee at the Warren County Library at Blairstown. Thanks to a tuition reimbursement program, he returned to Rutgers on a part-time basis and received a Masters of Library Science.
“I ended up getting a job at the library after college because I needed one. I didn’t know where it was going to lead. I just grew within the system.”
Timing is everything. When he began his career 16 years ago, his first library was not automated. He quickly became responsible for getting four libraries in the Warren County system fully automated. In 2000, he was in charge of the of the infamous Y2K clock transition. Years ago the public computers were dial-up — today everything is wireless and at no charge.
Since arriving in Sparta, Costa has seen two natural disasters. “After Sandy and Irene we were packed. We had power strips here so people could charge devices. Again, we see ourselves as a community center, and we are constantly thinking of ways to get people in here.”
Foot traffic-that becomes the big question: Why go to a library when you can download a book or do your research on the internet?
“The year everyone got the Kindle no one came here. Then once they started seeing the Amazon bills, they came running in for our eBooks. Many people now use Overdrive, an internet-based system of accessing free downloadable books. There is also Freegal which gets you three free songs downloaded a week plus many recorded books and downloadable magazines.”
And although there is no need for microfilm or microfiche for reference purposes, Costa still considers the library a great place for local history with access to local magazines and yearbooks.
Costa and his fellow staff members have been quite successful in getting their jobs done. Over the past few years, Sparta Public Library has been voted number one in the state by the Hennen American Public Library Rating.
“I am happy to be in the position I am in. I like being in touch with new technology and enjoy working with the public and how they interact with the services we provide.”
Sparta Public Library, 22 Woodport Road. Tel. 973-729-3101 www.spartatlibrary.com