ECC Unveils New Tech Upgrades at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 

NEWARK, N.J.- As students return to campus this fall, they’ll find exciting new upgrades at ECC’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library—further building on its recent renovation and expanded resources. 

A next-generation Integrated Library System (ILS) called Library.Solution went live in late July. The new platform is a multi-application platform that is user-friendly, and easy to navigate from any screen or device.  

“Library.Solution is a web-based navigation tool,” said Dr. Joyce Ayim, Assistant Dean of Online Education & Resources. “It was selected based on several features but above all, this interface is easy-to-learn and use.” 

It is designed to enhance access to the library’s full range of collections, including electronic databases, scholarly journals, digital magazines and newspapers, films, and more. Students can view their borrowed items and track upcoming due dates with ease. The new system’s user-friendly design also makes it easy to browse the library’s physical collection remotely—no need to be on campus to see what’s available. It is accessible at essex.tlcdelivers.com. 

The successful implementation of Library.Solution was made possible through the collaboration of ECC’s library faculty and staff, whose teamwork brought this large-scale project to life. The new ILS is already proving beneficial to students, faculty, and staff alike. 

“The launch was a success—we were able to begin checking out print items the very same day,” said Ayim. “We haven’t experienced any technical issues, and our staff have been adapting smoothly to the new system.” 

The library has also introduced interactive signage kiosks at the space, capable of displaying presentations, real-time event updates, featured materials, and available classes. 

“The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is not just a quiet space for you to read but also a place where you can have academic discourse,” said Ayim. “It is a place to learn, collaborate and interact. We invite students and faculty to hold events here. Come out of the classroom and into this learning hub where you can showcase student work, celebrate your achievements, and together build a community of learners.” 

“We want to give our students the space to enrich themselves with activities and programs,” adds Krysta Steele, Library Coordinator. “This is the future of public access learning, and ECC’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is at the forefront.” 

A growing number of the College’s student organizations have already hosted meetings in the newly transformed space. Meanwhile, the library team continues to explore new partnerships and initiatives- including the development of an extensive children’s book collection to be used by the children at the Child Development Center.  As part of the library’s campus-wide outreach, the library staff will host interactive sessions to introduce the new ILS system to ECC faculty during Convocation on August 25.