Tech Blog Discussion: What is Your Library Doing about Emerging Technologies?

Jeffries, C. (2010, July 6). What is your Library doing about Emerging Technologies? LITA Blog. Retrieved February 15, 2011, from http://litablog.org/2010/07/what-is-your-library-doing-about-emerging-technologies/

Courtney Jeffries summarizes the LITA panel presentation from the ALA 2010 annual conference. Group 1 tackled the question “What are emerging technologies and how should they be adapted for libraries?” Rather than emphasize the (growing and changing) technologies, I loved one of the panelist’s responses (Elisabeth Leonard from Western Carolina University) who emphasizes the users. “Leonard suggested that as librarians we should “think through the eyes of our users.” Who are we trying to meet and where do they want us meeting them? What’s the context? An example given was social networking. Facebook, Twitter, and other similar platforms, while considered emerging to many librarians, have seemingly always been present for younger library users/college students. (This is something I’ve been struggling with in exploring emerging technologies. What is considered emerging? Much of the professional literature emphasizes technologies that have become a part of my daily life, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, chat, online videos, course management tools, wikis, RSS feeds/readers, blogs, etc.) The summary article also notes that Leonard “added that the reverse could be argued for another user group.” This is particularly timely now that many non-traditional students are returning to collegiate studies. While it would be easy to heavily rely on emerging technologies and social networking, it’s also important to consider the learning curve for these returning students. Not only are they making big changes in their professional lives; they are also encountering many new technologies they likely did not have to use before they began their professional careers (i.e. course management software, electronic databases, online forums, online course registration, even email).

In the session summary Jeffries note’s the reaction of Frank Cerone’s (Purdue University Calumet) to including social networking under the umbrella of emerging technologies. Cerone “argued that social networking sites are not emerging technologies for any user group.” He instead directs us to examine commercial technologies. Cerone gave the example of 3-D television as an emerging technology, though Leonard considers it a “leading edge technology,” as opposed to an emerging one. I am hesitant to embrace these commercial “leading edge technologies” (mostly based on my frugal nature), questioning how they can be used to further the educational goals of the institutions, students, faculty, and learning communities we serve. Keeping in mind how these technologies can supplement and improve our communication or other services we provide is key (are we purchasing/using just to feel more technologically advanced?).

Group 2 discussed the “daily tasks and skills required of emerging technologies librarians.” Those who contributed for this session were Amanda Margis (Warren-Newport Public Library), Danielle Whren Johnson (Loyola/Notre Dame Library), Darcy Del Bosque (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Elisabeth Abarbanel (Brentwood School, Los Angeles), and Rebekah Kilzer (Drexel University Libraries). Many of the panelists emphasized the changing roles of librarians, no matter the populations served. Embracing flexibility, being involved, sharing technologies with colleagues, introducing new terms and programs to those around you. Kilzer shared a bit about her beginnings as Emerging Technologies Librarian at Drexel University Libraries. A wonderful suggestion for anyone beginning a new position is to take note of those technologies that have already been utilized. Also, visiting with “colleagues about their expectations of and suggestions for emerging technologies at their libraries” is a great way to gauge where the library is, where the librarians are, and where to start (what sort of things can be introduced? What will support the mission of the university/library?). Particularly relevant were the answers to the question “ How can librarians sty current when it comes to emerging technologies?” Tech feeds and blogs like:
Mashable (mentioned in my last blog post)
Lifehacker
Wired
In the Library With the Lead Pipe (one I really like and have subscribed to for a while now)
ReadWriteWeb
Non-profit Tech Blog
Museum 2.0
Margis suggested (and I agree), “if you want to stay up-to-date, play with the technology...Even if you don’t have it, just get your hands on it...Experiment, test, and reevaluate.” This is something I’ve been working with throughout the semester. I also think approaching the technology from a different perspective (thinking of it from a student’s perspective, a faculty perspective, a patron from the greater community with borrowing privileges) is key to effectively incorporating it into your library. Whren emphasized attending conferences, particularly those not library related to see what new things can be incorporated.

The next question addressed assessing emerging technology projects. Del Bosque suggests not just looking at what other libraries are doing, but rather looking at your local population. How is success defined? She suggests “Usability testing, surveys, and focus groups.”

Group 3 consisted of Cynthia Johnson (University of California, Irvine), Jacquelyn Erdman (East Carolina University), Kathryn Munson (Southeastern Louisiana University), and Marissa Ball (Florida International University). Assuming the responsibilities associated with adopting emerging technologies requires management and can be quite a commitment. Will you have an emerging technologies librarian? Are there librarians who have expressed interest in emerging technologies? How might responsibilities be shifted to assume the tasks associated with emerging technologies? At UC-Irvine, Johnson says her position is a consulting role (in addition to their web services department). Erdman works with a committee at East Carolina University. Florida employs a team-based approach, and has incorporated the following two tools in instruction and collection development:
Jing
LibX (an extension for Firefox and Explorer... Lately I have been using Chrome, so I may have to switch back to Firefox to experiment with it).
I have enjoyed creating simple, easy (and free!) screencasts using Jing, but have not used LibX, though I can definitely see its usefulness (I’ve just not had occasion to use it yet).

It was good to hear Erdman talk about emerging technologies while still keeping (restricting) budgets in mind. At East Carolina University they hosted “an in-house conference that focused on emerging technologies.” Sharing these tools with your local colleagues can not only help with the technologies presented that day, but can also cultivate a continuing dialog that can benefit everyone in the future. I like Munson’s suggestion of documenting what you are (and are not) doing and why. The key to this is finding a simple, efficient (i.e. not time consuming) way to do this in addition to the many duties librarians perform. Making sure your emerging technologies mission mirrors that of your university and library is important (otherwise, why are you doing what you are doing?). Johnson collaborated with other departments (educational technologies and web services) to achieve some technology goals. Right now I am interning at a small university library where collaboration is key between areas of the library, technology departments, and the larger campus.

One use of Twitter that I found somewhat surprising was what Johnson reported. “After setting up the library’s Twitter account, Johnson watched as it evolved into a virtual suggestion box. Johnson welcomed this unforeseen use of Twitter. Despite the suggestion box that had lived at the library for years, user feedback flooded the library’s Twitter account.” This emphasizes meeting the library users where they are.

David Ratledge (University of Tennessee), Gwen Evans (Bowling Green State University), and Rebecca K. Miller (Virginia Tech), made up the last group and discussed libraries and risk taking with emerging technologies. Evans utilizes Computer Science students, working with them to develop new technological offerings. By partnering experienced CS students with new CS students, there is some peer training that happens but, as can be expected, there are always unexpected challenges associated with this. Enthusiasm can sometimes overshadow practicality when it comes to taking on new tasks, so being sure you do have the resources to commit to new technologies (both man power and financial) is important to keep in mind. Making sure there is a long-range plan in place is important for maintaining new technologies.

Ratledge had a good point when he said, “Your users might be on Facebook, but, do they want you–the library–on Facebook?” When students are looking for assistance, is the first place they will look Facebook? Or will they automatically go to the library web page? What platform is best for supporting your library’s users’ needs? Another idea for discussing and experimenting with new technologies is a brown bag technology lunch series in which ideas can be exchanged (and technologies demonstrated or tried by participants).

Article Discussion: Making Twitter Work: A Guide for the Uninitiated, the Skeptical, and the Pragmatic

In an effort to embrace the technologies I am exploring, I joined Twitter a few weeks ago. I've connected with some friends, and have added the occasional comedian, many library-related tweeters, and news organizations. I can definitely see how some may easily get lost in the "Twittersphere," but how can it work for libraries and professionals? It is another way to directly connect with library users--and the "keep it short, stupid" set-up of Twitter is convenient for those with little time to commit to social networking. I'm still learning, but what does Forrestal have to say about Twitter?

Forrestala, V. (2011). Making Twitter Work: A Guide for the Uninitiated, the Skeptical, and the Pragmatic. The Reference Librarian, 52(1), 146-151. doi:10.1080/02763877.2011.527607

As many of us who have explored Twitter can see, communication via this medium continues to grow. Librarians are some of the most active Twitter users, and Forrestala cites Young's 2010 study of influence on Twitter, stating "an unnamed librarian as being one of the most influential non-celebrity users on the service."

For those not familiar with Twitter, it is a website that allows users to post short updates or conversation starters (up to 140 characters). Users can follow others' updates (tweets), and profiles may be either public or private, depending upon user preference. If you decide to make your profile private, those who wish to read your tweets must request and be approved by you. You can also have conversations with other Twitter users by utilizing the @ symbol along with their username. Retweeting is sharing another's post with those who follow you. Hashtags (#) allow for tagging, attaching labels to tweets to organize them. A common hashtag currently being employed is the #Egypt label. If you click on the hashtag, Twitter compiles the tweets that have included that label, allowing you to see what others are saying about it (not just those you follow).

Accessing Twitter is done in a variety of ways. You can visit the Twitter website, desktop applications like TweetDeck or Seesmic, access it via smart phone, or submit new tweets using text messaging. But how can you make using Twitter meaningful for your library and those who follow your library?

Forrestala recommends making what you Tweet meaningful by creating conversation, not just broadcasting happenings or making announcements. By making it a place where conversation can happen, you bring the interactive aspect to the media that others may not be incorporating. The article says you can also create an RSS feed (covered in my last post) for certain searches, i.e. the name of your library, by utilizing the "feed for this query" link. While this is true for what is currently the "old twitter" the new redesign appears to have eliminated this option (or at least hidden it very well).

As a librarian, you can create a list of people in your area who have tweeted about library-related topics. Forrestala gives the examples of "research," "paper," or "writing." You can respond to their post, directing them to your library's services, even though the post doesn't mention the word "library" or "homework," reaching out to users less likely to seek out assistance.

By searching your library Twitter can serve as a "virtual comment box" to learn more about what your users are saying about you. You can also put widgets (a box that links to your tweets) that can direct others to your tweets, or that can show your most recent tweets--particularly useful for those not interested in setting up a Twitter account, but may still be interested in quick snippets about library happenings. You can also connect your tweets to display in other forms of social media (i.e. Facebook, website, blog).

An interesting experiment done by Harvard was the "Library Hose" which generated a tweet for every book that was checked out (including title and author, not any information that could identify the patron). This gets one point across: the library is widely used. But it ignores another point the author highly values: using Twitter as a way to communicate with library users, to open communication and dialog (as opposed to a broadcasting tool).

Particularly helpful for those looking into using Twitter was the section highlighting strategy. Figuring out the purpose and focus of your account comes first. Connecting the Twitter profile to your organization, not just electronically, but also visually but incorporating images, colors, and other links helps to establish the credibility of the account. Examine best practices, including rules for behavior and interaction. Forrestala continues to emphasize the interactive uses of Twitter, lending itself to conversation. Checking your account regularly helps users feel less like they are being ignored (particularly important with reference interactions)and (perhaps) may be more likely to form a positive association with the library. The author notes that being active and helpful can help the institution in the long run (with future alumni donations) if users can maintain a lasting connection to the school. It can also be a great starting point for a conversation, which may then be moved to another medium (i.e. blog, phone, email, Facebook, in-person).

For professional growth, librarians can follow live tweeting at conferences, colleagues tweets, and breaking news.

Three blogs Forrestala mentions (that I plan on exploring in more depth) are:
Tame the Web
Librarians Matter
Mashable

An article came across my Twitter feed (someone retweeted the article) about the "10 Twitter Features You Might Be Missing."

Sherman, A. (2011). 10 Twitter features you might be missing. Gigaom. Retrieved from http://gigaom.com/collaboration/10-twitter-features-you-might-be-missing/.

Sherman quickly and easily highlights some of the features basic users of Twitter might be overlooking. I will briefly outline the main points:

• Take a look at Twitter's suggestions (under "Who to Follow--View Suggestions." You can even browse by interest or have Twitter use your email account to find people you know from your address book.
• Twitter for business: the guide lists terms, best practices, case studies and tips.
• You can advertise on Twitter and use analytics to find out more about your users (though this applies more to businesses than libraries).
• As Forrestala mentioned above (though, with more of a RSS feed emphasis), using the searching features (and saving your searches, or making lists) you can check for new tweets about topics related to your services.
• Twitter Tales: this was new to me. Twitter tales are brief stories featuring Twitter users. This can be particularly helpful to glean new ideas about how to use Twitter to meet your patrons' needs.
• Widgets: these badges can be used to advertise your Twitter page, display tweets, and allow others to follow your posts from boxes that can be embedded in websites, blogs, etc.
• Similar to widgets are the "Follow Me" buttons, which are basically html coding that links to your Twitter page. Another embeddable element is the "Tweet Button" which allows others to tweet about your blog or webpage with the click of a button.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: The article showed this awesome image of the various shortcuts (below).