Assignment 3, Option 2.

For this assignment I chose to interview two local librarians on how they use 2.0 technologies at their libraries. This was a bit difficult for me because, I could only conduct telephone interviews and I had to keep calling as I was using an international number so they could not call me back, and with a time difference to factor in, as well as contacting the librarians and trying to schedule times was very tedious in addition to finishing my coursework.

Here is my Google Docs link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lDf7v50DOaVOLptyRO1Wd79BURx8R-68AJy0i1P3j7g/edit?usp=sharing

And a copy of the paper:

Korkor Wilson

MLIS 7505

June 2, 2014

Assignment 3: Option 2

            For this assignment, I chose to look at two major library systems around the metro Atlanta area with several local branches and a strong internet presence, i.e. website, social media platforms, blogs, etc. I then reached out and spoke with staff members from both system headquarters who could assist me with a few questions regarding their use of current technologies and other technology trends.

            I took some background information from both library systems and used it as a guide to determine what technologies they are currently using, and what new technologies they are planning to use. I asked both librarians a few questions and I also followed up by checking out their libraries’ websites and social media pages. While these are library systems with branches around, one is a much larger system with more resources while the other is much smaller and has limited resources.

            Both library systems have fully functional websites and mobile sites, both versions of their websites feature their hours and contact information, the locations of their branches and as well as directions. Patrons’ accounts are easily accessible on the mobile sites and they can request material, check their due dates and fines, as well as renew their materials. The library catalog is also available on the mobile site and they can easily check the location of materials they need and place holds as necessary.

            Both library systems also have active social media pages, I did realize that the smaller library system did not update their Facebook and Twitter pages as often as the larger library system did. While the larger system had several Facebook posts almost daily and several tweets a day, the smaller library system had periodic updates every few weeks or no post at all for months at a time.

            After gathering all that information, I set about composing and choosing questions that were applicable to both libraries. These are the questions I chose to guide my interview and I used their responses to them to shape up my essay.

·         Do you think it is important to keep up with current technology trends?

·         How do you keep up with the latest in library technology trends?

·         Are there any trends that you would like to see in your library?

·         How do you recommend or suggest new trends for your library to consider?

·         What is your take on the importance of technology in libraries?

·         Do you follow or keep up with your library on social media?

·         What current technology are you familiar with?

            While both library systems use web 2.0 technologies such as mobile sites, online resources and the catalog, and social media. The larger library system proved to be more technologically inclined and kept up with some of the latest technology trends while the smaller library system does keep with some current trends but they are not as technologically inclined as the other system.

            Both librarians see the need to keep up with current technology, and realize that it is an important feature that all libraries must have in order to improve their services and continue to meet the needs of their patrons. They both acknowledge that technology is important because it helps them serve their patrons better.

            Keeping up with the latest trends might be a bit difficult as so many new things come on the scene but with the larger system, the staff tries to engage patrons and find out what they would like to see in their libraries and find out what new technology is popular and how the patrons would like to see it in their libraries. The coordinator and IT team discuss whatever technology they want to consider and try it out for some time to assess its popularity and effectiveness before fully launching it.

            The smaller library system does try to consider patron requests or suggestions for new technology, but there is also the issue of limited funds and a tight budget, so while new ideas and technology may be considered, the budget, maintenance and other factors are considered in the selection process and sometimes they have to pass up on some ideas because they cannot afford it. I then asked the librarian if she recommended any new technology to her superiors, she stated that she was aware of the situation with staffing and the budget, so she rarely recommends any new technology but she would if it would make a big difference in their service and it was widely requested by patrons.

            Since both libraries are have social media pages, I asked if both librarians followed their libraries on those social media platforms. They both acknowledged having accounts but they did not actively follow their libraries, rather they did check the libraries’ social media pages from time to time to see the new posts and events on the page. The librarian from the smaller library system did acknowledge that the library’s social media pages had not been updated in a while and no one was specifically designated to handle the social media pages, so it was updated whenever those who had access to it decided to update anything.

            Finally I just asked them about the current technology that they were familiar with, not necessarily ones their libraries used. I was impressed with their knowledge of social media pages, both past and present, and the how they used to be the rage at certain time periods. Examples are hi5, MySpace, bebo, Tagged, and others. They were also familiar with Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and a few others. I asked if they had LinkedIn accounts for their professional lives and they both had accounts there and used it to network with several other professionals in various fields.

            In conclusion, I was quite impressed with how knowledgeable both librarians were, they both understood the importance of technology in the library and were open to learning more about them. I realized that budget and staffing issues could affect how efficiently some libraries use technology, and in the case of the smaller library, they have to pass up on new technology because of limited funds and staff.

            Both librarians did mention that they used many 2.0 technologies on the job daily, whether it was helping patrons navigate their mobile sites, helping patrons access online databases and other learning resources from their libraries or at home, or just encouraging them to check out the libraries’ social media pages. They see the importance of it and encourage patrons to utilize the 2.0 technologies that they have to offer.