Full Description
Written as a technology guide for students, practitioners, and administrators, the focus of this book is on introducing current and future trends in library technology and automation within the larger context of strategic and systems planning, implementation, and continuous improvement. Technology is an essential resource for attaining both organizational and patron goals, and planning needs to emphasize the alignment between the clearly defined goals of each. For this alignment to occur on a consistent basis goals must be designed, or engineered, in a systematic fashion where technology fulfils the need to deliver the desired outcomes in an efficient, cost-effective manner. The concept of usability engineering is also examined, where the technology is planned, designed, and implemented in such a way as to maximize utility and ease-of-use for users and employees. Readers of this book will understand both the why and the how of library technology, planning, and implementation articulated in a simple, easy-to-understand fashion.
Contents
Dedication
List of figures and tables
Acknowledgements
Foreword
About the authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: Stone tablets, paper and the Internet: the same old library?
Abstract:
Libraries 2.0
Technology integration and user services
Systems thinking and performance technology
Library trends
Foundations of information seeking and user services in information organizations
Pulling it all together
Chapter 2: Strategic planning, organizational goals and technology: what and for whom?
Abstract:
Needs assessment
Strategic planning
Goal 1: a vibrant, user-centered collection
Strategic planning and world-class user services
Creating a strategic plan
Goal 1: quality online services and resources
Goal 2: comprehensive career resources and services
Goal 3: multi-faceted services and support for the homeless and indigent population
Goal 4: world class youth and family collection and services
Chapter 3: Customized fashion: finding the right fit
Abstract:
Hardware and software
A public library
An academic library
A school library
Library technology infrastructures and user services
Chapter 4: Technology and budgeting
Abstract:
Prevention vs. reaction
Quality vs. quantity
Replacement vs. repair
Zero-sum vs. line-item budgeting
Using Excel for budgeting
Prioritizing technology
Budgeting trends
Chapter 5: Evaluation: is technology meeting the needs of the organization's users?
Abstract:
Formative and summative evaluation
Informatics
Evaluation method
Building a logic model for outcomes-based evaluation
Chapter 6: Emerging technology trends in libraries
Abstract:
Integrated library systems
Metasearching and discovery tools
Web 2.0
E-books and e-readers
Pay per view
Consortia and group purchasing
Media
Meeting spaces
Circulating devices
Mobile
Digitization
Cloud computing
Pervasive web usability and usability testing
Virtual worlds
Instructional literacy and technology
Conclusion: user needs and library technology
References
Index
