Library Mobile Service without the Apps

There are so many great ways to create a mobile app for the library. With a little know-how and coding ability, the library can save thousands of dollars in the set-up of a mobile destination. Recent presentations have indicated that it is important to minimize content to the most essential parts. It’s great to provide this service. However, I think more often than not, libraries do not have the ability to create it on their own. They need to have a third party developer create an app for them, especially when it comes to the library catalog.

A problem that arises, not just with mobile services, but with digital library services is compatibility. Your library has audiobook services, but it suddenly stops working for iPod Touches, what happens next? Apps are also problematic for this reason, once the platform ceases to support the operating system; you and your patrons are just out of luck. The general business climate with Apple, Google, Amazon, and others in relation to app development impacts libraries trying to get into the same market. When the companies don’t play nice, we suffer the consequences. It has already impacted brand new innovative services.

From the Digital Reader: Spotify, Rhapsody have cut ties to their iOS apps

"Last Thursday saw new app updates from both Spotify and Rhapsody. And guess what? Both listings state that the only change was that the app dropped the subscription link. These streaming music apps are now as crippled as Netflix or the reading apps that fell victim to Apple over the weekend."

From No Shelf Required: Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble, Google Books remove in-app purchasing from iOS apps

"Apple’s new in-app selling rules are in effect, requiring retailers to give Apple 30% of revenues from book sales.  As a result, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Books have stopped selling books through their apps."

From GigaOm: Google Books says goodbye to Apple App Store

"While Google hasn’t yet confirmed that the rule change is the reason for the app’s removal (we’ve contacted them and will let you know if they do provide comment), given changes that have taken place in other e-book apps in recent days, it seems very likely. E-reader software from Kobo and Barnes & Noble has been recently updated, and the links to their respective online stores are now absent from the app."

Finally from Life: Merging Greedy, greedy…:

"Now…I’ve always thought it silly that the app redirected me to the website anyway…shouldn’t an app do EVERYTHING? I guess not…"

(I feel this captures the expectations from most of our patrons, shouldn't an app do everything?

All this impacts how we deliver service.   If a patron used your downloadable audiobook site and it suddenly stops working, they stop using the service, blaming you, not the business environment. We have to look at other options in mobile service delivery.

Boopsie , Bookmyne, Library Anywhere, and LibraryThing for Libraries are three providers of mobile catalog services. (I am open to suggestions to anyone who can point me to others.) The problem with a reliance on apps is the exclusivity of service, but also an unrealistic demand. In the end, we are just as beholden to the technology market limitations just like any business and must be aware of these market trends. 

Some examples beyond the current news includes iPod Touches and Blackberries. IOS 3, which is the operating system for the iPod Touch doesn’t seem likely to receive further support. If Apple continues to provide a new toy for the public and then stops supporting it, we need to be aware of that change. (I know I was directly impacted when some of my apps on my iPod Touch went away after an upgrade several months ago.) Furthermore, RIM is in trouble. Even though they have never been a strong app creator and their native browser was one of the primary weaknesses, in which, Apple set its sites on when developing the iPhone. When it comes to any of these services, asking for mobile apps for the catalog, or other services, what can we expect from the vendor? When will the iPhone app come out, Android, Blackberry?

 It’s the pressure we put upon the vendor that’s put upon us by the public and the market, but it seems we really should be looking at a web based app that can do most of this kind of service. The content needs to be presented more mobile web friendly, not just app friendly. In that way, we can break free of many of these issues and not subject ourselves and our patrons to these problems. I think everyone would just like to take any device, point it at a url, and the easiest and appropriate interface should present itself. Without that it makes our services more difficult. I hope that we can see this alternative for our services including mobile catalogs, to mobile databases, e-books, and more. 

From Awareness to Funding Part II (The Probable Supporters)

The last post on the report on From Awareness to Funding (an OCLC report) focused on the first 60 pages. Those pages primarily discuss the non-supporters.

The next section covers the Probable Supporters. The Strong Supporters section, briefly mentioned, spoke of community members who strongly supported the library, but did not necessarily use the library extensively (it comes later). They understand the value of the library and the benefit to the community.

However, the Probable Supporters support the library because they use the library. The Four categories of probably supporters are:
Just for Fun
Kid Driven
Library as Office
Look to Librarians
Greater Good

JUST FOR FUN
"The Just for Fun respondents are the heaviest users of the library, reporting an average of 36 visits per year."p 71

"While the Just for Fun voters are the heaviest users of the library, they are the least likely of all Probable Supporters to vote in favor of an increase in library funding. p 71"

That matches the Financially Strapped as two categories of heavy library users that are the least likely in their categories to fund library initiatives. This group obviously favors the library and would support it in an election, but I wonder where the line is crossed for this group to go from supporter to non-supporter (the bad economy affects this). Furthermore, one identifies it as a need, but can't afford more, whereas the Just For Fun don't identify the library as a need, but a want.

"They see the library as a place to relax, hang out and socialize with others and recognize the library’s role as a community gathering place. However, they are not as emotionally connected to the library as other segments on the Probable Supporters tier and are less likely to support it financially. p 71"

Does that mean they like it, but consider it frivolous?


I have to say, I find it odd whenever respondents state the top thing they check-out are non-fiction titles when my circulation data states otherwise. (you'll see this pattern throughout)

In my library's master plan study, the results here were similar. The majority of people stated they checked-out non-fiction and used reference the most of any other service.
My stats say Fiction/Bestsellers and DVDs.

"The Just for Fun segment represents almost a quarter of all library visits (23.9%).p75"

This part was interesting:
"The Just for Fun segment has a greater awareness of what is available at the local public library than average for all voters. In particular, its members see the library’s Internet access as a big draw and they love to read. They have the same positive associations with the library that are common across all Probable Supporters segments but have less of an emotional connection than other segments on this tier. Compared to other Probable Supporters, Just for Fun respondents are less likely to see the library as a place that helps them improve intellectually, creatively or personally. The library is a place to hang out and socialize, and Just for Fun respondents value the library’s role as a community gathering place and social hub.p 76"

Does this mean library initiatives for making the library a community space creates high usage, but doesn't create any more support?

This seems to explain the the phenomenon I remarked on in the first part of this post. We have high usage, but funding comes a bit more slowly.

Is the community hub a bad idea if it doesn't translate into community support?

"The library is seen less by Just for Fun respondents as a place to better themselves intellectually, creatively or personally. p. 79"

Just for Fun respondents have a tendency to be uninvolved in the community, but make a point of voting in local elections. Their their voting habits tend to be liberal and respondents are the least likely Probable Supporters to definitely vote yes for a library referendum

KID DRIVEN
"Kid Driven respondents visit the library more than average with 19 visits reported annually. They are typically accompanied by at least one child. They regularly check out materials for children and participate in the children’s programming. Kid Driven respondents are willing to support the library financially because of the role it plays in educating and inspiring their children to be the best that they can be. p 80"



"The Kid Driven voters are emotionally connected to the library, seeing it as offering an
exciting and diverse experience that inspires them and helped shape their identity.
They hope the library will do the same for their children. p. 85"

Back to the emotional connection discussion. They understand the power of the library to transform. The value their children's education and library's potential to help. Parents are some of the best advocates of the library. They can physically see the advantages demonstrated in their child's advancement.


LIBRARY AS OFFICE
The library as office segment takes advantage of the library's technology and resources. It "fulfills a practical function and is more about knowledge than a personal connection".

"Library as Office respondents are more likely than other segments to operate businesses or work in the same towns where they live. They have a tendency to live in smaller, rural towns across the Midwest. p89"

18 visits annually




"The Library as Office voters feel that they always leave the library having learned something new. Their connection to the library is practical rather than emotional and their ideal library would offer services tailored to the business user. p 93"

Library as office segment see the library as a resource; it has the tools they need. They are very knowledgeable and are aware of library tools with little or no assistance. They use the Internet because of limited access at home and like library environment. They like the learning environment. It's all practical, it's about information, but there is no personal connection.
There is no transformational connection.

Library as Office wants more business support. I liked this part, very detailed. This is a careful line to cross for libraries. If you are dedicated to small business support, the office resources provided to the public are critical, but are very time consuming and costly. In this case, the library duplicates some of the resources you can find at a local Office Max.

"The Ideal library: A resource for small businesses: Provides all of the resources a small business would need, including free temporary office space, computers with Internet access, phone, copier, scanner and fax machine. It would also provide access to online databases like ABI/Inform as well as other business-related resources like books about finances, marketing, etc. Resource for tax preparation: Provides tax forms, access to tax preparation resources and step-by-step guidance during tax season Workforce training center: Provides instructor-led classes on entrepreneurship, presentation skills, computer skills, sales generation, financial planning, marketing and other business-related topics in order to improve the workplace skills and marketability of community members" p 95

They are more likely to be Friends of the Library. (That explains the Friends support for me. Lot's of business buy tables, donate money, but may not come to dinner or library.)


LOOK TO LIBRARIANS

"Look to Librarians voters have the foundation of a strong emotional relationship with the library and they see the library as a place where they can better themselves intellectually and feel like they belong. They also see the library as a place to escape from everyday life. p 97"

"...this is the only segment to rank public libraries as the number-one priority for an increase in taxes across all seven public services surveyed, outranking the police and fire departments and public schools. p 97


"Look to Librarians voters volunteer in their community and at the library and are active participants in local organizations. They have a long-standing and ongoing relationship with the library. This relationship has led to a strong emotional connection and a sense of belonging. p. 102"


GREATER GOOD

Although this group uses the library infrequently with only 4.5 visits a year, its members believe that the library plays an important role in serving the needs of the community and can be a great source of pride.p. 107



The Greater Good respondents see the library as a noble and necessary institution, a source of pride in a community and a place that brings people together. They believe that the library turns people into thinkers and achievers instead of passive participants in life. p 112

This covers up to page 112. Part III will cover the rest and summarize.

Library card offers free key to helpful, often costly databases

Library card offers free key to helpful, often costly databasesEdythe Jensen

The Arizona Republic

Dec. 3, 2007 12:00 AM

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1203freedata1203.html
Library cards aren't just about borrowing books and movies anymore.
In Phoenix and its suburbs, they're free passes to growing numbers of costly subscription-only Internet databases with genealogy research and auto repair instructions, foreign languages courses and antique appraisals.

Maricopa County and Valley cities are spending more than $1.5 million a year to make this information free to cardholders. But librarians say they're having a hard time getting the word out and call the free access one of their best-kept secrets. ....'Different library sites use different terms and links. In Phoenix you have to click on a "research" icon. In Chandler, it's "information databases." On the Tempe library home page, a drop down menu under "search and find" requires a click on "electronic resources."

Then there's the sheer number and daunting content of the databases. A patron looking for Price It! Antiques and Collectibles must go through Gale Reference Center on the Phoenix site. END SNIP

This is the continuing ordeal of the public library. Database are wonderful resources, but we don't market them very well. As I have stated before, we cannot even decide on what to call them. Lastly, some of these databases are so ubiquitous that there is too much information in them. When I have been providing my slideshare tutorials, numbers have shot up. I have run the advertisements in the local paper as well as link to them on the website through a program called database of the week. There are so many separate services within just one database, to perform tutorial on them all would take years. Ebsco masterfile premier is great,but to get to consumer reports takes some digging. As a librarian, I take it upon myself to cut through the database to give the patrons what they want (like creating a tutorial just for consumer reports), but it isn't easy. More librarians need to provide these online tutorial to help patrons get access to databases and not become overwhelmed.

Top ten reading hacks or how to get back into reading

To follow up on Ten ways to hack your local library, I will attempt to provide ten hacks to get back into reading. 1 in 4 people did not read a book at all last year. If you are one of those people and feel guilty about it, there is a way to get back into reading. Reading has untold benefits not just for your vocabulary or comprehension, but it provides a better quality of life. It enhances everything you do and creates the sharpest mind possible. Here are some tips if you have wanted to read, but run into roadblocks.

1. Find out about you
The hardest part about reading is actually finding something you like. If you haven't read in a while, you have no idea what you actually like to read. Think about some of your favorite movies or TV shows, chances are there is the book equivalent to them.

2. Get recommendations
Go to your local library and speak with a librarian. They have numerous resources that they can personally recommend to you. You can also find some lists on your interests. For instance, if you like Arizona history, you can just Google Arizona history bibliography. For fiction, you can Google Western readalikes. You can also try many of the library's databases like NovelList or http://www.readersadvisoronline.com/

3. Start Small/Short
http://lazylibrary.com/ is a resource for finding short books that are 200 pages are less. Start with something easy. Mitch Albom is easy to read and a great way to start.

4. It doesn't matter what you read
You shouldn't feel like you need to read the classics, or what the NEA considers "real" literature. You can enjoy reading with anything. A romance novel, a comic book, it doesn't really matter. In fact, most of the romance novels are jam packed with high vocabulary and they certainly keep your attention. Read what you want, just read!

5. Don't read the classics
I will re-iterate this point. This will often kill your desire for reading. Don't read something you think you should read. This is a big mistake. You are not missing anything if you skip George Eliot's Middlemarch or Henry James The Wings of the Dove. (The movie is better in my opinion.) In fact, many people have described reading these books as looking through a glass darkly.

A brief story
One of the best lines about the classics comes from The Curious Incident of the Dog in Nighttime by Mark Haddon. "I do not like proper novels. In proper novels people say things like, 'I am veined with iron, with silver and with streaks of common mud. I cannot contract into the firm fist which those clench who do not depend on stimulus.' What does this mean? I do not know. Nor does Father. Nor do Siobhan or Mr. Jeavons. I have asked them...” In an NPR interview, the author Haddon said he got the quote from The Waves by Virgina Woolf. This is a classic indeed, but very obtuse. This stops the protagonist from reading "proper" novels and it would really stop anyone.

6. Get more than one book at a time
You can check out numerous books from your local library. Sometimes up to 50 at one time. It is best to have variety if one doesn't work out.

7. Keep track of what you read/write a review
Many libraries can keep your reading history if you ask for it to be kept. Not every library does this. Libraries that use Polaris can keep your reading history that you can access online. Goodreads.com also can help you keep track of what you read, what you are reading, and what you would like to read.

8. Read first thing in the morning
Read your book when you first get up in the morning. It will invigorate you and wake up your mind.

9. Don't read before bed
I know everybody does it, but it is a bad habit. You are teaching your mind that reading=sleep and that's bad. Next time you need to read a long document you will fall asleep. You will have more difficulty with prolonged reading if you do this. Some can do this and not have a problem, but if you are just getting back into reading, this is something to avoid.

10. Know when to give up/Move On
It's ok to give up on a book. If it just isn't for you, then you shouldn't continue to read it. If you find you have difficultly picking up the book to read, or are constantly distracted while you read, it may not be you, and it may be the book. If the book hasn't sucked you in by the first 50 pages, drop it like a hot rock. That's the Nancy Pearl rule.

(An Alternative) Listen to books
You are not cheating by listening to an audiobook. This exposes your mind to the same vocabulary and comprehension requirements. Most of the time, the professional reader has a compelling voice that may help you stick with a book longer than you would if you were reading it yourself. Take one on a long car drive.

I hope this gets more people back into reading. I know everyone struggles with finding the time. Keep in mind that if you make the right selection, you will need no encouragement to read.

So what would a 2.0 library look like?

I don't think I need to mention the numerous discussions about library 2.0 in the recent months. Many libraries are using 2.0 tools and developing a library 2.0 model. I wonder, in the end, what it would look like when it would be considered implemented. Granted, any movement for change is one, in which, there isn't a destination, but a constant movement towards some sort of "Nirvana" if you will. A goal in which all of what is desired is implemented and working as it should.

What is a 2.0 library?

What do I know about this? Not very much. However, I have some kind of idea of what it could look like and it is not so much about the tools. If we look at the issue in a macro term, we stop thinking about a library and we begin to think about service. We then begin to think about what type of service is best for a community. The 2.0 part is how that service is communicated and implemented. How much control is relinquished so that the individuals in that community decide the best library services?

What libraries are doing now?

Libraries have begun strategic planning, performance based budgeting, and even the Balanced Scorecard. These are all attempts to provide an open conversation so that the library is always aware of the needs and can implement it. What if this piece is removed? Instead of people telling the library what they would want, what if they had direct control in implementing the service?

ILL 2.0
An example of this type of trust can be considered in allowing patrons to order ILLs at will. They have direct control of the interface and can order what they want. The library with the book processes the order, the book is sent to the library, and the patron picks it up. This would require very little staff involvement. The library had the book, the patron orders the book, the book is then available at that patron's library. In order to keep tabs on the system, some libraries have a limit on the number of ILLs a patron can have within a given time period. (I have also heard the term that ILL "sucks the life" out of circulation staff, which is why there are these limits.) There is a project called the Arizona Portal Project that looks to make this process even easier. Using worldcat.org, a patron could log into a general account and search for any type of material. The search would be organized by type of material and then by location. A patron could then choose to go to their local library and pick it up, have the item sent through interlibrary loan (2 weeks), have it send via FedEx overnight (from libraries that would agree to do that), or just order it from Amazon. I will blog more about that project later. However, if all libraries had one entry port, one portal, that would control all library content and location, that would greatly reduce the hassle patrons currently have using their libraries.

Collection Development 2.0
What if you did this with collection development? Allow patrons to order what books they wanted for the library to own? Currently, a library would take a purchase slip, which goes to the librarian, who would order it. Take out that step and have the patron order it directly. Same steps with ILL. It could be done through EDI and the local ILS in conjunction with the library's vendor. This is a little extreme and would need some tabs on the process (like a patron could order only so many books, requires a card in good standing, etc.)

Programming 2.0/Space 2.0
What about programming? A patron wants a program, have them perform the program, or contact the programmer to come down and the library helps with advertisement and other administrative items. Something that is very easy to implement is a community room. Most libraries have a community room that they may use for storytimes or for meetings. Your room should have temporary furniture that can be put away and stored. It should also have Wi-Fiin it. This way, if patrons want to come in and do something on their own, whether it is to have a club meeting, have an impromptu storytime, or set up a Wii tournament, they would have the space to do so. Providing the equipment is another step. Patrons could bring their own and the library can adapt its resources so that is always freely available. (WI-FI is great for tournaments since people can play against anyone anywhere in the world with Internet access) Space is the key, both virtual and physical. A library should be able to provide new technology tools and provide bandwidth to spare.

Reference 2.0
Reference could work the same way, having resident experts that can provide reference help on topics. This is already done on sites like yahoo answers. Either have a micro version in your community, or just integrate it into your service. This is something available online already. Librarians can go into that pool, but we didn't fill it. Unless it is something that is very specific (often a local question or a subject specialty) or something for someone who is not tech savvy(which there are numerous and always will be) the answers are often online.

Equipment 2.0
Tools are the second key part. A successful library should be able to provide and sustain new technologies, provide training of those new technologies, and provide space for collaboration and the ability to play with these new technologies. There will always be the need to provide a simple access point. Libraries provide this now simply by providing computers and bandwidth. It would be nice if, at some point, libraries would be seen as the top place to access and play with new technologies. All that would really require are up to date computers and lots of bandwidth. What is a library, a warehouse of information (and recreational) tools and access tools. Give the public the power to order what they want and arrange the services that they want.

ILS 2.0
The social opac should allow a patron to set-up their account originally using their library barcode number and a pin. After that, they should be allowed to set up their own unique username and password that only they would know. They could set up a profile and make it public if they wish. It can provide items they have tagged or commented upon in the catalog, books they have ILL'd, books they have read, books they have reviewed, books they have requested or ordered, articles from databases they have saved or shared, and other thoughts on how the library can improve their services. Some rewards for participation can be extra services like longer check-outs, increase the amount they can ILL or order, or other type of credits. Of course, this user profile could be found on the open web if the user enabled it. If not, it would just be a regular private account no one could see. This would also have to integrate into current social networking sites like a Facebook app, OR, these social networking pieces could be integrated into the ILS account interface.

What is the difference between libraries that exist now and a library that is 2.0?

The difference between library services provided with current tools (like strategic planning) and ones that provide services in a 2.0 type model is the difference between benevolent despotism and a democracy. Benevolent despotism makes all the decision, but the leader must be nice enough to allow input and provide services needed by the people. A democracy puts all the options on the table and lets the public decide (often by majority).

So what are the barriers? Money and staff time are major barriers. This is often the reply for libraries who cannot implement new technology initiatives. This isn't a simple solution. A library that can create this environment will need to do the following:

1. Have enough money as a buffer to provide this level of service
2. Be able to cut funding in other areas to provide that funding in these areas
3. Provide a long term plan to allow space, equipment, and flexibility to change.

Where to begin or the evolution of the library

1. Get a building (through bonds, renovation, or just use your house), get materials (books, movies, music, etc.), get technology (computers with Internet access).
Most libraries in the United States have those three elements. This is the beginning of library services. In the beginning (and it may still be now), a library consisted of books and a building.

A brief history

Andrew Carnegie began funding of public libraries around the turn of the century. However, all over the country, citizens have used and will use their desire and know-how to build a library and provide the service. Across the country, people will use their own homes, volunteer their own time, and use whatever books they can get their hands on to offer reading materials and more to their community. My library began in 1912, it received no Carnegie funding. The Woman's Club (yes that is how it is spelled) decided the community needed a library. They went out into the desert and collected stones and they built the community's first library. Desire drives that. A desire to have a better community.

2. Over time, a library will need to establish a funding agency.
Libraries are often built by volunteers often through the organization of a Friends group or a trust. In communities throughout my county, a library has been built or renovated with local funds to get started. They are run by volunteers. County money will often buy books or help with projects, but those who operate the library are unpaid. They do it because they are passionate about it, because they love it. These libraries will either establish a tax revenue through a millage or by merging with a local municipality. Thus developing recurring revenue. Over time, this will lead to paid staff, sustained revenue for materials, and reliable technology.

3. The library is sustained
The revenue will increase, paid staff will take over for volunteers, a head librarian, manager, or director will lead the library. Often, in small communities, these paid staff will not have an MLS, but again, they will have the drive and desire to build good services.

4. The library expands
Whether the library is a standalone library, or connected to a larger library agency, the library will need to expand and break off from its origins. This will include a new building, built to be a modern library, with plans for materials, staffing areas, more technology. This can happen through investments over time, revenue from taxes, or a bond measure. The library building expands, or builds additional locations, staff members expand, materials expand, and technology expands.

A brief story
This stage is usually the comfort zone for most libraries. The library has support from the community, the library provides services and collections that are used. If the library's budget is not threatened or cut, there is no desire to improve services. Furthermore, if the library's service level is just newly established, there is a reluctance to move forward (a "wait and see approach"). Steady reliable services are better than taking risks on services or cutting legacy services. If no crisis emerges, a budget cut, or if there is constant crisis (constant threat to services), the library will not want to change its environment. The original goal of the library founders would seem to be accomplished, established library services. This is how most libraries will operate currently.

5. The library is reactive
Not satisfied with merely providing basic services, the library desires to provide improved services that match-up with the needs of the community. This establishes a library as a service and not merely a warehouse of books and materials. The library watches the statistics and provides programs, materials, and services and reacts to the need. Christian living books get high check-out rates? The library buys more. It follows the philosophy that patrons vote with their library cards (and their feet).

6. The library is proactive
The library seems to always be behind the curve. Over time the library has provided good services based on the desires of its patrons, but the services are numerous and spread out. The library needs to focus and understand the general needs instead of just piecing together some reactive services. The library develops a strategic plan by gathering members of the community. Community leaders, patrons, library staff, friends members, and library board members are gathered with an outside moderator to determine the next few years of library services. After its completion, the library develops services to build the needs. This may require reallocating of resources, cutting programs to develop new programs, or in the best case, more funding. The library builds its services based on the needs of the community.

7. The library scans the horizon
Library admin and staff keep up on library trends and are familiar with most library trends and general user trends. They keep up with technology. When service is requested or otherwise needed, library staff should be aware of the service and know how to implement. It should be aware of 90% of the process including cost, staff resources, and amount of time it will take to implement. New items are implemented based on user and staff input.

8. The library experiments
The library is a learning environment. New programs, services, and collections are brought to the attention of admin regardless of their position. Job positions have duties, but there are extra activities and duties that go beyond the job. Any position can plan pieces of library services. This is usually the result of an established program, plan, or environment that allows staff to plan and react for their public. Decision-making is pushed down. All levels of library staff are aware of the objectives of the library and understand the service model. Library decisions and actions are more reactive. Library experiments with reducing as many barriers to service as possible.

9. Library increases user control
Patrons begin to have direct control of some library services. Full staff control of these services must begin before user control. This enables library staff to train the public on how to use these services.
Books and materials can be checked out without staff help (self-check)
Account issues can be resolved without staff help (unless a major issue arises) like paying by debit card online.
ILL's can be placed directly
Collections can be ordered directly
Reference questions are asked and answered by library users as well as all levels of library staff
Programming space is up to the users, an empty room that they can bring their ideas into whether it is storytime, club meetings, or gaming.

10. Superpatrons help guide library services
Library staff provide the vast majority of services, but patrons who have the knack will be permitted extra privileges to decide library services. This is something that is on a small scale as many will not have the skill to get to this level (maybe 1% of the library's patron base). Library will still provide all the same services, but it will enable and empower patrons to take an active role in library services by actually doing some of them.

Does this mean libraries need to follow this road? NO! I believe this is a path to next generation library services. Libraries will be able to serve their patron base by simply offering books and materials plus access to technology. Many libraries do not need to be proactive and can simply be reactive. However, if a library could follow this path, it would be a path to truly outstanding library services.

10 ways to hack your local library

In the vein of lifehacker and their take on hacking the library, I thought I would pass along some tips on how to maximize your local public library.

1. Check out books

Right now, you are probably thinking to yourself, "Is that really a tip?" or something to the extent of "Duh, I knew that." Many patrons do not fully grasp how important it is to check out books. When you check out a book, it goes right into our stat counter and we realize that you, our patron, like the book. If that book is checked out several times, we buy similar books to that same book. So make sure you check out your favorite books if you want them to stay in the library. Furthermore, the more you check out, the more books we buy to your exact taste. Did you love The Kite Runner? Then we will buy A Thousand Splendid Suns, Diana Abu-Jaber's Cresent, Yasmina Khadra's The Swallows of Kabul, and others. Think about that for a moment. You can build your own personal library in your local public library. Those books can just be sitting there for you and they will always stay in there as long as you check them out.

2. Don't see it, ask us to buy it

The library purchases books for you to use. Librarians rely on reviews and circulation statistics to make decisions on purchasing. We don't always catch everything. We rely on patrons to tell us what books they want not only by the number of times a book or books are checked out, but also by what is requested to purchase. With the thousands of books that are published every year, we may miss one that is important to you. That new book you saw on Oprah (like the Secret), or that book you heard on NPR (A World Without Us), ask us to buy it if we don't have it yet. Our purpose is to buy books for you to use, so if you don't see it ask us to purchase it.

3. The world is at your fingertips with Interlibrary Loan


Did you know that most libraries can almost any book in the United States through a process called Interlibrary Loan (ILL for short)? Need some obscure title that is out of print? We can get it. Looking for some genealogy information and it's only in that one book in New York? We can get that too. If we don't have it, you can even check what library does on Worldcat.org. The turnaround time is often amazing. My library gets it back to you 10 days from a request ON AVERAGE!


4. Don't know what to read, ask us, or ask us anything, really!


We have many resources and we are trained to draw out your likes and dislikes so that we can recommend books to you. Librarians are here to field just about any questions. Sure if it is simple, you might think using a search engine like Google will get your answer. However, if it is complicated, do you really want to trust a search engine to get the exact information you need? You might be searching for hours, when a call to the local library can get the same information in five minutes.


5. Be our Friend and you get a longer check-out (teachers and homeschoolers too)

Almost every library has an organization called the Friends of the Library. They are there to help support the library for special projects, marketing, and more. If you don't have time to give, you can just pay for a membership. Membership usually entails longer check-out periods. Yes, that's right, it means you can have your favorite book for 28 days instead of 14 often for as little as $10 a year! Another secret is that if you are a teacher or a homeschooler, you can the same privledge, but for you it is free! You just need your teaching certificate or affidavit for homeschooling.


6. Ask us for services

We rely on feedback from patrons, so if you want the library to have certain resources or services, ask for them. Some libraries can even provide services at a cost. For instance, we sell flash drives for $5. It has a 256mb memory and holds the equivalent of 88 floppy disks. Yes this is not free, but it much cheaper and much valuable. Sometimes budgets don't allow for changes, but it doesn't hurt to ask. You may be surprised.

7. Return books

Again, this may seem silly, but we really need the books back. It takes an awful long time to replace the book and we are often so nice we give you the benefit of the doubt even if you have had it for three months. Don't be mean to us, return the book, even if it is late. Late fees are not even that much anyway for books (average is 10 cents a day). Most libraries offer a grace period so even if the book is late, you may not have to pay anything. Libraries often have services like Food for Fines so even if you have late fees, you can pay them off with canned food and Top Ramen and give to charity at the same time. However, we don't allow patrons who have lost items to replace them in this way. Another little incentive to return our stuff.

8. Ask about our services
Many libraries have expanded services, ways to help you keep track of your books (Library Elf), ways to have books sent to you by mail (books by mail) and many other services. We try to market, but if our library brochure had all of our services on it, it would be lost in a sea of text. So ask us about whatever is on your mind. If you are a dedicated bibliophile, you can also keep track of what you are reading through a reading list. Many libraries have this functionality and you can log into your library account to do it. See some books you want to read, you can save a title list in your account. You can also download a title list onto your computer and upload it to goodreads so that you can keep track of what you want to read.


9. Databases are good

Yes you may look at a library website and wonder, what the heck is a database. As Terry Dawson would put it, a database is something with data in it :) A database is a warehouse of online information that you cannot find by using a search engine. Need to rebuild that 1982 Toyota Corolla, the library has a database where you can print out all the instructions and even tips when you get stuck. Looking for that newspaper article from the New York Times or Wall Street Journal and it is stuck behind a pay wall, a database will crack it open for you. Did I mention this was free?

10. In fact EVERYTHING is free
Books, movies, music, online information, even items that can be downloaded from the web. The library may not be the fastest to get a book or movie, but it will get it, and it will be free to you.




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One Year of Blogging/What's Next?

I have been struggling with this type of post for some time. I wanted to write one for my 100th post, then for the anniversary of my blog, but constantly became stalled. There is too much good stuff to write about.

Why did I start this blog?

I was inspired by ALA President Leslie Burger's call to transform communities. I was never going to try for the emerging leader thing and I can't get involved in ALA (can't dedicate the time). I thought I would start this blog to share what I was doing in that vein. I felt I was accomplishing a lot for my library and documenting and sharing was worth it alone. I have a bunch of ideas that I wanted to implement and even more now. This blog focuses on those ideas.

The first link came from Steven Cohen at Library Stuff, More Libr* Blogs on July 16, 2006

I originally sub-titled the blog, documenting the success and failures of a library manager. I backed off that sub-title because I thought it was a little harsh, so I just went with documenting the experiences. I am not afraid of failure. Failure is always a learning experience. It is a good thing to fail. If you click on the tag cloud in the side bar that states "Library Problems"
you can read all of the ways I made mistakes. I think sharing both success and failures help any reader since it can make them feel better about their own mistakes, it makes mistakes less scary (I didn't die, the library didn't burn down, I didn't get fired, etc. etc.), and hopefully it will inspire others to share their success stories.

Share success (or just share)

After listening to what Stephen Abrams said during the Do Libraries Innovate Debate, I found that I was on the right course. In fact, that probably should be sharing more about what I am doing. I feel that what I was doing at my library was innovative, I was not developing brand new things, but in implementing what already existed. I liked Karen Schneider's comment on innovation. To paraphrase, it is not so much inventing the wheel, but in placing the wheel on a cart and getting supplies from the town over. The next step is sharing how it was done.

Documenting that success was good for me since that success can go unnoticed. There is no public fanfare in transforming a library, people just notice better services and use them without thought. It is rare that a patron will leave a comment card to us about a compliment of services, but when circulation goes up 30%, computer use goes up 50%, when 80% of the community owns a library card, and a bond passes by 66%, that is how people let you know they like the service. Is the community transformed? I don't know.

What I learned from blogging

I have also learned a great deal from blogging. It developed into something very cathartic for me. My first six months I mostly focused on my library stories that I referred to as Fix It Fridays and Successful Saturdays. The purpose of setting up this template was to keep me writing and to keep me focused on my library's issues. Sometimes, just writing something down helps solve a problem. This blog is more of venue to think out loud and problem solve. So far it is working.

Why the Perry Tour?

The next year will focus on the lead up to a new library building, followed by the renovation of our main library. This was part of the reason I took my staff on a tour of the new Perry Branch of the Maricopa County Library District. It was more to get ideas and to satisfy my curiosity about the deweyless library. Thanks to Karen who provided the link from her ALA Techsource post Raising Arizona.

In that post, I wanted to provide an objective overview since this issue has people very passionate on either side. I also did the tour because the same furnishing company is doing the work for our new library. During an architect meeting, the rep laid out what Perry was doing and told us about it. I told him that we would like to stick with our layout and how we are doing things. Especially since public input helped design the exterior and interior of the library. The rep laid it out like it was the cool new thing to do, not unusual, and the response from another member of our team was "Why aren't we doing this?"

So, now I can reply to them that I have thoroughly reviewed the library and can make an objective decision on it. We are not going deweyless, but it would be easy to implement. However, the costs of making a small collection that is browseable goes against the need for our libraries here. In a rural community (that has no bookstore, no other way to access computers or the internet, or to even to access information), core library services are more important than a browsing collection. I also believe that library collections shouldn't be interfiled in a joint-use library. Patrons have a habit of not getting along. I have toured joint-use libraries where adults were literally running out of the building once school let out. One actually ran out of the library with the laptop still open. They didn't want to be caught in the library, stuck with a bunch of teens.

What's next?

Right now, I am in the process of marketing our library databases, training staff on competencies, and if all goes well, doing the Learning 2.0 beginning in January. This in the middle of building the new library, hiring staff for that library, establishing the opening day collection, architect meetings, furniture meetings, IT meetings, etc. etc.

These will take up a considerable amount of time. It will be difficult to sustain this blog during the process. I think it is worth it though, to write down my thoughts and to continue to document. I am definitely hooked on the process. Reading blogs and writing a blog help expand the capacity to think analytically and to frame thought in a way that actions will result. This, more than anything, is what I have gained from blogging.



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My first Slideshare/Slidecast

We are trying to promote all of our new databases at my library. (Let me add that I am aware that we should have a better name for databases, right now, that is the handle we are using. Patrons can figure it out for now. )We have over 50, plus, several fantastic ones from our state library. These include, Rosetta Stone, Ebsco Master File Premier, and many others. Our main problem with databases is one of promotion. We do get heavy use, about 5,000 hits per month, but it could be better. Some companies do not even provide the stats, which makes it difficult to determine usefulness.

Ironically, the ones that cost the most, get the least usage. We use a pricing guideline to determine the usefulness of our databases. There isn't a typical cost per click that we use, but if we have a database in which that cost is significantly higher, we need to promote it, or junk it.

Last year we had about 54,000 hits on our databases and spent about $13,000 on them. This ended up being about 25 cents per hit, not bad. However, if we took out the two highest cost per click ratio, the actual ratio was closer to 5 cents per click. So we got rid of those two, but others we felt were useful were still getting dismal numbers. They were in range, but dismal. So we came up with an idea to have a screencast tutorial on how to use the databases.

At first we looked at a full screencast hosting site, fee based. In general, the problems were, it cost too much, and that the screencast took too long to load on our computers. This is especially true since we are trying to expand our internet bandwidth AND most of our community's internet users have dial-up. So we came upon SlideShare. This was a product I had read about through the Librarian in Black Blog back in October. I had it kicking around in my head since it was an easy interface and required little bandwidth. We decided to use it for our tutorials. The first one we tried was Rosetta Stone. What could be better than the ability to learn a new language online FOR FREE! Here is the basics on how we did that:

HOW TO CREATE A SCREENCAST USING SLIDESHARE

1. Go to slideshare and set up an account.

2. Create a slideshow using Powerpoint

   1. Using screen shots and copy and pasting them into powerpoint is a quick and easy way to do this.

3. Upload the powerpoint program to slideshare

For the slideshare, that is all. On the sidebar, it has an embed code. Once embedded on a website, a patron just goes to the site, clicks on the arrows for the next slide and that's it. Just as I finished the slideshare, they developed slidecast. Now you can include a podcast that will synchronize with the slides. Here are those steps:

1. Narrate the slideshow using the phone recorder, or use a headset with microphone with the Microsoft sound recorder program

   1. This program will allow you to record your voice AND to stop and start pieces as you like.

2. Upload the audio, (use odeo account for this, see how to set up a podcast)

1. The audio must be hosted by a podcasting site, slideshare doesn't host the audio.

3. Copy and paste the link url into slideshare by clicking on slidecast and copying the link.

4. Sync the audio and slide by going to the sync program.

1. Play your recording and click the slide when you want the slide to run. Save when done.
   
5. 

6. Save the program and copy the embed code.

7. Paste the embed code onto the Database of the Week page through Bookletters.

So far, we have had 64 hits in about a week and a half. I am still tweaking it, but I thought I would share it. So far we have had 50 individual users going through 500 different courses. I will see if this will increase the numbers, but the tutorial is getting quite a bit of usage, a good sign.





There is a transcript underneath

Slide 1: Click on Library Databases

Slide 2: Click on Language

Slide 3: Click on Rosetta Stone

Slide 4: If accessing from inside the library, this is the first page you will see. From home, you need to enter you library card # and pin. Your pin is usually First Time, the last four register first. digits of your Returning phone number. visitors, just log in on the side

Slide 5: Create your own username and password, near the bottom, enter your library card #.

Slide 6: Once registered, you can begin your coursework. The first time you launch your course, a free program called Shockwave will load onto your computer.

Slide 7: Shockwave will load. Allow the program to install on your computer. This will take some time depending on your Internet speed.

Slide 8: Welcome Screen, still loading

Slide 9: Once loaded, you can choose what level you would like to begin.

Slide 10: The most basic level wil provide simple identification. When it provides the word in Spanish, you must match it with the picture. After you answer the first 50 questions, you can determine if you are able to continue, or if you need more practice.

Slide 11: Once you have finished the first lesson, you can determine what you would like to work on next. You have four options: LISTENING AND READING LISTENING READING SPEAKING WRITING

Slide 12: If you get stuck, you can go back to the menu screen by clicking on the parachute man on the lower right hand corner of the screen. If you need help, click on the question mark. Live tech support is available Live Tech Support M-F 9AM - 6PM EST 1-800-788-0822 If you have further issues, call the library at 421-8710.

We have the link to the database of the week from the home page, and then the slideshare is embedded in the Library Database of the Week home page with the above text underneath. We are also running the text in the local newspaper to help promote our databases. Hope it works, at least we are marketing them. Whatever they are called, marketing is the problem with databases, not so much the name.

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Successful Saturdays:The Core or Why DVDs and MySpace helps education

I am always fascinated by circulation statistics. It amazing when you have thousands of patrons and thousands of books and they can find each other on such a regular basis without promotion or display. A patron finds that book on their own and it may be the book that changes their life.

What I find most interesting is how often these patrons may start using the libraries services with something that is more popular or seemingly without value (to some people). They start with the public access computers and the Internet. Free Internet, who could say no, now I can check my MySpace all day long for free. Blockbuster DVDs, wow, now I don't have to fork over $4 to see that latest movie. Many politicians may say, why are we wasting our money on those things? In the end, these same patrons get value from these services alone, but most of them move up to subjects that help them in life. It helps them get a job, enrich themselves, perform research, and find out about the world.

Many staff as well may question why we provide these services. A library is about books they will say, why are we doing this? We can look at examples in the United Kingdom where libraries are being closed and the system is in dire straits. Why is this? It is simply because they did not keep up with the times. As information and services became electronic, public access computers and Internet, these libraries said the same thing, we are a library, we provide books and that is it.

SNIP
Shabby public libraries need lottery boost, say MPs
http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,1434189,00.html

"The committee, headed by the former Labour minister Gerald Kaufman, said: "We are in no doubt that, while libraries are about more than books (and newspapers and journals), these traditional materials must be the bedrock upon which the library services rest, no matter how the institution is refreshed or rebranded.

"The explosion of relevant new technologies has to be embraced by institutions but this should be done in the context of their key functions to gather, order, present and disseminate."

END SNIP

What they didn't realize was that libraries don't provide books, they provide information and entertainment through different mediums. It doesn't matter what the format is as long as your provide it. You are not in the book business, you are in the information and entertainment business, once you realize that, you will have a long and sustainable life.

Explained very eloquently (and with much more detail you must read this)

SNIP

Dear Library of Congress...by Karen G. Schneider

http://www.techsource.ala.org/blog/2007/03/dear-library-of-congress.html

To paraphrase Andrew Abbott's point in The System of Professions, we are behaving like the train companies, who thought they were in the train business, not the transportation business, and like them, there are already signs that the “train business” we do is on artificial life support. We are not even close to being the first service of choice for information seekers; we are pretty much down there with asking one's mother. Libraries across the country are increasingly asked to justify their existence in order to receive continued funding, and some have been unable to do so.

END SNIP

We are in the information and entertainment business and that mostly happens through reading materials the library provides. We educate our users in a variety of ways and enrich their lives with books, music, movies, and access to the internet. These interests (and skill at reading and comprehending information in a variety of formats) are essential to keep up in today's information society. Libraries must find new and imaginative ways to get people's attention, to keep their interest, and to guide them to wherever their heart desires.

Here is what happens, a patron comes into our library and all they want is Internet. That is why they got the card, a friend told him that the library has public access computers and free Internet and all you need is a library card. So he said, GREAT, and got one.

At first, he just make a beeline right to the computers every day, but overtime, he looks around, he realizes that the library has movies, and since he has nothing to do on a Friday night, he checks some out.

Now your standard public library doesn't carry just blockbuster movies, but that is what this patron checks out at first. However, over time, he realizes that he has seen all of the latest movies, but still wants to watch something, so he goes to the movies he didn't realize were there before. He checks out an independent film or a movie about another region of the world, or rediscovers a classic.

Then he wants to find out more about the subject and looks for more information, he goes to the library catalog. While searching, he finds several BOOKS on the subject. This is the end product of every library card issued, they may come at first for something that seems trivial, but in the end, they will come to the library and find educational and informational materials for a many reasons. You can use this same storyline for someone trying to find a job, they get a library card to get on the Internet to apply for a job online, they check out educational DVDs or books on resume writing, job interviews, or uses one of our databases to test their skills on a vocational test. They can find out if they will be a good real estate agent or postal clerk, or if how far they are away from getting their GED. Libraries keep their patrons connected in so many ways, it is too bad so many people just see the popular stuff or the computers and technology and think libraries waste money.