So how do you decide what to use at your library?

Keep up-to-date with current trends & play with new tools regularly.

Ask yourself the following questions when you considering what to implement at your library.

• Can we use this to solve a problem we're having?
• Can we use this to improve our customer service?
• Does this help meet a need?
• Will this save us time or energy?
• Do we have the staff to support this? If not, can we reallocate staff time?

"Those libraries that change their operations and ways of thinking to include the fundamental elements of Library 2.0, user empowerment and constant change, will be better able to reach current and potential users than will those who just buy a bunch of new cool toys."

~ Library 2.0, p6

 

Meredith Farkas offers "ten timeless tech tips" for dealing with technology in general in her article "The Evolving Library," in the June/July issue of American Libraries that might help you when dealing with adopting new applications at your library:

1. Develop a risk-tolerant environment.
2. Avoid technolust.
3. Consider your population.
4. Involve all staff in planning.
5. Play with technology.
6. Consider sustainability and maintenance issues.
7. In marketing, focus on the functionality.
8. Offer training for staff and patrons.
9. Assess, then assess again.
10. Be willing to switch gears.

Get to know your population

• Consider the needs of regular library users, infrequent library users, and those who don't know the library at all. How?
  • Make informal observations
  • Study demographic information
  • Survey your population

"No service can be truly successful without some level of feedback or design assistance from the community the library serves. Reaching out to the community is critical to any successful service, whether through a traditional book club or an online catalog that accepts comments and ratings."

~ Library 2.0, pp7-8

 

Additional Tips

• Educate yourself and shape your own opinions - don't listen to the hype!
  • Sometimes the hype can create issues/problems that don't really exist.
  • You must evaluate services and tools based upon what you know about your community, staff, and resources.
• Pick the right tool.
  • (Don't try to make something fit a blog when it really wants to be a wiki.)
  • Familiarity with what's out there will help you choose the best tool for each project.
• An involved staff ensures buy-in!
• Accept that there isn't an easy one-size-fits-all answer.

"We need to examine and if necessary redefine ourselves relative to our individual communities. There is no one solution that would fit all libraries."

~ Martina Kominiarek, Library 2.0, p19

 

• Market your new tools to the public and provide training on how to use them.
  • Focus more on how the tool will benefit patrons rather than on the tool itself.
• Things take time - don't give up too soon!