E-Relevant: Overdrive and Libraries

When we think about technology in libraries, a lot of the hand-wringing that takes place by doomsayers in the field revolves around e-Books. They wonder, “Is the library relevant?’ What these people fail to understand is that offering eBook services such as Overdrive is one way that libraries are remaining relevant.

Put the Library in Your Pocket

A Pew Research Center study of American adults reported that:

• 42% own tablet computers
• 55% own a smartphone
• 50% have a handheld device dedicated to e-reading

Libraries can adapt to this reality, or they can close their doors. That is a certainty. Neither public nor academic libraries are exempt. Lots of libraries are adapting. Find out how in this edition of Binary in the Library.

Collaborative Technology Spaces in Libraries

Have you been hearing the terms in the above graphic being bandied around your library lately? If so you are not alone. These are all different types of collaborative technology spaces. One of these spaces may be popping up at a library near you! Join me as we explore the basics.

Quality, Not Quantity, Fosters Engagement

“The most highly engaged library users [tend] to be the biggest technology users” (Shirvell, 2014). Wait. What? Apparently, technology and the Internet are not killing the library.  Perhaps, the love of technology has driven the desire to consume more information.

The Challenge:

As the pool of technological resources grows, libraries must recognize that their patrons are accustomed to using technology to improve experience.  However, as we all know, more technology equals higher costs.  Unfortunately, according to ALA, “Twenty-three states report[ed] cuts in state funding for public libraries this year” (2012, p. 6).  While library funding is decreasing in many areas, the average cost of electronic health science journals is increasing at a rate far greater than the CPI (UCSF Library, 2013). So, how can libraries sustain in an era of increased prices and decreased budgets?

Are we safe in the cloud?

Cloud computing- we have all heard of it, but most recently what we hear about are major issues with data security “in the cloud”.

In light of the major news story in the last month, Apple’s cloud being hacked and personal celebrity pictures leaked, the concern over data security in cloud computing is increasing.

Collaborative Tagging

by Rebecca S. Wolsk

Image credit: © Gstudio Group | Dreamstime.com

Collaborative tagging is keyword-classification by users (particularly bloggers and social media users) to sort and share content.