I have my library visit at Desert Foothills Library this week. I'd like to share the questions I've submitted to Executive Director David Court and what the focus of my interview is about. While this assignment is for my Library Technology class, I personally want to include how this stand-alone, privately funded library is both alike and similar to a traditionally funded, like my employer, city or country library system. Unlike the private sector, libraries do not view other library systems as competition. We face many of the same challenges; budget concerns, keeping up with technology needs and programing slumps. How we address those concerns varies from system to system based on a variety of factors. Often the best ideas come from professional sharing.
Here are my technology questions-
1.What percent of
the budget is allocated for technology and digital services or materials?
2.Managing
technology-
Who manages-
is there a staff member dedicated to it?
IT
support/service- in-house or sent out?
I'm especially interested in how a single library handles IT issues because, let's face it, they pop up frequently given browser updates, software updates and network challenges. When I worked for the school district I had to learn to do a variety of IT support services. While we had an IT department, they couldn't always arrive in a timely manner, so I had to learn to solve the most common problems, which were usually associated with updates (or lack of updating!).
Programing-
Types of technology programing
Age groups served
This is another area of high interest to me since the Scottsdale Public Library stopped doing computer training and all those services went to Parks and Rec as fee-based classes. Digital literacy skills are vital for all patrons now.
Assistive
technologies available
3.How can you best
describe the organizational structure for making technology decisions in your
library model?
4.If you could
have/add a technology service or device and budget wasn’t a concern, what would
it be?
Very curious about this one! My tech wish list is an e-book center with all devices so customers could see how to check out e-books on their own device.
1.General
questions-
What is your
most challenging program area/customer group? (In terms of selecting meaningful
programs and getting attendance, not customer behavior.)
If I had to guess, I think they will answer that Teen Programing is challenging. Teens have jobs, schoolwork and activities that keep them pretty busy, it's a struggle to find programing that brings them in, especially during the school year.
Programing
surprise- ever tried something you had doubts about and it turned out to be a
big hit?
This is a purely selfish question because I love hearing new ideas or new ways to approach traditional programing.
Circulation
and services- growing, declining or steady? I’m of the opinion that library
services are more needed than ever.
Given that Desert Foothills serves a small, mostly affluent community, it would be easy for people to assume no one needs a library. As I know from working in a system that also serves a largely affluent population, this is a huge myth. People depend on libraries for a variety of services, most importantly, in my opinion, the staff who are always ready to answer their questions.
Come back next Thursday to read about my visit and see if my predictions on some of the questions were correct!
At first glance at the Desert Foothills Library website you might think I'm wrong to include them as an alternative Library model. The events calendar is full of programing options for all ages, including after-hours activities for teens on a few Friday nights. The mission statement, vision and values are in in alignment with the American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights.
Scroll around a bit more and you'll discover that the branch offers free home delivery of library materials. Given that Cave Creek has a population a little over 5,000 (2010 census) this isn't surprising, but the fact that it's offered demonstrates how connected the library is to its community.
That same level of hospitality applies to the staff if my communication with Executive Director David Court is any indication. Mr. Court responded to my email request for an interview for the purposes of this blog project promptly and with enthusiasm. Within thirty-six hours I had an interview with both him and the Head Librarian set up.
As I study the website more, I will be compelling a list of questions that I'll submit to him in advance. Currently, I'm curious about the role volunteers play and how their responsibilities differ from the volunteers in my own system. No library can survive without volunteers. And naturally I'm eager to understand their membership and funding structure.
The media offers a contrasting view of library services today. One on hand you see the importance of a library's role in the community celebrated, as was the case during riots in Ferguson, MO and Baltimore, MD. On the other, bookless, 100% digital libraries are heralded as the future. Where does the truth lie in not only public perception, but, more importantly, in practice? In this six-part series, I'm going to explore a library model that is both vastly different and nearly the same as the one I work for.
Meet the Desert Foothills Library, a privately funded, free public library. Yep, such a thing exists! How is this possible? Here's a brief snapshot from the membership brochure (yes, you read that correctly, membership).
I'm looking forward to learning more about this stand-alone branch (which is located in my own backyard) and how it survives (and seemingly thrives) in today's library budget-cutting cilmate.
The world is moving fast, but keeping up is easier than you think. If you possess the basic building blocks of digital literacy- vocabulary, tools and confidence- you can post, download, Skype, text and message with the best of them!
Vocabulary
The digital age has brought with it a new lexicon that can, at times, sound confusing. Much like a traveler in a foreign country, knowing the basic terms for daily life can get you quite far. Listed below are the key terms used most frequently used in the digital landscape. This list was created by the Fair Lawn School District in New Jersey. I've added a couple new terms and changed some language that applied only to the school environment.
Anti-Virus - An application designed to search for viruses and repair files on a computer.
Applications - Programs that allow you to accomplish certain tasks such as write letters, analyze numbers, sort files, manage finances, draw pictures, and play games.
AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) - A set of rules and guidelines that are set up to regulate Internet use and to protect the user.
Blog – Short for “web log”; refers to a list of journal entries posted on a web page.
Browser – A program used to view webpages on the Internet; such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Chrome.
Cloud (Cloud Computing) - Applications and services offered over the Internet. These services are offered from data centers all over the world, which collectively are referred to as the "cloud."
CopyrightLaw - The law that protects the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something.
Cookie – Special type of file which is saved on the hard drive of your computer which tracks your activity on the website when you visit a website for the first time.
CPU – The heart or brain of a computer usually housed in a tower or box; stands for “Central Processing Unit”.
Cyberbully - The electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person, often done anonymously.
Database - A database is an organized collection of related information that can be used for searches.
Desktop – The primary start screen of icons on a computer monitor, from which users can access programs, files and folders. Download - To copy data from one computer to another. Domain - Contains a group of computers that can be accessed and administered with a common set of rules.
e-reader – A portable hardware device that is designed to display textual data like e-books, magazines and digital newspapers (e.g., Kindle, tablets).
File - A file is a collection of data stored in one unit, identified by a name; files can be opened, saved, deleted, and moved to different folders.
Firewall - Technology that prevents users from visiting inappropriate web sites and protects the network from unauthorized users.
Flash Drive – A small external device for storing data; also called Memory Stick or Thumb Drive.
Folder – An object that can contain multiple documents; folders are used to organize information.
Hardware – The physical part of a computer which includes the keyboard, monitor, mouse and CPU (computer box).
Home page - An introductory screen on a web page on the World Wide Web, used to welcome visitors. A home page can include special text or graphics on which you click to jump to related information on other pages on the Web.
Hotspot – An area that has an available wireless signal for Internet access (usually public and often free).
Hyperlink or Hypertext - Special text when clicked jumps the user from one related topic to another.
HTML – The computer language in which web pages are written; stands for Hyper Text Make Up Language.
Icon – A small image or picture on a computer screen that is a symbol/shortcut for folders, disks, programs or printers.
Identity Theft - A crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception.
IntellectualProperty – The ownership of intangible and non-physical goods, including ideas, names, designs, symbols, artwork, writings, and digital media (i.e., audio and video clips that can be downloaded online). Since intellectual property is intangible, it is more difficult to protect.
Java Script – A mini program that runs in the background of webpages to add some dynamic features.
Netiquette -Etiquette governing communications on the Internet.
Network - A system of connected computers that allows the sharing of files and equipment. There are two types of networks: local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
Operating System – The software that controls the basic function of the computer, such as Windows XP, Windows7, or Yosemite on a Mac.
Phishing – Phony emails, popups or texts that lure you into giving out personal and financial information.
PDF – A file format that is developed and used to display and print documents; usually not editable (stands for Portable Document Format).
Program – Software that runs on a computer; also known as application, such as Word, PowerPoint, Smart Notebook.
Save As - To save a document with a new name or file location.
Server – Designed to support a computer network that allows users to share data, software and peripherals.
Shortcut - An icon that points to a program or data file. Shortcuts can be placed on the desktop or stored in other folders, and double clicking a shortcut is the same as double clicking the original file.
Social Networking – Using the Internet to create a virtual community by sharing messages, comments and other information using websites designed for that purpose. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Upload - To transfer data from one computer to another.
Tablet – A portable computer that uses a touch screen as the primary input device instead of a keyboard and/or mouse. iPad, Kindle Fire, etc.
URL – The address of a specific website or file on the Internet; stands for “Uniform Resource Locator”.
Web Browser – Program used to access the Internet; common browsers are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and Safari.
WiFi – Refers to the wireless network technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal.
Having the right words to explain questions or concerns can make troubleshooting easier.
Now that you understand the digital vocabulary, it's time to apply it. How you find information you need as seamlessly as possible?
Tools
Need to dig deeper than a Google search? Have you used the Library resources your library card gives you access to? Start on the SPL home page and click on Browse the Library.
Next, select Learning and Resources from the drop down menu. You can search by interest category or select All Research Links for the database list.
Remember to have your library card handy since most of the databases will ask for your card number and some will require you to create an account with them in order to save your searches. You can apply the same search techniques from the Google video inside the databases. The best way to become comfortable is to practice on your own. You can also take advantage of Ask A Librarian services from the library and either ask questions or schedule a one-on-one session for a specific topic.
Confidence
Now that your foundation is set, you have the tools to build your knowledge base. As you do more online, your skills and confidence will grow. One of the best sites for self-guided practice is Learn the Net. Take some time to explore the site and watch their how-to videos. Don't forget about You Tube either.
Remember- practice makes practically perfect in every way!
While this isn't exactly a question posed since the beginning of time, it is one that evokes a heated response among avid readers. As both a librarian and a passionate reader, I find myself planted firmly on the fence here for several reasons.
1. I won't even begin a debate on which medium is best for storytelling. Both have their merits and limitations. (Though if pressed, I'd pick a book for my taste.)
2. While I suspect that book readers go to see the movie version at a higher rate than movie-first goers reach for the book after seeing a film they enjoy, both routes promote books.
3. Movies bring beloved characters to life in a new way for a reader.
4. Books take you deeper into a world you enjoyed in a film.
What I will concede however, is the advantage books appear to have in film making of late, especially Young Adult titles. The latest batch of book-to-film releases include beloved favorites and newer titles that don't shy away from asking life's tough questions.
There's more happening here than studios wanting a solid return on their investment. (Though with comic book franchise films that is most definitely the case.) I have to believe that someone is reading these stories and recognizing what made these books bestsellers. The best art, in any medium, informs and entertains seamlessly.
For those of you who haven't picked up a YA book in years, I recommend you take a peak into this very popular (and profitable) genre.
The Harry Potter series is still one of my favorite reads of all time (We named the dog Weasley!). And while I didn't enjoy the films nearly as much as the books, my husband and I are planning a visit to the studio where they made the movies when we visit England next year.
I enjoy the Hunger Games movies thus far, but was disappointed by the Divergent film.
As for John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, I intentionally passed on seeing the film because the book was so emotionally satisfying I didn't want to lose that feeling inside me. My Husky readers still tell me I should see it and perhaps someday I will.
At the end of the day any reading is good reading and I won't judge the road that leads a student to a book. Luckily, all the roads are good right now.
I found this picture last week and I can't stop looking at it. For me books are magical all by themselves, but to see them like this gives reading a whole new look. I'm inspired that the design is made up of books and not cell phones, tablets or a Kindle. If that labels me old-fashioned, then I guess I am.
One thing that is vital to creating a thriving and used library is a dedication to not only design, but redesign as times, trends and patron interests evolve. Here at HHS, we are nearing completion of a makeover in the Library Media Center that includes new tables, chairs, couches, more student use devices and of course books, in both print and e-format.
We are excited beyond belief and to watch the students' reactions to the changes has added to the experience. Kids notice everything!
The best libraries are adaptable. Our goal hasn't changed with the times. A library is a space for the discovery of information, ideas and stories. We just have more ways than ever to go about doing it.
Once we have all the new additions practically perfect in every way, I'll post pictures.
Any good library will update its book collection periodically. We call this weeding. Here at HHS we are beginning the lengthy process of weeding the Non-Fiction section. There are a variety of reasons we take books out of the collection-
Outdated (happens often in Science & Technology sections)
Damage beyond repair (sad but true, backpacks are often unkind to books)
Low circulation (due largely to curriculum changes over the years)
As an avid reader and writer, it pains me to see books go, but when we clear space, the good materials we have remaining get more use.
Libraries are still fighting against the image of our services and offerings as being out-dated and unnecessary in the digital age. To talk about weeding books appears, on the surface, to only perpetuate that image. Dynamic environments are in constant states of evaluation and adaptation. These processes move with more accuracy and speed when they're directed by trained and dedicated library staff. (I could name a couple people off the top of my head.)
Even with budget cuts, I honestly believe this is an exciting time to work in a library. Here at HHS, we're expanding our collection to include e-books for the first time. Our fiction section is the most current in the district and will be growing when our Spring book order arrives. By far the most exciting news is that our reading-for-pleasure population continues to grow.
In addition to improving our collection, we're redecorating the LMC. The first wave of new furniture has arrived and hopefully by the end of February we'll be done with our beautification process. Please come by and visit us!
All of this just goes to show you, if you build it with teens in mind, they will come!
