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Press Release from Primary Research Group, Inc.
March 14, 2005 --This special report from Primary Research Group is based on
exhaustive interviews with information technology directors and other critical staff
involved in IT decision-making from the Princeton Public Library, Minneapolis Public
Library, Evansville Public Library, Santa Monica Public Library, Boston Public Library,
Columbus Metropolitan Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, Seattle Public
Library, and the Denver Public Library.
The report covers areas critical to the public library mission, including: general overview
of the library and the library system , use of Ebooks, trends database licensing - use of
consortiums, workstation deployment, workstation access and reservation policies,
technology centers, internet access policies, internet filtering, automated book check out,
automated routing of returned books, catalog enhancements, digitizing of special
audio/video collections, web site maintenance and development, virtual reference
systems, integrated library software system, size and composition of technology staff,
relation of library technology staff to city/county technology staff, help desk policies,
wireless access, and the role of technology in promoting new library construction.
Some of the report’s finding:
Public libraries feel their mission has in many ways been transformed by new
technologies, particularly internet access, and that the key to winning greater support for
public libraries is educating the public in the use of these technologies. Virtually all of the
librarians in this report offer advice and insights for their peers, but all seem to agree on
one thing: the public’s appetite for internet and database access is growing and virtually
insatiable.
The public library’s peculiar combination of free internet access and knowledgeable
tutors and guides has made it an indisputable draw. Many libraries have had success in
technology-related bond issues for new libraries or for refurbishing old libraries, even as
operating budgets are forced down by uncertain public finances.
Libraries that are using RFID automated book check out technology appear to be divided
into two camps: those which hesitate in implementing the technology, and those which
essentially limit or eliminate non-automated check out, literally compelling patrons to
adjust to the new technology. All of those that had taken the latter approach were glad
that they had.
In database licensing, many public libraries appear to believe that they can negotiate
individually as well or nearly as well as they can in consortium. We feel that this is a ripe
are for library scientists and public library associations to do some serious research to
actually quantify the truth or falsity of these perceptions. Whatever the case, apart from
some regional and state-level consortiums, public libraries, even larger ones, appear to
seriously lag their counterparts in academic libraries in their enthusiasm for consortium
arrangements.
While public libraries may lag in the use of consortiums, they are surprisingly advanced
in their efforts to digitize their special collections. Many public libraries are further along
in the digitization process than their counterparts in small and medium sized academic
libraries.
After a slow start, electronic books are making a significant impact, led by organizations
such as NetLibrary and Overdrive, whose innovative technology and approach to ebook
management appear to be winning many converts.
The libraries in the small sample seemed quite interested in expanding in-house
telecommunications capacities, enabling librarians to communicate with one another, and
with patrons, while they walked around the library. Vocera, a voice over IP application
for libraries, was a coveted product.
Increasingly, public libraries are viewing themselves as places to introduce new
technologies to the public. Centers that introduce new software and hardware have
increasingly become part of the public library mission and are major selling points in
raising new funds for libraries.
Download a free chapter with this press release. Publications and media-oriented
websites may request a review copy by calling: 212-736-2316. Orders can be placed with
major book distributors or directly at the number listed above. The price of a print version
of the 90-page perfect bound report is $65.00; a PDF version with rights to one print out
and maintenance on one computer is $85.00.
Best Practices of Public Library Information Technology Directors
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