Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff

Autor: Shannon D. Jones
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2007
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Popis: Thinking about purchasing audio electronic books for your library? Have you been asked to create a blog but are not sure where to begin? Wondering what all the hype is with social networking? Burke's Library Technology Companion will help answer these basic questions. In libraries, technology impacts the way librarians conduct business. As technology continues to have an impact on the way information is disseminated in libraries, library staff must constantly stay abreast of the technological trends influencing the profession. Burke, interim director of the Garnder-Harvey Library on the Middletown regional campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, presents a timely text to provide a basic foundation in technologies. He has written this book to provide a “sound and sensible way to consider, access, and use library technologies to their fullest advantage” (p. ix). In this newly updated edition, the author delves into the most recent technologies affecting libraries. Featured technologies include wikis, blogs, RSS, podcasting, and more. The book is organized into five sections and features seventeen chapters. In these sections Burke presents a useful but basic primer on technology in libraries. The book is replete with illustrative examples to support points made throughout the text. Each chapter concludes with questions for review and a list of selected resources for further information. A companion blog is available to enable readers wishing to review updated resources and materials, as well as post comments about the book. Section I, “Library Technology Basics,” as the title suggests, explores the basics. Burke begins by presenting the history of information technology in libraries. In chapter one, Burke introduces ten key developments in information technology. These include developments such as personal computers, online searching, audiovisuals, and the Internet. In these chapters, Burke lays the groundwork to help library staff gain a better understanding of not only how technology in libraries has evolved, but also the ways it offers resources readers may use to investigate developments in technology. Chapter two is highly useful for library staff who actively seek to stay current with technology trends. Doing so alone shows an efficient use of technology. This section concludes with a discussion of the resources that library staff may consult to evaluate technologies and information products. Section II, “Technology Tools for Libraries,” presents the technology tools and resources available for use in libraries ranging from computers and integrated library systems to storage devices, library databases, and search engines. Highlighted topics include MP3s, flash drives, tablet computers, handheld devices, open source, and wireless networks. The chapters examine common technology devices found in libraries as well as offer explanatory descriptions of their uses. The section concludes with a discussion of the “technical and societal changes brought about by the Internet” (p. viii). Section III, “How Libraries Put Technology to Work,” delves into practical uses for many of the technologies the author discusses in section II. Burke begins this section with a chapter on universal design and adaptive/assistive technology. He provides information on how libraries may make “products and services usable by people with a wide rage of skills and abilities” (p. 139). Burke also offers useful data on the digital divide and addresses the question of what technology forms this divide. Chapter 11 highlights ways libraries are using blogs, electronic tutorials, and virtual reference as well as remote access. The section concludes with a chapter on distance learning and presentation technologies. Section IV, “Building and Maintaining the Technology Environment in Libraries,” takes a look at how libraries can implement technology solutions in their environments. The chapters in this section review the task of securing computers as well providing security to library patrons. Burke delineates steps libraries may follow to secure public and staff computers and to troubleshoot computer problems as well as offers suggestions for methods libraries can use to handle typical computer problems. The section concludes with a chapter on building a comfortable and accessible infrastructure for users. Section V, “Where Library Technology Is Going and How to Get There,” addresses the challenges of supplemental funding for budgets. The chapter begins with a discussion of the technology plans, offers steps for developing library technology plans, and concludes with a chapter on how technology will continue to have an impact on libraries. The Library Technology Companion is an easy read and is applicable to all types of libraries and staff at all levels. The book is especially useful for novice readers because the author begins the book by looking back at how technology has evolved and concludes by looking forward at how technology will impact libraries in the future. For more advanced readers, this book will confirm much of what they already know about technology while offering an update on newer technologies. Overall, the Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion will be useful for all library staff as well as for any librarians involved in developing guidelines and policies to implement and manage technology. It will also be valuable for new professionals and library staff who are apprehensive about using technology and as a textbook for library and information science students.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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