This evening one of my classes was held at the Troy Public Library. One of the librarians took the time to share the many different features available on the library's website. She told us, as future librarians, we're providing a service and have to know how to sell that service. We as librarians have to show why people should come to the libraries instead of doing things themselves at home. Perhaps many people do not realize what we can do at a library. It was amazing to see what you can do online at the library.
The most important thing libraries can do to use technology to help lure patrons is to teach that technology. Librarians need to prove they know the technology being offered. If we as librarians can show that we have knowledge in something technology related, we can help the general public who may not completely understand the technology they are trying to use.
Technology is not always easy to use. That's why many libraries are making it their responsibility to teach it to others. Many libraries offer classes on things as basic as "What is a computer?" to advanced programs such as websites and PowerPoint. Older generations who may not have grown up learning all the ins and outs of computers, would find these services very helpful. Younger generations might find the more advanced classes fun and helpful.
Instead of broadcasting just the services available, libraries should be broadcasting their knowledge on the services available. If a librarian can tell a patron he/she can help them find the online source the patron needs in half the time the patron can find it, that patron is more willing to come back and ask for more help.
Librarians cannot let patrons think libraries are too unaccessable. Use the technology available to make life at the library more fun!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Drive Thru Checkout!
When we go to the grocery store, some of the longest lines are not at the self checkouts. People like checking out their own groceries. It's easy and convenient. Many pizza places and other food delivery services now allow someone to place an order online and have it delivered (or picked up). Let's face it, many people just don't have the time to spend hours browsing, and then waiting forever in line for checkout. So why would someone want to spend hours looking for a book, only to wait forever in line, or worse, the book they are looking for is not even there!
Imagine being able to sit at home, find your book, reserve it online, pick it up and check it out yourself! Some libraries are actually starting to do this service. So it is not exactly getting the patron to spend hours at the library, but it does at least get the patron to use the services available to them. Who knows, maybe they'll still browse the library once they get there.
One of the things many fear about the library is overdue books and fines. Because of this, they will not go to the library and check out books, might as well buy the book. Now some libraries offer online renewal and account summary. Can't remember the due date? Check online using the library card number. Can't get to the library before the due date? Renew online. Some libraries even send emails reminding patrons when a book is due.
Even if all these features are not available at some libraries, almost all libraries have their catalog online and search able right from their websites. This way a patron can at least check to see if a book is available.
Having all these services available at a library just makes a patron want to use the library more. Any time a service can use technology to make things easy and convenient, the consumer will use it!
Imagine being able to sit at home, find your book, reserve it online, pick it up and check it out yourself! Some libraries are actually starting to do this service. So it is not exactly getting the patron to spend hours at the library, but it does at least get the patron to use the services available to them. Who knows, maybe they'll still browse the library once they get there.
One of the things many fear about the library is overdue books and fines. Because of this, they will not go to the library and check out books, might as well buy the book. Now some libraries offer online renewal and account summary. Can't remember the due date? Check online using the library card number. Can't get to the library before the due date? Renew online. Some libraries even send emails reminding patrons when a book is due.
Even if all these features are not available at some libraries, almost all libraries have their catalog online and search able right from their websites. This way a patron can at least check to see if a book is available.
Having all these services available at a library just makes a patron want to use the library more. Any time a service can use technology to make things easy and convenient, the consumer will use it!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Free Internet Access for All!
It's no secret how important technology has become to our everyday lives. It seems like everyone has a computer, cell phone and digital cable. Our society wants immediate access to everything. Libraries in an effort to keep up, have adopted technology to help them keep up. Instead of standing pat, like many people believe, many libraries are embracing technology. Having technology can keep patrons coming back.
In an introduction to Library Sciences book, Foundations of Library and Information Sciences, written by Richard Rubin, there are still many people who have little to no access to a computer or Internet. Libraries can offer this service free of charge, as long as they have a library card (which by the way is also free!). In a patron continues to come to the library to use the computers and Internet, it is only natural that they will want to explore other services the library has to offer.
Of course there are some disadvantages to this. Privacy is not always guaranteed, nor is an available computer. Some libraries do limit how long a patron can even be on that computer.
Despite that, having the ability to access free Internet, especially for those students who are in need of doing research but for whatever reason do not have a computer (much less Internet), patrons will want to come back and want to support the library. Going to the library to use the computers for research also has the added benefit of already being at the library in case the patron wants to see the physical source.
Technology surprisingly may be what saves libraries, even though many people believe it is easier to research everything they need at home. Remember, not everyone has that luxury. It's important for libraries to recognize this and use new technology to their advantage to lure those who need it to the library.
In an introduction to Library Sciences book, Foundations of Library and Information Sciences, written by Richard Rubin, there are still many people who have little to no access to a computer or Internet. Libraries can offer this service free of charge, as long as they have a library card (which by the way is also free!). In a patron continues to come to the library to use the computers and Internet, it is only natural that they will want to explore other services the library has to offer.
Of course there are some disadvantages to this. Privacy is not always guaranteed, nor is an available computer. Some libraries do limit how long a patron can even be on that computer.
Despite that, having the ability to access free Internet, especially for those students who are in need of doing research but for whatever reason do not have a computer (much less Internet), patrons will want to come back and want to support the library. Going to the library to use the computers for research also has the added benefit of already being at the library in case the patron wants to see the physical source.
Technology surprisingly may be what saves libraries, even though many people believe it is easier to research everything they need at home. Remember, not everyone has that luxury. It's important for libraries to recognize this and use new technology to their advantage to lure those who need it to the library.
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