It's obvious that libraries are going through a period of great change.
The integration of technology into the library sector has had (and will increasingly have) a big impact on what services we provide and how we provide them.
Gadgets like iPhones, iPads and tablets. smartphones and ebook readers give people the freedom to communicate and interact from anywhere. Are we doing enough to engage with these people? What do service do they expect from us? Do we need more training on how these technologies work or even more exposure to them?
What are your thoughts and concerns? I know we have briefly touched on this at previous meetings, but maybe this is something we look at in more depth to get a better understanding of how we feel as library staff.
I don't think this is about drawing a line in the sand but just seeing the need for change if the justification is there.
I feel that it is great that we have new ways to communicate with people. Also with the social networking stuff, its a real opportunity to create an online community of patrons (not everyone can/wants to come to the library) and to recognise and include them.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of topic Troy and interesting to note how many patrons are walking though our doors these days with ipads, iphones, etc. I for one feel I need more exposure, so am thinking about upgrading my mobile to a iphone. Knowledge is the key to moving forward I say....
ReplyDeleteMe too, so close to buying an iPad the other day. They were discounting the older model.
ReplyDeleteIf we can be seen to be keeping up with technology we should still attract people to come through our doors. I know myself, if I get knocked back by someone because they dont have what I want, I wont go back there again. Very fickle I know, but these days people dont want to waste their time, they want to go in get what they want and leave.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that we did the Web2.0 training, as well as gaining knowledge I have also gained the confidence to help people with their enquiries regarding technical issues.
I think we will also see more people communicating with us via email, as more and more people are in the workforce and dont have the time to come in and settle issues that can be dealt with by a simple email.
Knowledge is empowering, and gives more self confidence when dealing with customers. I think it's important that we keep up and be able to engage with everybody.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what has been said, and I for one would very much like more exposure to I-Phone, I-pads, Tablets and Readers. Not sure how we would do it, apart from all Library staff buying their own, would it be possible for us to have training using phones etc purchased by the Library, for use by the staff. Customers are now coming in asking for help with their new I-Pads and expect us to assist them which I really want to do.
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