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Top Tech Trends

The top trends from the LITA panel discussion that I can believe are adaptable to public libraries are:

1. Creating eBook lending platforms.  As more patrons begin accessing eBooks, I can see the expansion of eBook lending platforms in the public libraries.  Local histories and genealogy records would come to mind. 
2. Cloud storage will allow public libraries to create content more accessible to users.  We use cloud storage for mundane areas for our reference desk, such as meeting room calendars.  I have been working on transitioning local files, history and genealogy records into cloud storage. 
3. MOOCs-We have begun using databases such as Universal class and Kahn Academy which has enabled patrons, in the case of Universal class to take courses that can be included on resumes.

In addition, I can see a growing issue of privacy concerns in our public libraries.  There must be a balance between personal privacy and public safety.  In our library system we have recently had to install security cameras (many security cameras) due to patron actions.  I will say the incidents have decreased and I have not had any negative feedback from patrons. 

One of the points in the LITA discussion about patron recording transactions brings to mind a patron who brings his camera, complete with tripod that will enable him to photograph specific information from the internet. 

Throughout the discussion concerning privacy and end-user notification I believe is an important part of librarianship.  As part of digital literacy we must be proactive in educating our patrons on information and privacy.  For example, many patrons use internet service to access bank accounts and other sensitive information, as a reference librarian I am constantly reminding the patron that they must completely sign out of their account or indicate to the email providers to not save login information. 

According to the article, “Library services in the digital age by Kathryn Zichuhr, Lee Rainie, and Kristen Purcell, over 70% of patrons surveyed by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project have either attended a petting zoo or believe they are useful to the public. We serve as educators in the area of eBooks and tablets.  For several years our library has held petting zoos to familiarize our community with these devices.  These events enable us to market our other services as well as connect users to new technology.  From these exchanges our library has gotten suggestions for other technology driven programs, book titles and other services that our users believe are important to our community.

Reference

Zichuhr, K, Raine, L, & Purcell, K (22 Jan 2013). Library services in the digital age. Pew
Internet. Retrieved from http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/
 

Library of Congress American Memory Project

The LOC American Memory project holds 242,281 records in its collection with open accessibility.  The types of materials include such things as images, sheet music, audio/video resources, pamphlets and posters in the subject areas of geography, regional studies, and history.

Through my research I discovered that the LOC creates its own software programs through its Repository Development Center (RDC). The platform is compatible with EAD for its data structure and it uses OAI-PMH as its metadata scheme. 

This resource has proven invaluable in genealogy research.  I have been able to located photographs for my own family who were affected by the TVA/Fontana Dam project along the Northshore of Fontana Lake in Bryson City (Swain Co.) NC.  So be sure to check out this digital repository for information into your own history!

Here's the link: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html

GIS Mapping-Forsyth Co, NC Income and Libraries

SirsiDynix Enterprise Review

I found that SirsiDynix Enterprise was like most discovery layer platforms that incorporated the main features found in Yang and Hoffmann’s report.  They have incorporated many features that enhance availability.  
 
1.      Single-point of entry for all library resources-With its resource Central (eRC) integration, serving as its main hub, Enterprise gives users with the opportunity to of access resources in various formats. 
2.      Enriched content-Administrative rights in Enterprise give staff the ability to embed search bars, and create guides to store in “digital rooms” for later use. It also includes cascading profile settings which creates a more seamless connection to branch locations and consortia
3.      Faceted navigation-This feature is an important part of SirsiDynix Enterprise System.  “Fuzzy” searching with faceted navigation allows users to narrow subjects and search terms that result in more substantial return queries.
4.      Relevancy-Statistical analysis for library data are provided by BLUEcloud Analytics which combines historical data with ILS, OPAC and other components to delivers extensive market research, library statistics and community indicators that qualify cost-benefit rations and market segmentation.
5.      Integration with social networking sites-Enterprise has implemented BookMyne+ which allows users to connect their library catalog to their Facebook pages with greater mobility.  In addition, staff can connect to their public faster in a more constructive format, which is achieved through RSS feeds (SirsiDynix Enterprise, 2013).
SirsiDynix was founded in 1979 in Utah and services 4,000 libraries or consortia, 300 million people and 23,000 catalogs all over the world.  These institutions comprise schools, public libraries, special collections, universities and consortia options.
Dynix Enterprise partners with its innovative digital asset management system, Portfolio to harvest metadata.   Constructed on Enterprise interface, Portfolio uses optical character recognition (OCR) that allows in-text searching capabilities.  Also this platform uses Open Access Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH) and includes an easy taxonomy for all users (SirsiDynix, Portfolio 2013).

As an application service provider (ASP), Dynix used Software as a Service (SaaS). However, Sirsi has now shifted to cloud storage, called SirsiDynix Cloud.

Website Building Part 3

Thinking I was through with my website only to discover that it is totally wrong.  So version 2 was slated for publication until I decided to delete something that turned out to be vitally important.  This led me to version #3 which is a compilation of website 1 and 2.  If you would like to take a look at the finished product check out : http://piper14.byethost17.com/wordpress/  I had best stop there or it might disappear too!

My Website Journey Part 2

My introduction into website building can be characterized as steep and curvy.  From having little to no experience with html codes, plugin and widgets, trial and error were my guides.  I think in the end I have something that I can be somewhat happy about, although my OCD will never allow me to be satisfied with the product.  I will admit I am a visual person and enjoyed creating each page.  I would like to add more user friendly content such as a form to allow my "patrons" to reserve books and/or register for library cards;

What I learned throughout the process is perseverance pays off.  I discovered using Photobucket will give me URLs for my photos that I added to my blog—“The Book Buzz”.  In addition I have found that Youtube is a great source for instructional videos on a great many things.

My through my journey, I have gained more confidence in computer language and how hard it is to build a website.  My site can be found at:  http://piper14.byethost17.com/.