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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