Critical Review: Tomorrow’s library: discussion paper, March 2012 by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries.

This review will look at the discussion paper Tomorrow’s library (2012) which was written by the

Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries. It provides an overview of information in regards to library services, building, technology and collections and resource development. It provides points for library professionals to discuss in relation to the libraries they are associated with. This discussion paper is to be used to provide a scope and plan on how libraries need to work to maintain a strong community position and, as Prentice (2010) states connect the public with the information they need and wish to access.

Technology has a whole section to itself in this paper but when reading through there is a strong thread following through the whole paper. This paper provides the point that as well as the more obvious points of technological impact such as EBooks and readers, computer and internet access, there are implications down to the way that buildings are redesigned and built (Prentice, 2010). An area for internet access and computer is a now a common element in the library, the discussion paper states that 78.6% of the libraries within the Victorian public library network provide computer and internet access with almost half of these libraries having a separate area just for computer and internet access (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012). There are also libraries looking to provide more integrated wireless options in regards to internet and patrons being more reliant on tablets and smartphones (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public, Libraries, 2012). Technology is even starting to play a part in the collection development area with RFID systems allowing easier loans and collection maintenance (Burke, 2009). The paper (2012) also provides information on the consortium LibraryLink/SWIFT where libraries share a database of resources and allow borrowing between branches, and so provide a larger collection of resources to their patrons.

 While this paper provides an overview into different areas affecting libraries in the public library system of Victoria, it only provides very basic information. Libraries are becoming more of a community place with multiple purposes (Prentice, 2010) but there are not real details on how libraries are changing towards this purpose. The paper (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) provides statistical information how many libraries provide computer and internet access but no real information on how this information actually relates to patrons. It has been mentioned that tablets and smartphones are becoming more of common usage theme and patrons wish to have wireless access to internet facilities (McClure & Jaeger, 2008) but there is no information on how common this is within the public library service of Victoria. There is also the basic information on LibraryLink/SWIFT library consortium, but no further information beyond that it uses a shared database facility that allows patrons access between linked libraries. Does this include electronic media databases such as EBook borrowing facilities run at different libraries? Consortium are created to allow for resources sharing and to allow the libraries to save money by sharing costs (Burke, 2009). Besides the discussion paper stating (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) that some libraries are starting to implement RFID and how this can improve patron usage and collection maintenance, there are no further details on how many libraries are working to implement this technology.

How RFID works in a library

There is the assumption that whoever is reading this paper is a professional working in the library. There are no explanations of what RFID is or what risks there are in regards to security and how it actually functions (Burke, 2009).

This paper is a good starting point for information on what is happening the public library system of Victoria. But it is an overview and if the reader wishes further information they will have to seek further information. The statistics provided in regards to service usage, facilities for computers and internet (Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries, 2012) provide an interesting picture about how much the library service is actually being used. But there needs to be more details to provide a better platform for information professionals to discuss points made within the paper. These details are needed to plan strategies to implement to keep the library current and maintain a strong position as a community hub (Prentice, 2010) as well as provide information services.

References

Burke, J. J. (2009). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: a basic guide for library staff. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

McClure, C. R. & Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Public libraries and internet services roles: measuring and maximizing internet services. Retrieved from EBook Library.

Ministerial Advisory Council for Public Libraries. (2012). Tomorrow’s library: a discussion paper, March 2012. State Government of Victoria. Available from: http://www.plvn.net.au/sites/default/files/TLTD002_Tomorrow%27s%20Library%20Discussion%20Paper%20final%20web.pdf

Prentice, A. (2010). Public libraries in the 21^st century. Retrieved from EBook Library. 

Image References

JESIC Technology Inc. (2008). iLib RFID library management system. In JESIC Technology Ltd. RFID Solution provider. Available from: http://www.jesic-tech.com/RFID_iLib.html
Ministerial Advisory Council of Public Libraries. (2012). Cover of Tomorrow's library discussion paper. In Yarra Plenty Regional Library. Available from :http://yprl.vic.gov.au/about/whats-new/library-news/tomorrow-s-library

Critical Review: It means inclusion: a creative approach to disability and telecommunications policy in Australia by Kate Ellis.

Vision Assist

This review is going to identify the relevance of Ellis’s (2012) article in relation to the information profession and in particular the library. This article describes the various different types of telecommunications technology available and those that are being rolled out in Australia, e.g. digital TV, the National Broadband Network (NBN) and mobile phone technology and how they function with people with disabilities. It describes the issues that each technology has with various disabilities and how this can either positively or negatively effect their interaction and inclusion with society.

Tablets allow for ease of use
 for those with limited dexterity

How is this relevant to the information professional and the library? The purpose of the library is people with information (Prentice, 2010) and the library can use the various types of telecommunication to provide services to the disabled part of society. This part of society can be seen as part of those effected by the digital divide (Burke, 2009) as there is limited accessibility to services.

Speech to text translation App
and SMS Text for mobile devices

Ellis states that mobile technology is an important part of disabled people adapting the various section of society. Libraries can now use SMS messages to promote library services as well as notices about books that are overdue (Abnu K & Mavuso, 2012). Adapting library webpages and catalogues to work with mobile interfaces (Burke, 2009) also allows for programs to “read” a webpage and for magnifying programs/devices to be used. There is also the idea that smartphones and tablets with touch interfaces allow those with limited dexterity to use a multitude of applications and web services (Ellis, 2012) and this can be applied to library web services and interfaces. Creating web interfaces that interact with the library and selecting electronic media and materials (e.g. electronic databases), staff can make these features adaptable for people with a range of disabilities and technologies, while still working within their budget and focus (Mates & Reed IV, 2011). Ellis (2012) also makes the point that agencies, in this case libraries, need to be aware of the different range of disabilities and how they can adapt policies to cover each type.

Image explaining Web 2.0

Ellis (2012), however is weak in her assumption that her reader is aware of the web 2.0 technologies and how they can be adapted to work with a range of disabilities. Web 2.0 is the social, interactive web. Instead of being static, both the user and the creator can have input into the web and make changes that allow for it to be individualised, which can provide a social space to meet people without barriers (Mates & Reed IV, 2011). Ellis (2012) also assumes that her readers are aware of how digital television is capable of being adapted in different ways to facilitate communication and socialisation. Until this information is more common place there is no ground for this technology to be in place with services. Services will just assume that there are other avenues that can be used to facilitate the same purpose, complicating access for the disabled person (Foley & Ferri, 2012).

Ellis (2012) provides a great deal of information on current policies in place in Australia in relation to disabilities and currently technology programs. The information contained here can be applied to multiple services such as libraries in regards to the weakness inherent in these technologies and how they are applied. Ellis (2012) also has a strong argument in relation to viewing disabilities differently, that it is not just one category but a term that is an overview for many different issues. Anastasiou & Kauffman (2012) also argue this as the case and that policy makers should adapt their services to change with the user depending on their abilities and disabilities. Applying this to library services will allow for a more equitable provision of connecting patrons with information and community interaction.

References

Abnu K, J.P. & Mavuso, M. R. (2012). Old wine in new wine skin: marketing library services through SMS based alert services. Library Hi Tech, 30 (2). DOI: 10.1108/07378831211239979

Anastasiou, D. & Kauffman, J.M. (2012). Disability as cultural difference: implications for special education. Remedial and Special Education, 33(3), 139-149. DOI: 10.1177/0741932510383163

Burke, J. J. (2009). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: a basic guide for library staff. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Ellis, K. (2012). It means inclusion: a creative approach to disability and telecommunications policy in Australia. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 62 (2), 27.1-27.13. Available from: http://tja.org.au

Foley, A. & Ferri, B. A. (2012). Technology for people, not disabilities: ensuring access and inclusion. Journal of Research in Special Education Needs, 12(4), 192-200. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-3802.2011.01230.x

Mates, B. T. & Reed IV, W. R. (2011). Assistive technologies in the library. Retrieved from the EBook Library.

Prentice, A. (2010). Public libraries in the 21^st century. Retrieved from EBook Library. 

Image References

AndriodPit. (n.d.). SpeechTrans Hearing Impaired. In AndriodPit. Retrieved from: http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/com.nuance.nmdp.ultimate/SpeechTrans-Hearing-Impaired
Morris, K. (2009). What is web 2.0? In Primary Tech. Retrieved from: http://primarytech.global2.vic.edu.au/2009/03/17/what-is-web-20/
Richard. (2012). Vision Australia texpo part 2: mobile apps In Webbism: (noun) the art of crafting websites that work. Retrieved from http://webbism.com/2012/09/11/texpo-201-part2-mobile-apps/
Richies Room. (2013). Tag Tablet. In Ritchies Room. Retrieved from http://ritchiesroom.com/tag/tablet/

Critical Review: Frail, fatal, fundamental: the future of public libraries by A. Norman

Image from: knowledgeoman.com

This review is seeking to evaluate and identify the information that is relevant to the information professional in today’s technological society. It will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the argument and identify the key points. In summary Norman’s (2012) paper describes the impact of technology on the public library and how these libraries need to adapt and change to work to be relevant to their funding and purpose within the community. Norman (2012) explains that most professionals predicting the future of the public library see a grim picture where the library is completely changed in functionality and usage from what it is traditionally seen as today.

The professional views presented by Norman (2012) are from the more extreme end of the discussion of the future of the public library. He presents the view of what professionals are discussing in relation to the public library being made irrelevant because of technology and what is actually occurring in the public library as being completely different. As stated by Prentice (2010) technology has not changed the purpose of the library but the way the purpose is facilitated (i.e. connect patrons with information). Public libraries need to adapt and work with the changes in technology and provide new services working to connect patrons through technology with the information that is relevant and necessary for their needs (McClure & Jaeger, 2008, p. 91). Norman (2012) provides a view of what the library in which he is working in is doing to work with their patrons in regards to technology and changes. He is facilitating streamlining and adapting the library and it’s policies to work for servicing the clientele’s needs rather than keeping the traditional services some librarians see as necessary despite not running to capacity or being responsible to their funding. Norman (2012) explains an interesting solution in regards to funding the application of the creation of consortium and spreading funding to allow for better services and facilities of the library patron. It is also a question of being responsible to the provision of funding to the library through evaluating the need of relevant services within the differing communities that each library serves (Kenney, 2011).

While Norman (2012) succeeds in making the point that libraries are adapting in the face of technology in most situations the examples of “futurists” opinions he uses to describe what the issues are shows his clear bias. He demonstrates that while he has listened to people report on what they see as the future issues of the public library in the face of the technology component and impact of society he regards them as being misinformed and wrong. Missing from his argument is the component of how other libraries are working to integrate technology into their library systems and services. One such service is the provision of computer access to the majority of the public to work to close the digital divide (Burke, 2009). Norman (2012) mentions the importance of storytime in the purpose of the library in facilitating literacy and interaction of the younger generation in the library services. He doesn’t mention the partnerships described by Kenney (2011) that various public libraries focus on in providing the accessibility of information in regards to education for primary and high school students, such as HSC collections and project resources. The missing components and the use of more extreme ideas on the disappearance of the public library to counter his argument actually works to identify the ideas that he does put forward as weaker than they could be.

This article provides an interesting perspective on the issues that the public library is facing in regards to the technological changes that have occurred within the digital age. While there are weaknesses in the argument and the comparison of futurist opinions against his agreement unbalance the article. There is relevant and important information contained here if the reader assess the article with a critical eye. The article provides a perspective of what some libraries are doing in the face of change and how they are adapting to serve their clients to accomplish the mission and purpose of the public library, even if that purpose has to change with society (McClure & Jaeger, 2008).

References

Burke, J. J. (2009). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: a basic guide for library staff. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Kenny, B. (2011). The baby with the bathwater: change is needed but so too is values. School library Journal 57 (6) p. 7. Retrieved from www.slj.com

McClure, C. R. & Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Public libraries and internet services roles: measuring and maximizing internet services. Retrieved from EBook Library.

Norman, A. (2012). Frail, fatal, fundamental: the future of public libraries. Australasian Public Library and Information Services, 25(2), 94-100. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=370003152479087;res=IELHSS

Prentice, A. (2010). Public libraries in the 21^st century. Retrieved from EBook Library. 

Image Reference

Knowlegeoman.com (2012). Topic of the week: books vs internet. Retrieved from http://knowledgeoman.com/en/konews/topic-of-the-week-books-vs-the-internet.html