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Library Technology and User Services
1st Edition
Planning, Integration, and Usability Engineering
Description
Written as a technology guide for students, practitioners, and administrators, the focus of this book is on introducing current and future trends in library technology and automation within the larger context of strategic and systems planning, implementation, and continuous improvement. Technology is an essential resource for attaining both organizational and patron goals, and planning needs to emphasize the alignment between the clearly defined goals of each. For this alignment to occur on a consistent basis goals must be designed, or engineered, in a systematic fashion where technology fulfils the need to deliver the desired outcomes in an efficient, cost-effective manner. The concept of usability engineering is also examined, where the technology is planned, designed, and implemented in such a way as to maximize utility and ease-of-use for users and employees. Readers of this book will understand both the why and the how of library technology, planning, and implementation articulated in a simple, easy-to-understand fashion.
Key Features
- Delivered from academic, public, and school library media perspectives
- Current and emerging technologies are discussed along with their current and future application in the field of library and information science
- Technology planning and integration is explained using a systems design process with scenarios and case studies that are articulated in a step-wise, holistic fashion
Readership
Current library administrators; LIS students and faculty members; Non-library administrators
Table of Contents
Dedication
List of figures and tables
Acknowledgements
Foreword
About the authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: Stone tablets, paper and the Internet: the same old library?
Abstract:
Libraries 2.0
Technology integration and user services
Systems thinking and performance technology
Library trends
Foundations of information seeking and user services in information organizations
Pulling it all together
Chapter 2: Strategic planning, organizational goals and technology: what and for whom?
Abstract:
Needs assessment
Strategic planning
Goal 1: a vibrant, user-centered collection
Strategic planning and world-class user services
Creating a strategic plan
Goal 1: quality online services and resources
Goal 2: comprehensive career resources and services
Goal 3: multi-faceted services and support for the homeless and indigent population
Goal 4: world class youth and family collection and services
Chapter 3: Customized fashion: finding the right fit
Abstract:
Hardware and software
A public library
An academic library
A school library
Library technology infrastructures and user services
Chapter 4: Technology and budgeting
Abstract:
Prevention vs. reaction
Quality vs. quantity
Replacement vs. repair
Zero-sum vs. line-item budgeting
Using Excel for budgeting
Prioritizing technology
Budgeting trends
Chapter 5: Evaluation: is technology meeting the needs of the organization’s users?
Abstract:
Formative and summative evaluation
Informatics
Evaluation method
Building a logic model for outcomes-based evaluation
Chapter 6: Emerging technology trends in libraries
Abstract:
Integrated library system
Details
- No. of pages:
- 170
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © 2012
- Published:
- 9th November 2011
- Imprint:
- Chandos Publishing
- eBook ISBN:
- 9781780632902
- Print ISBN:
- 9781843346388
About the authors
Anthony Chow
Dr. Anthony S. Chow teaches library management and technology as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Anthony also serves as an educational consultant specializing in online information and evaluation systems and has overseen the IT for a large academic unit, managed training and quality assurance for an Internet company, and oversaw computer based instruction training for a government agency. His dissertation was published as a book entitled Systems Thinking and 21st Century Education.
Affiliations and Expertise
Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Tim Bucknall
Tim Bucknall is Assistant Dean of Libraries and Head of Electronic Resources and Information Technologies for the University Libraries at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Tim is responsible for many significant library innovations, including the first OpenURL link resolver to go into production, and the first large-scale virtual library consortium. He was recently named by Library Journal as one the United States’ leading ‘Movers and Shakers’ within librarianship, and has published and spoken extensively on library information technology, IT management, and effective evaluation of electronic resources and services within libraries.
Affiliations and Expertise
University of North Carolina, USA
Reviews
The authors synergize their expertise on information technologies and user library services to produce this welcome resource., An Leabharlann: The Irish Library
This book provides a systematic approach to challenges with planning, budgeting and integrating technology into public, academic and school libraries. One of the main strengths of this book is its layout and easy to read style. This book is well designed and comprehensive for readers who want a starting knowledge of how to plan for user needs in a technology driven environment., Australian Academic & Research Libraries
This book provides a systematic approach to challenges with planning, budgeting and integrating technology into public, academic and school libraries. One of the main strengths of this book is its layout and easy to read style. This book is well designed and comprehensive for readers who want a starting knowledge of how to plan for user needs in a technology driven environment., Australian Academic & Research Libraries