Integrated Library System
Description:
An integrated library system (ILS) is an organization-wide software system used to manage and coordinate several key library functions, including acquisitions, cataloging, the online public access catalog, circulation and collection management.
How it is used in the library:
An ILS allows the library to share information more efficiently through its system, allowing library staff to track materials, make orders and acquire more materials, and record patron information, among other library-related tasks.
Expected social impact of the technology:
As ILS technology continues to grow and expand, libraries will be able to offer more services through their ILS, such as enabling users to access the OPAC through mobile devices such as PDAs. Changes in ILS technology will allow the library to do more with their materials and information than has been done in the past, making items both physical and digital more accessible to its users.
Examples:
Voyager
Evergreen, an open-source ILS
Blogs
Description:
A weblog, or “blog,” is a type of website that consists of regular entries of commentary or other material that is displayed in reverse-chronological order. Many blogs function as online journals, while others discuss news, hobbies or other fields of interest. Blogs can allow readers to post comments to different entries, which allows a public dialog to form between the authors of a blog and its readership.
How it is used in the library:
Libraries can use blogs in different ways. A blog can be used to promote and provide information about library events and it can also discuss the results of the events and be used to show photos or other event-related media. It can be used to publish important information such as changes in operating hours or upcoming closures. A library blog can operate as a public forum, where the library can solicit input in the form of comments from its users. A library could also permit its employees to keep blogs of their own, which allows library users to get some insight into the opinions and lives of their librarians.
Expected social impact of the technology:
Blogs provide a fast and easy way for a library to publish information that can be seen by the public. It is a form of communication that is much more flexible and dynamic than something like a monthly library newsletter; in replacing a newsletter, a blog is essentially performing disintermediation by removing the need to physically create information in the form of a newsletter and to distribute that information through the postal system. It can allow for communication between the library and its users and creates a greater attitude of “openness” from the library.
Examples:
Library of Congress Blog
Ann Arbor District Library Director’s Blog
Podcasts
Description:
A podcast is an audio or video program, similar to a radio or TV show, which is made available as a downloadable digital file. A podcast can focus on music, but is usually spoken word and is usually published as a part of a regular series and is often offered via web syndication.
How it is used in the library:
Podcasts are created for a number of purposes in the library. Audio recordings can be made of different library programs or meetings; for example, if a local author gives a reading of her book at the library, it can be recorded and then made available as a podcast from the library’s website. Podcasts can be made from booktalks, which are likened to “movie trailers” of books, which allows the library to promote and advertise a new books and materials. Teens can be engaged with podcasts, and librarians can run activities where teens can create their own podcasts to discuss the books they are reading or other topics.
Expected social impact of the technology:
Podcasts give a voice to the library, allowing users to listen to material created by their library and giving them another way to connect to the organization. Collaborative activities can be centered on podcasts, giving young adults and opportunity to express themselves and their opinions using podcasting technology provided by the library. Podcasts offer another way for users to connect to the library and for the library to distribute information.
Examples:
Denver Public Library Podcasts
The British Library Podcasts
Seattle Public Library’s Podcasts for Teens
RSS
Description:
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, or sometimes Rich Site Summary, and it is a family of data formats used to publish frequently updated works such as blogs, podcasts and news websites. Rather than having users visit websites to view content, RSS allows for the content to be “delivered” to users.
How it is used in the library:
RSS can be used to syndicate update to a library’s blog or its listing of podcasts. Users subscribed to a library’s blog will automatically receive updates if the library posts changes to hours on its blog and other information. A library could use an RSS feed to give updates on new additions to its online catalog. An RSS feed could be tied to a library card account and allow the account holder to be notified when books are ready to be picked up or if an item in their possession is soon to be overdue. An RSS feed could display local or regional news on the library’s website, informing website users when they visit the library’s online presence.
Expected social impact of the technology:
RSS feeds make it easier for libraries to broadcast information and they make it easier for users to receive that information. Integrating RSS feeds with mobile devices will allow users to receive information when not at their computers and makes use of the library more convenient.
B.
As RSS technology is adopted by more people, I think it will become necessary for libraries–especially in areas where information technology is widely available–to integrate RSS with their OPAC and website. This technology will allow for more immediate access to new information provided by the library. Users will be immediately updated on any changes to the library’s blog, additions to its catalog, and new podcasts or other media. As OPACs continue to improve, RSS feeds can be tailored for specific genres, subjects or materials. This adds a lot of convenience to the use of the library, and we can see that people are seeking convenience in many aspects of their life such as the self-checkout lane at the grocery store and automated online bill payments. Libraries should seek to integrate technologies that allow for greater convenience, such as RSS, in order to encourage and increase patronage.
