In recent years, technology has become essential not just to library collection management, but to the very fabric of the library itself.
In many cases, libraries are one of the first touchpoints many patrons will have with innovations. As a librarian, you act almost as a steward of new technology.
With so many emerging trends to keep track of, preparing your library for the future can feel a little overwhelming. In this article, we will explore some of the new and emerging technologies being used in libraries and their impact on both librarians and patrons.
The Role of AI
AI has been the topic on everyone’s lips for some time now: and the innovations in the space don’t seem to be slowing down.
One of the most popular uses of this technology in libraries is AI chatbots.
AI chatbots provide a great opportunity to free up librarians’ time to complete more branch-critical tasks. They can be set up as a virtual guide for library services, answering frequently asked questions and providing information to patrons outside of office hours. They can even troubleshoot technical problems, such as issues accessing electronic resources.
AI chatbots provide other benefits for patrons too, and can be an excellent tool for improving accessibility to library services. They help users navigate books and journals and will even suggest different databases if materials are more likely to be found there.
Some libraries use AI technology to curate lists of recommended materials for patrons, based on their previous engagement with collections.
In academic libraries, virtual research assistants are being used to great effect when they are trained using peer-reviewed articles to help researchers find relevant papers, evaluate their content, and generate insights and summaries.
The biggest weakness that AI poses for libraries is information bias. These tools are only as good as the information they are trained with, so keep inclusivity and accessibility front of mind if you are considering implementing this technology in your branches.
We previously wrote a blog post specifically around the role of AI in public libraries, which you can view here.
Growing Digital Resources
Digitized versions of materials are not new. In a survey of over 1500 libraries in the US, the Public Library Association (PLA) found that 95% of libraries now offer e-books to their patrons.
However, an emerging trend in libraries is that digital collections are expanding far beyond books, to include:
- Audiobooks
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Comics
Some libraries even offer music and video streaming services!
There is a fear that moving to digital collections can reduce the use of physical library spaces. However, having materials available online improves collection accessibility for all patrons.
People can check out, place a hold, or return a book anytime. With digital tools, font sizes can be adjusted and ‘tech to speech’ functions ensure that visually impaired patrons can still make the most of the collection.
Sophisticated Searches and Filtering Options
In recent years, many libraries have moved their collections to be hosted on cloud computing software.
This has proven to be an effective way of improving a user’s browsing experience. Patrons can search for a title or author and immediately be able to see if a material is accessible in their branch.
Materials can also be cross-shared between branches, making collections easier and less time-consuming to manage for librarians.
Behind the scenes, collection management software is becoming an increasingly popular way to maintain and analyze a collection.
This technology goes far beyond searching and filtering materials. collectionHQ and cHQacademic, for example, can provide various sophisticated reporting tools for librarians, and help you plan for the future of your collection through detailed analysis of materials and the creation of evidence-based action plans.
Digital Skills Training
In a world where an internet connection is an almost essential part of daily life, digital literacy is an essential skill set.
The ALA found that 95% of libraries offer digital literacy training. As technology becomes more complex, some libraries are placing more of an emphasis on this service than ever.
Around 30% of US libraries now have Digital Navigator programs to help educate patrons of all ages on digital skills, including navigating the internet, privacy and safety online, and how to use social media.
Colombus Metropolitan Library in Ohio, for example, is a city library with 23 outlets serving a population of almost one million people. They decided to set up a Digital Navigator program to provide patrons with a welcoming environment to explore their tech challenges without feeling rushed. The program has been such a success that now all adult services staff receive training in digital inclusion support, and a dedicated Community Support Center has been established to answer more in-depth questions.
Interestingly, digital skills training in libraries is now moving far beyond basic literacy, and around a quarter of libraries now have digital media production equipment for patrons to use.
Many libraries are now teaching specific classes to enhance other digital skills, including
- Website development
- Audio/visual content creation
- Robotics
- Video editing
- Coding
- 3D printing
This provides library users with the opportunity to learn skills that could help them professionally, or simply provide a creative outlet.
For libraries with the budget, a focus on innovating digital skills can help them stand out and bring more patrons back into branches.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming increasingly popular in libraries and can perform a range of different functions.
VR headsets, for example, can give young patrons the opportunity to visit different landmarks and locations all around the world. This connects them with other cultures without needing to leave the library building. VR is also frequently used for job training and skills development classes.
The biggest issue with VR is that it is expensive. According to the PLA, only around 16% of their surveyed libraries have access to VR headsets. You can purchase options with slots cell phones, which are cheaper – but the reality is, with budgets shrinking all the time, investing in a full suite of VR equipment may not be a realistic solution for your library.
AR, on the other hand, can be integrated into your branches more cost-effectively – and provides interesting ways to enhance patron experience.
For example, The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) used augmented reality (AR) to create immersive library tours for their students.
The University of Maryland Libraries in College Park has also used AR to create success, as a way to make their collection more interactive through added context and information.
AR can also provide access to rare materials, by showing patrons digital representations of texts and images, so they can get a closer look without compromising the integrity of the source.
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We hope that this blog has served as a guide for the new and emerging technologies that librarians need to know about – as well as providing some food for thought on how they will impact patrons and librarians alike.
It’s important not to get too caught up in the latest trend. We believe digital resources will never replace the demand for physical books on shelves, nor will checkout hotspots and customer service options replace the value of a face-to-face conversation.
Instead, we should all continue to focus on the tools that will make the job of the librarian more efficient and improve the user’s experience in the long term.
Overall, we shouldn’t lose sight of what the library is, at heart: a place to check books out but also a community hub and a place of connection.
If you would like to learn more about how your collection management can be made more efficient through technology, our team would be delighted to show you how either collectionHQ or cHQacademic can help your branch.
Get in touch to book your free demonstration.