Table of Contents
List of Figures and Tables ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xv
Part I Library Technology Basics
Chapter 0 What Folks in the Trenches Know That You Should Too 3
Library Technology Skills Survey 3
Demographics of the Respondents 4
The Most Common Technologies and Skills 5
The Most Common Wishes for Technologies and Self-development 7
What Can We Learn from the Survey? 8
Questions for Review 8
Selected Sources for Further Information 8
Chapter 1 The History of Information Technology in Libraries 11
Trends in Library Technologies 12
Ten Key Developments in Information Technology 12
What Are Libraries Using Today? 21
Questions for Review 22
Selected Sources for Further Information 22
Chapter 2 How to Find Information on Library Technologies 23
Reasons to Use Technology Information Sources 23
Types of Technology Information Sources 25
Selected Sources for Further Information 26
Moderation in All Things 37
Questions for Review 38
Chapter 3 Evaluating, Buying, and Implementing Technology 39
Know What You Need 39
Locate and Evaluate Technology Choices 41
The Purchasing Process 43
Buying Guides and Tips 44
Implementing the Technology 45
On to the Tools 47
Questions for Review 47
Selected Sources for Further Information 47
Part II Technology Tools for Libraries
Chapter 4 Computers in Libraries: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Handheld Devices, and Office Applications 51
Desktop Computer Essentials 51
How Computers Are Measured 53
Computer Software 54
Operating Systems 54
The History of Operating Systems 55
The Operation of Computers 56
Computer Peripherals 58
Minimum Standards for New Computers 60
Computers in Other Forms 62
Library Uses for Computers 66
Questions for Review 69
Selected Sources for Further Information 69
Chapter 5 Computer Networks in Libraries: The Internet, Modems, WiFi, and E-mail 71
What Do Networks Do? 71
Mainframes and Servers 72
Network Components 74
Network Operating Systems 74
Network Cards and Cabling 74
How Networks Work 75
LANs, WANs, Routers, and Gateways 76
Wireless Networks 77
How Does the Internet Relate to All of This? 78
How to Connect to the Internet as an Individual or a Small Library 80
How Do Modems Work? 81
Licensing and Patron Authentication 82
Questions for Review 83
Selected Sources for Further Information 83
Chapter 6 Whither the Library Catalog? Library Systems, Discovery Layers, and Open Source Options 85
Library Systems 85
What Is a Database? 86
Tools for the Trade 87
Library System Components 88
Dance of the Modules 92
Nonintegrated Modules 92
Benefits of Library Systems 93
Ten Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a System 94
Open Source Software 97
Where Do Library Systems Stand Today? 98
Questions for Review 102
Selected Sources for Further Information 102
Chapter 7 Storage Devices in Libraries: Paper, Microfilm, DVDs, MP3s, and Flash Drives: 105
Paper 105
Microformats 106
Compact Disc Technology 106
DVD Technology 107
Computer Memory Options 108
Videocassettes 111
Videodiscs (Laserdiscs) 111
Digital Cameras and Digital Video Cameras 112
Digital Video Collections 114
Digital Video Recorders 114
Audiocassettes 115
MP3 Files and Players 115
Scanning Technology 116
You Can Take It with You 118
Archival Issues 118
Dying Technologies? 121
Questions for Review 121
Selected Sources for Further Information 122
Chapter 8 Library Databases and Electronic Resources: Full-text Periodicals, E-books, and E-reference Collections 123
Availability of Electronic Resources 123
Electronic Access Issues 129
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Library Resources 135
Questions for Review 137
Selected Sources for Further Information 138
Chapter 9 The Internet's Impact on Finding Information: A Is for Amazon, G Is for Google 139
The Internet 139
What Can You Do on the Internet? 141
Why Do Libraries Use the Internet? 144
Internet Issues in Libraries 146
Lessons from the Internet for Libraries 147
Questions for Review 152
Selected Sources for Further Information 152
Chapter 10 Web 2.0: Social Networking, Second Life, and Skype 155
Social Networking Tools 155
Mashups 157
Second Life 160
Skype 161
Wikipedia 162
Twitter 163
You Tube 164
Questions for Review 165
Selected Sources for Further Information 165
Part III How Libraries Put Technology to Work
Chapter 11 Meeting and Supporting Patron Technology Needs: Universal Design and Adaptive/Assistive Technology 169
Universal Design 169
The Digital Divide 170
Adaptive and Assistive Technology 172
Technology to Level the Field 172
Technology for Public Computers 173
Technologies for Other Services and Materials 174
Web and Interface Design Considerations 176
Suggested List of Adaptive Technology for a Library Computer 177
Questions for Review 177
Selected Sources for Further Information 177
Chapter 12 Library 2.0 and the Library: Virtual Reference, Blogs, and Usability 179
What Do Library Web Sites Offer? 179
Questions to Answer 183
The Tools Required for Web Site Design 184
General Guidelines for Interface Design 184
Questions for Review 186
Selected Sources for Further Information 186
Chapter 13 How Library Staff Learn and Teach: Screencasts, Distance Learning, and Course Management Systems 189
What Is Distance Learning and What Roles Does It Hold for Libraries? 189
Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Learning Technologies 191
Course Management Systems 193
What Are Presentation Technologies and How Are They Used by Libraries? 194
Display Equipment 195
Media Items 195
Presentation Software 196
Screencasts 196
Questions for Review 196
Selected Sources for Further Information 197
Part IV Building and Maintaining the Technology Environment in Libraries
Chapter 14 Protecting Technology and Technology Users: Spam, Spyware, and Security Strips 201
Security Systems/RFID 201
Locks/Secure Locations 203
Limiting Functions 204
Electronic Security 205
Sample Secured Public Computer 208
Sample Secured DVD/Video Collection and Viewing Station 209
Questions for Review 210
Selected Sources for Further Information 210
Chapter 15 When Things Fall Apart: Troubleshooting Tips for Every Technology User 213
Troubleshooting Guidelines 213
Tips for Avoiding Problems 217
Questions for Review 219
Chapter 16 Building the Technology Environment: Ergonomics, Infrastructure, and Gaming 221
Physical Considerations 221
Gaming in the Library 226
Ergonomics: The Human Factor 228
Questions for Review 229
Selected Sources for Further Information 230
Part V Where Library Technology Is Going, and How to Get There
Chapter 17 Writing a Technology Plan 233
Technology Planning Steps 234
Questions for Review 237
Selected Sources for Further Information 237
Chapter 18 Our Technological Future: Ranganathan Meets Googlezon 239
New Challenges 239
Predicting the Future 240
Trends and Technologies to Watch 242
The Complex Library 245
Questions for Review 246
Selected Sources for Further Information 246
Glossary 249
Index 273
About the Author 279
