Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services

by Christopher DeCristofaro, James Hutter, Nick Tanzi

Overview

Emerging technologies can intimidate with their cost and uncertainty—this book provides flexible options for adopting the most popular ones.

Introducing new technologies to your library can be a daunting process; they can be costly, they may be unfamiliar to many staff members, and their success is far from assured. To address these concerns, Best Technologies for Public Libraries accommodates budgets large and small, providing options for both the ambitious and the cost-conscious.

Authors Christopher DeCristofaro, James Hutter, and Nick Tanzi provide a resource for staff looking to incorporate a number of emerging technologies into their library and makerspaces. Each chapter explores a new technology, including 3D printing, drones, augmented reality, and virtual reality, covering how the technologies work, the selection process, training, sample programming, best practices, and relevant policy. By describing a variety of program and service ideas across age groups, the book gives readers the ability to first evaluate them within the context of their own organization before incorporating ideas à la carte. This approach helps readers to adopt these new technologies and create policies with uses already in mind.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440869280
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/08/2020
Pages:	226
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Christopher DeCristofaro is the technology librarian at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook, NY.

James Hutter is a technology librarian currently serving as head of computer services at the Port Washington Public Library and as a director of the Nassau County Library Association.

Nick Tanzi is assistant director of the South Huntington Public Library.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction: Why Read This Book? ix

1 3D Printing 1

2 Drones 45

3 Augmented Reality 85

4 Virtual Reality 135

5 Synergies 183

Conclusion: Where Do You Go from Here? 193

Appendix 195

References 201

Index 209

What People are Saying About This

David Lee King

"I love emerging technology trends, and I love this book! The authors chose four difficult trends to tackle in a public library setting, and they take a very practical and useful approach to making decisions about the best way to incorporate these trends and tools into your library. From purchase, to policy, to promotion—it's all covered!"

Monica Dombrowski

"This easy-to-read book introduces 3D printing, drones, augmented reality, and virtual reality in a simple, logical format that is suitable for beginners. Moving from the history of each technology to future trends, its comprehensive pages provide a roadmap for evaluating each technology’s suitability based on an organization’s values and goals. With helpful tools like case studies, class outlines, and curated resource lists, this is a must-have for those who want to learn more about these exciting new technologies and how to bring them to their patrons!"

Jill Hurst-Wahl

"One stumbling block for libraries can be what policies to adopt when taking advantage of new technologies. This book provides actionable help in that area, including examples from specific libraries and information on local laws to consult. Every library looking to implement the technologies in this book will immediately appreciate that information."

Brian Pichman

"This technology guide combines each technology topic (3D Printing, Drones, VR, AR) and discusses implementation strategies including staff training, programming ideas, policy/security considerations, and interviews from people who are rising stars in the technology space. The authors have organized this book as a cookbook for success for the best technologies, regardless of the readers' technical background. As an expert in the field, I can honestly admit that I learned a lot from the thoughtful discussion of these technologies and their benefits to libraries."

Editorial Reviews

Librarians will find useful advice as they evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies. The book can be read à la carte to consider a specific technology or cover to cover for an overview of a range of possibilities.” —Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2020

Emerging technologies present both opportunities and challenges for library staff. DeCristofaro (technology librarian, P.L., Holbrook, NY), James Hutter (head computer svcs, Washington P.L., NY), and Nick Tanzi (assistant director, South Huntington P.L.) draw on expertise and interviews to advise library staff on selecting and using new technologies: 3D printing, drones, virtual reality, and augmented reality. For each they provide an overview, possible uses, policy considerations, and staff training issues. The authors emphasize the importance of training and policies; for instance, before introducing 3D printing, the library must consider whether printing firearms will be permitted, and when integrating virtual reality, the library must decide why it's needed as well as goals for its use. The book offers programming ideas for each technology, and the appendix includes sample policies along with forms and procedures that can be adapted. VERDICT Librarians will find useful advice as they evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies. The book can be read à la carte to consider a specific technology or cover to cover for an overview of a range of possibilities.—Judy Solberg, Sacramento, CA

Library Journal