Interview with a Librarian

This is a photo of the reference desk area where Marilee Stach spends the majority of her time.
Marilee Stach is a full time academic librarian for the college. I asked Marilee the following questions.

-Is there an acceptable use policy?

They do not have a traditional acceptable use policy. They go by the campus policy and they have posted the ALA acceptable use computer policy by the computers.

-Are there eBook readers available for checkout?

No.

-Are there enough electrical outlets?

Yes, but just barely. They are getting close to not enough.

-Does the library sign out DVDs/CDs/Software?

Yes, some DVDs can be checked out out but some can only be viewed in the library or are reserved for classes. CDs can be checked out and some books can be borrowed that come with software.

-Are there downloads of eBooks, iFlicks, MP3s, and books on tape?

No MP3s and books on tape. There are downloads of eBooks but students are not checking them out. Students say it is too inconvenient for research and studying purposes. I have to agree with that, it is easier to flip open a book then try to load it onto a eReader. The librarians have had some problems with the eBook publishers. Because of rights issues and subscriptions books will disappear leaving the catalog with dead links. It's hard for the librarians to keep up with the dead links and track what is no longer available. What has been very popular with professors and students are the Alexander Street instructional videos. Students can watch videos covering a specific academic subject anytime from the libraries website. These videos have gone over really well with nursing and other medical program students. The library has been able to reduce the budget for DVDs and focus more on these streaming subject videos.

-Is there a need to educate students about technology at the college level?

Yes, there is a mix of technological knowledge in the student body. Some students need basic help  with things like email, others just database usage. Some students have questions about Word or Excel. The library staff have created videos to educate students on how to use some of the databases like Academic Search Premier.

-How much is proportionately from the budget is spent on tech/databases/CDs/DVDs/software/eBooks?

Marilee was not able to give exact amounts or numbers, but she was able to give me a brief rundown of the budget percentages.
36% Databases     15% eBooks     2.5% DVDs     46.5% physical books

-Who manages the social networking?

The librarians take turns on social media. Marilee usually handles Facebook posts but someone else handles Twitter.

-Is the staff trained to do basic troubleshooting?

They tend to pick it up on the job. Marilee said they would like more IT training from the IT department.

-Is there a wheelchair accessible computer or other adaptive technology?

Yes there are two wheelchair accessible computers in the library. These computers feature larger screens and special keyboards for individuals with visual impairment. The height of those computer desks can also be adjusted and there are trackballs instead of traditional mice.. The library also has two enlarging projectors. Students can enlarge a magazine or book and view it on the device's screen. For students with severe visual impairment they have a device that will scan a book or magazine and then read it to the student.

-Does the library have enough space for all the tech?

Enough for now. However, the library needs more computer stations and another lab for students. They would like to be able to offer computers for video editing.

-How has the library addressed ergonomics?

They have newer ergonomic chairs at the computer stations. There is lots of natural light coming in from the high widows as well.

-Can students or community members check out any technology?

Yes, there is a LCD projector and some flip cameras.

-Does the library provide a special service or unique collection?

Yes, there is an archive and archivist in the library. Alumni will sometimes come in looking for information. The library also has a special collection of plastic body parts and skeletons for the medical classes. They have the nervous system, skulls, eyeballs, and whole skeletons.  There is a small antique book collection in the library. They also have microscopes and slides of rocks for some of the science students.