I would like to thank Janet Sutter and the staff at the Aurora Public Library West Branch for letting me poke around there. Janet was able to answer my questions and provided excellent insight into daily use of technology at a public library. It was interesting to learn about what was working (aircards, Chromebooks, computer classes) and what wasn't (Nooks, not enough computer stations, scheduling software). I had no idea the Aurora Public Library offered so much to it's patrons. I know a lot of libraries can't or won't embrace new technology so it's good to see a public library really embrace new trends. They are really making the most out of their funding by offering makerspaces, 3D printers, Oculus Rifts, and a variety of devices for checkout.
http://www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/
A Blog exploring the technology at the Aurora Public library West Branch and Waubonsee Community College Academic Library.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Pinterest Pins
For a more visual way to think about the technology at the library check out the Pinterest page to the right of my blog. Click on the Pin board title "Technology at the Aurora Public Library" to see examples of technology and materials you will find there.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Answers Part 4
Continuing from part 3
17-Any forms for checking out or using the technology in the library?
No, there were in the past but not anymore.
18-Who can use the tech other than patrons and staff?
Individuals can request temporary guest passes. Since the Aurora Public Library is not part of a consortium, people from other library districts can buy a pass to use the services on a more regular basis.
19-What's working for the library's technology? Are their any classes?
Yes, the library offers classes in basic computer usage, Microsoft Word, and Excel. The classes are very popular and fill up quickly. The Polaris ILS system works really well. The branch library has 6 Chromebooks and they are very popular. Guests enjoy using them in the library to surf the web. This alleviates some of the demand on the patron computer stations. The stations are very popular and almost always have people using them. There are 10-15 hotspots available for checkout with 130 holds. Lots of demand for them. They can be checked out for one week with no renewal. Late fee is a $1 a day maxing out at $20. The hotspots offer unlimited data through T-Mobile. The makerspaces, 3D printing, and Oculus rift have been popular at the main library.
20-What's not working? Any issues with vendors? Space issues? Computer repair/maintenance issues...
The Nooks are not popular and hardly anyone ever checks them out. Aurora Public library uses a scheduling software for booking classes and reserving public rooms called Library Insight. It is difficult to navigate and doesn't actually work well. Patrons sign up for classes but they are not showing up on the class list. Room reservations sometimes get deleted. Staff have to manually sign people up but it doesn't always work and it has a difficult user interface. We have very fast internet but the computers are older and some are running Windows XP. We are getting an upgrade to Windows 10. Staff and patron computers do not have enough ram and this can slow down tasks. Multi-tasking can be a little challenging on the computers. There is too much seating and some of the furniture is too big. More computer stations could be put in if the library is given a space makeover. The library director and managers are planning on giving the branch library a makeover so there will be more room for technology and newer furniture. The APL is a large library system so the IT has to be large too. That can make it tricky to integrate technology and know who handles what. Some branches of the department might handle different parts of problem. Its like the heads of a hydra, you have to know who to call.
17-Any forms for checking out or using the technology in the library?
No, there were in the past but not anymore.
18-Who can use the tech other than patrons and staff?
Individuals can request temporary guest passes. Since the Aurora Public Library is not part of a consortium, people from other library districts can buy a pass to use the services on a more regular basis.
19-What's working for the library's technology? Are their any classes?
Yes, the library offers classes in basic computer usage, Microsoft Word, and Excel. The classes are very popular and fill up quickly. The Polaris ILS system works really well. The branch library has 6 Chromebooks and they are very popular. Guests enjoy using them in the library to surf the web. This alleviates some of the demand on the patron computer stations. The stations are very popular and almost always have people using them. There are 10-15 hotspots available for checkout with 130 holds. Lots of demand for them. They can be checked out for one week with no renewal. Late fee is a $1 a day maxing out at $20. The hotspots offer unlimited data through T-Mobile. The makerspaces, 3D printing, and Oculus rift have been popular at the main library.
20-What's not working? Any issues with vendors? Space issues? Computer repair/maintenance issues...
The Nooks are not popular and hardly anyone ever checks them out. Aurora Public library uses a scheduling software for booking classes and reserving public rooms called Library Insight. It is difficult to navigate and doesn't actually work well. Patrons sign up for classes but they are not showing up on the class list. Room reservations sometimes get deleted. Staff have to manually sign people up but it doesn't always work and it has a difficult user interface. We have very fast internet but the computers are older and some are running Windows XP. We are getting an upgrade to Windows 10. Staff and patron computers do not have enough ram and this can slow down tasks. Multi-tasking can be a little challenging on the computers. There is too much seating and some of the furniture is too big. More computer stations could be put in if the library is given a space makeover. The library director and managers are planning on giving the branch library a makeover so there will be more room for technology and newer furniture. The APL is a large library system so the IT has to be large too. That can make it tricky to integrate technology and know who handles what. Some branches of the department might handle different parts of problem. Its like the heads of a hydra, you have to know who to call.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Answers Part 3
Continuing from Part 2
12-Any new technology like makerspaces, 3d printing, STEM labs, and media production areas?
Yes, the main library has a makerspace, 3d printer, media lab, vinyl printer, laser cutter, and a large format printer for things like blueprints. The libraries share an Oculus Rift that travels to the different branches.
13-Is space an issue? Are there enough workstations? Patron stations? How about outlets or server closets?
Space is a little tight and we have had to do heavy weeding to make more room. The patron computer stations are almost always full. We definitely need more. The patron carrels are a little large and smaller ones would allow us to offer more computer stations. There are enough outlets.
14-Is there comfortable furniture for technology usage? Any ergonomically correct furniture? Any adaptable technology?
Not really comfortable for laptops as the furniture is from the 90's. The staff stations are basic office furniture. There is some adaptable technology like a large letter keyboard with different colored keys. There is a bookscan station that will convert books, documents, and photos into PDF, JPEG, or Word files. There is a CCTV stations that can magnify print up to 70 times the original size.
15-Enough wireless access points? Enough network outlets for wired internet access?
Patrons have enough access points but staff need more. Staff cannot currently use WIFI on their phones in the breakroom. The IT department is going to add another router for the staff.
16-Are there any AUP for computer usage? Any time limits on the computers or other devices?
Yes, there is a AUP, Internet Access policy, Social Networking policy, and a Wireless Internet Access policy. Patrons use their library card number to sign into the computers and there is a two hour limit on computer station usage. They can get one two hour renewal. Chromebooks are the same with two hour limit and one two hour renewal.
12-Any new technology like makerspaces, 3d printing, STEM labs, and media production areas?
Yes, the main library has a makerspace, 3d printer, media lab, vinyl printer, laser cutter, and a large format printer for things like blueprints. The libraries share an Oculus Rift that travels to the different branches.
13-Is space an issue? Are there enough workstations? Patron stations? How about outlets or server closets?
Space is a little tight and we have had to do heavy weeding to make more room. The patron computer stations are almost always full. We definitely need more. The patron carrels are a little large and smaller ones would allow us to offer more computer stations. There are enough outlets.
14-Is there comfortable furniture for technology usage? Any ergonomically correct furniture? Any adaptable technology?
Not really comfortable for laptops as the furniture is from the 90's. The staff stations are basic office furniture. There is some adaptable technology like a large letter keyboard with different colored keys. There is a bookscan station that will convert books, documents, and photos into PDF, JPEG, or Word files. There is a CCTV stations that can magnify print up to 70 times the original size.
15-Enough wireless access points? Enough network outlets for wired internet access?
Patrons have enough access points but staff need more. Staff cannot currently use WIFI on their phones in the breakroom. The IT department is going to add another router for the staff.
16-Are there any AUP for computer usage? Any time limits on the computers or other devices?
Yes, there is a AUP, Internet Access policy, Social Networking policy, and a Wireless Internet Access policy. Patrons use their library card number to sign into the computers and there is a two hour limit on computer station usage. They can get one two hour renewal. Chromebooks are the same with two hour limit and one two hour renewal.
Answers Part 2
Continuing from Part 1
5-Can patrons download MP3s, podcasts, movies onto to their own devices? How many patron stations are there and what kind (tower/tablet/laptop)?
Yes, patrons can access digital movies and albums through Hoopla. Zinio offers patrons digital magazines and Overdrive has Ebooks. The library does not have podcasts. The branch library has 10 patron stations and six Chromebooks available. There are also ten laptops available for classes. The newer main library has 24 patron stations.
6-Who handles the maintenance and repair?
The IT department handles it all.
7-Who handles the technology services, tech planning, and budgeting in the library?
Upper Management. Typically the branch manager and library director.
8-Who handles the webpage and social media? Any blogs, wikis, or Twitter? Are there RSS feeds? Any digital reference services (IM, social media, or email)?
IT deparment, specifically network services handles the webportal. The library has a Facebook page and uses Twitter but no wikis, RSS feeds, or Pinterest. The library does offer Ask a Librarian and email for digital reference services.
9-General budget for tech in the library or percentage of the budget spent? Janet was not able to provide information or numbers for this question.
10-What type of internet provider? How is the speed?
Out internet service is through the City of Aurora's fiber optics. It is very fast.
11-Any usage of open source software?
No.
5-Can patrons download MP3s, podcasts, movies onto to their own devices? How many patron stations are there and what kind (tower/tablet/laptop)?
Yes, patrons can access digital movies and albums through Hoopla. Zinio offers patrons digital magazines and Overdrive has Ebooks. The library does not have podcasts. The branch library has 10 patron stations and six Chromebooks available. There are also ten laptops available for classes. The newer main library has 24 patron stations.
6-Who handles the maintenance and repair?
The IT department handles it all.
7-Who handles the technology services, tech planning, and budgeting in the library?
Upper Management. Typically the branch manager and library director.
8-Who handles the webpage and social media? Any blogs, wikis, or Twitter? Are there RSS feeds? Any digital reference services (IM, social media, or email)?
IT deparment, specifically network services handles the webportal. The library has a Facebook page and uses Twitter but no wikis, RSS feeds, or Pinterest. The library does offer Ask a Librarian and email for digital reference services.
9-General budget for tech in the library or percentage of the budget spent? Janet was not able to provide information or numbers for this question.
10-What type of internet provider? How is the speed?
Out internet service is through the City of Aurora's fiber optics. It is very fast.
11-Any usage of open source software?
No.
Answers Part 1
Due to length I am splitting the answers to the questions up into easy to read chunks of information.
1-What kind of network does the library use (wired/less)? What type of network configuration do they use? Are they connected to the main branches of the library? Do you offer any hotspots?
Both. Patron computer stations and staff workstations are wired. The library does have WIFI in the building. The branch is connected to main library and the computers use Citrix virtual desktop. Basically, staff can work from any computer and it will download an image with all their files. This can be very convenient for staff when they are working at other locations as everything travels with them. The computers are running Windows XP but that is being replaced with WIndows 10 in the next few months. The staff and patrons are pretty excited for the upgrade.
2-What kind of ILS does the library use? Brand? Are there any modules that you know of? Are there any web based cloud system? Is information stored on a server or in a cloud? Any interactive elements like patron reviews? Does the library use a webscale discovery service?
The Aurora Public Library uses Polaris as its ILS system. Polaris is owned by Innovative. The only module I'm aware of is Simply Reports which allows you to pull info for statistical reports. Information is stored on a server and there are no interactive elements that I know of. I don't believe the website has a webscale discovery service but you can adjust the search to include databases.
3-What are the specifications for servers, computers, workstations, or are they cloud based?
Some computers are running Windows 7 others XP. Most of the branches are a little outdated compared to the new main library that was opened last year. It has all new computers and technology. The patron and employee stations at the branch libraries typically have about 2gb of ram. The library uses a variety of manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP.
4-Does the library loan out any mobile devices/laptops/Ebook readers/Ipads? Who provides support for those devices? Does the webportal support mobile devices?
The library has tripods, cameras, video camcorders, slide converters, VHS tapes to digital, hotspot aircards, camera lenses for smartphones, Chromebooks, microphones for a media lab, E-readers (Nooks), and a few Ipads but only for staff usage. The IT department at the library supports the devices. Yes, the website supports mobile devices. Apps are available to patrons like Hoopla, Zinio, and Overdrive.
1-What kind of network does the library use (wired/less)? What type of network configuration do they use? Are they connected to the main branches of the library? Do you offer any hotspots?
Both. Patron computer stations and staff workstations are wired. The library does have WIFI in the building. The branch is connected to main library and the computers use Citrix virtual desktop. Basically, staff can work from any computer and it will download an image with all their files. This can be very convenient for staff when they are working at other locations as everything travels with them. The computers are running Windows XP but that is being replaced with WIndows 10 in the next few months. The staff and patrons are pretty excited for the upgrade.
2-What kind of ILS does the library use? Brand? Are there any modules that you know of? Are there any web based cloud system? Is information stored on a server or in a cloud? Any interactive elements like patron reviews? Does the library use a webscale discovery service?
The Aurora Public Library uses Polaris as its ILS system. Polaris is owned by Innovative. The only module I'm aware of is Simply Reports which allows you to pull info for statistical reports. Information is stored on a server and there are no interactive elements that I know of. I don't believe the website has a webscale discovery service but you can adjust the search to include databases.
3-What are the specifications for servers, computers, workstations, or are they cloud based?
Some computers are running Windows 7 others XP. Most of the branches are a little outdated compared to the new main library that was opened last year. It has all new computers and technology. The patron and employee stations at the branch libraries typically have about 2gb of ram. The library uses a variety of manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP.
4-Does the library loan out any mobile devices/laptops/Ebook readers/Ipads? Who provides support for those devices? Does the webportal support mobile devices?
The library has tripods, cameras, video camcorders, slide converters, VHS tapes to digital, hotspot aircards, camera lenses for smartphones, Chromebooks, microphones for a media lab, E-readers (Nooks), and a few Ipads but only for staff usage. The IT department at the library supports the devices. Yes, the website supports mobile devices. Apps are available to patrons like Hoopla, Zinio, and Overdrive.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Questions for the interview
To prepare for the interview I sent Janet a list of questions. I explained that she didn't have to answer all of them but any info would be greatly appreciated.
1-What kind of network does the library use (wired/less)? What type of network configuration do they use? Are they connected to the main branches of the library? Do you offer any hotspots?
2-What kind of ILS does the library use? Brand? Are there any modules that you know of? Are there any web based cloud system? Is information stored on a server or in a cloud? Any interactive elements like patron reviews? Does the library use a webscale discovery service?
3-What are the specifications for servers, computers, workstations, or are they cloud based?
4-Does the library loan out any mobile devices/laptops/Ebook readers/Ipads? Who provides support for those devices? Does the webportal support mobile devices?
5-Can patrons download MP3s, podcasts, movies onto to their own devices? How many patron stations are there and what kind (tower/tablet/laptop)?
6-Who handles the maintenance and repair?
7-Who handles the technology services, tech planning, and budgeting in the library?
8-Who handles the webpage and social media? Any blogs, wikis, or Twitter? Are there RSS feeds? Any digital reference services (IM, social media, or email)?
9-General budget for tech in the library or percentage of the budget spent?
10-What type of internet provider? How is the speed?
11-Any usage of open source software?
12-Any new technology like makerspaces, 3d printing, STEM labs, and media production areas?
13-Is space an issue? Are there enough workstations? Patron stations? How about outlets or server closets?
14-Is there comfortable furniture for technology usage? Any ergonomically correct furniture? Any adaptable technology?
15-Enough wireless access points? Enough network outlets for wired internet access?
16-Are there any AUP for computer usage? Any time limits on the computers or other devices?
17-Do patrons need to fill out or read any special forms before accessing computer stations or checking out a device?
18-Who can use the technology in the library? Is internet access limited to just patrons?
19-Any classes? What's working for technology usage in the library?
20-What's not working? Any issues with vendors or software? Space issues?
1-What kind of network does the library use (wired/less)? What type of network configuration do they use? Are they connected to the main branches of the library? Do you offer any hotspots?
2-What kind of ILS does the library use? Brand? Are there any modules that you know of? Are there any web based cloud system? Is information stored on a server or in a cloud? Any interactive elements like patron reviews? Does the library use a webscale discovery service?
3-What are the specifications for servers, computers, workstations, or are they cloud based?
4-Does the library loan out any mobile devices/laptops/Ebook readers/Ipads? Who provides support for those devices? Does the webportal support mobile devices?
5-Can patrons download MP3s, podcasts, movies onto to their own devices? How many patron stations are there and what kind (tower/tablet/laptop)?
6-Who handles the maintenance and repair?
7-Who handles the technology services, tech planning, and budgeting in the library?
8-Who handles the webpage and social media? Any blogs, wikis, or Twitter? Are there RSS feeds? Any digital reference services (IM, social media, or email)?
9-General budget for tech in the library or percentage of the budget spent?
10-What type of internet provider? How is the speed?
11-Any usage of open source software?
12-Any new technology like makerspaces, 3d printing, STEM labs, and media production areas?
13-Is space an issue? Are there enough workstations? Patron stations? How about outlets or server closets?
14-Is there comfortable furniture for technology usage? Any ergonomically correct furniture? Any adaptable technology?
15-Enough wireless access points? Enough network outlets for wired internet access?
16-Are there any AUP for computer usage? Any time limits on the computers or other devices?
17-Do patrons need to fill out or read any special forms before accessing computer stations or checking out a device?
18-Who can use the technology in the library? Is internet access limited to just patrons?
19-Any classes? What's working for technology usage in the library?
20-What's not working? Any issues with vendors or software? Space issues?
Pre-Planning
I once worked with Janet Sutter at my local library several years ago. Now, she's the manager at the Aurora Public Library West Branch. I sent her a message on Facebook asking if I could interview her about library automation, technology, and social media at the west branch. We set up the interview for April the 6th. However, when I arrived they were experiencing an internet service outage and Janet was busy working with their IT guy. So, we rescheduled for April the 11th.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Exploring library automation at West Branch of the Aurora Public Library
Soon I will be exploring the library automation software and technology at the West Branch of the Aurora Public Library. I will be interviewing branch manager Janet Sutter.
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