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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Reflection
I had a great time meeting both Marilee and John. Some community college have very small or sad libraries. It's great seeing a community college really embrace the library and support it's role. They offer a lot to their students and faculty. I though it was very interesting to hear that students are not checking out eBooks. I was very surprised by that considering we are a on-demand culture. The blogging experience was fun and a good experience.
Circulation desk
This is a photo of the circulation desk where students check out materials.
This is the back of the circulation desk area. In the back on the shelves are where a lot of materials are kept for classroom instruction.
Student Art
This isn't technology related but the library purchases student art and then decorates the library with it. I love that they support the art students and give them space to show their work.
Furniture and Lighting
Lots of tables for students to spread out and work.
Technology in the Library
Photo of the computer lab in the library
One of the adaptive computer stations. It has a larger screen, trackball, adjustable table, and adaptive keyboard.
One of two enlarging stations. Students put a book or magazine under the screen and it projects an enlarged image.
This is the scanner that will read materials to students after they have scanned it.
Copiers in the library.
This charging station for phones is one way the library is trying to address the demands on electrical sockets.
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.
Library Technology Coordinator
This is the back room of the library where the technology magic happens. John Wohlers is the library technology coordinator for the college and handles all the technology. His desk is in the far back area of the photo. As you can see there is a lot going on here, this area is really the backbone of technology at the library. John handles most of the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of technology at the library. He also manages the libraries website.
Here are the questions I asked him for the interview
-What types of tec are available to staff and students?
Multiple computers, scanners, photocopiers, printers, databases with remote access, Blu-ray players, VCRs, DVD players, TVs for viewing materials, live chat with librarians, social media, interlibrary loan, electronic delivery of articles, and microfilm readers. They library is currently in the process of acquiring maker kits for 3-d printing classes.
-How many computers are there for staff and students?
There are 16 computers for staff and 34 computers for students.
-What kind of software is available to staff and students?
Staff and students both have Microsoft office software such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Chrome, and Firefox. Staff have some software for cataloging, circulation, and interlibrary loan.
-Does the library use any cload based services?
Yes, all the research databases are cloud based. The libraries video technology is moving to cloud/Youtube. The library also uses Enterprise systems for their library catalog and the library is using Sirsidynix blue cloud suite. Students and staff also use Google Drive cloud services.
-What kind of security does the library use for materials?
The library uses magnetic tape from 3M. They are currently vetting vendors for the purchase of a RFID system to be implemented over the next 3-8 months.
-Security software or filters on library computers?
The college's IT department uses Sophos so that is on all computers. There is no filtering on the internet only computers in the library. There is a computer lab inside the library and those computers do have filtering as the software is installed by the IT department. Librarian Marilee Stach added that the library has little control over what goes on the computers as it is decided by the IT department. Blocked websites can be unblocked as they have had to do for some human sexuality classes that needed access to websites about sexual deviance.
-Does the library accept E-Funding?
No, but the library does belong to a consortium so they get discounts on database services.
-What type of automated circulation system does the library use?
They use Sirsidynix symphony. They are beta testers for the company and actually get to give input. Some of the things they have requested have been added as well.
-What are some of the technological issues at the library?
They have had some printing issues with students printing out vast amounts of paper and jamming the machines. They have also had database issues. Vendors will change the interface of the databases in the middle of the semester. Librarians are instructing students on how to use the databases and then without warning it changes. This creates a lot of confusion for students. Also, the IT department will make changes to the firewall without letting the library know. Sometimes half of the libraries services will go down because of that. Sometimes students cannot access databases from home as well. They have had some long talks with the IT department about how changes impact library services.
-John told that he and another employee the interlibrary loan specialist had created software for the library. The software automated the interlibrary loan process reducing errors and data issues. The software works with Worldcat and the libraries system. They have shared the software with Sirsidynix who are planing on integrating it into their circulation system. I asked John why they didn't want to market and sell the software themselves. They did not want the college to have to deal some legal issues that might come up. Also, the college would then have to support the software. They felt it was better for a company that has the resources to run with it.
Waubonsee Community College Academic Library
For my blog visit I am visiting a community college academic library. I interviewed two people for the blog John Wohlers, the library technology coordinator and academic librarian Marilee Stach. John was able to answer some of the more techy questions and Marilee provided the perspective of a librarian on technology. I interviewed John on 10/28 and Marilee on 11/4.
The location of the college on a map
Check out the college's location on a map. You can see the distance from Chicago and the Google reviews people have posted.
https://library.waubonsee.edu/ Check out the library website here.
The location of the college on a map
Check out the college's location on a map. You can see the distance from Chicago and the Google reviews people have posted.
https://library.waubonsee.edu/ Check out the library website here.
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