- What messages can Librarians/Libraries take from the Brown & Duguid reading?
Brown & Duguid discuss the rapid growth of technology and some of the negative effects it has on people and the working environment. I felt the readings nicely highlighted the frustrations felt by many computers users while working from home with lack of access to adequate support. As upgrades in technology continue to be released, I believe some level of frustration will always exist. However, I am also optimistic in thinking that the days of complete systems crashes are in the past :)
As the number of libraries with web services continues to increase, it is very important for librarians to always be conscious of not only the system itself, but the setup and usability of the service as well. For example, when considering a virtual reference service feature for a library, a web based service such as meebo may be preferable as opposed to software package the user may have to install. Such a service would also enable a user to log on anonymously without having to even setup a profile.
It is also important to consider the availability of help support and user training. The readings suggested having a highly knowledgeable user group among the staff is always beneficial. Librarians should consider having a core group of super users that continue to be trained and updated on recent software upgrades. This group's responsibilities should include sharing that knowledge among other colleagues as well as training patrons when necessary.
Finally it is always important to carefully consider the cost implications involved with the maintenance and upgrades required with computer technology. Considering the large number of workstations that may exist, replacement of hard drives, upgrades in storage and speed, as well as complete system upgrades can be costly. These are just some of the messages conveyed in the Brown & Duguid reading that I found to be applicable to the library world. :)
3 comments:
You make a really good point in your second paragraph about the importance of keeping things simple, so that potential technology gaffs are minimal. Using a web-based service rather than one requiring a software install certainly does that!
And I agree with you (and just posted something similar in my own blog) that having power users in a library, that other librarians can use as a resource in addition to traditional support, is a great idea. You even took it one step further to include training patrons, which is awesome!
Wow. I especially love what you said about help support and user training. Training is something that's easy to forget about, especially if the target audience is one that we assume is already familiar with the technology (other librarians, "techie" teens). I'm glad you brought that up! Ongoing support is needed as well, not just train-and-forget-it.
As you mentioned, setup and usability are HUGE, and the need to download software is likely to discourage some users (like my mom) who are not too tech-savvy.
I also like that you mentioned the costs, which, as Brown & Duguid pointed out, can be easily overlooked when implementing new technology services.
Thanks again for your comments :)
Amy - I was right on par with what you wrote in your blog regarding a knowledge base. Guess great minds think alike lol
Gabrielle - I believe we both discussed the cost factor which is really important to remember. And of course training, with some experience in computer software training I can never stress the importance of it enough :)
Post a Comment