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- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the author
- Reviews
This best-selling guide, newly refreshed and updated, will give readers at every stage of their career a sound and sensible way to consider, access, and use library technologies to better meet the needs of their patrons and communities.
Technology infuses every aspect of every day in every library, and thus basic technology skills are a prerequisite for everyone who works in a library. Providing a one-stop overview of all technologies used in libraries today, this comprehensive primer belongs at the top of the reading list for any current or future library professional looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancement. Representing a complete update of the book under a new author, this seventh edition of the guide is bolstered with fresh insights gleaned from librarians and library staff members sharing how they work with a given technology in their library settings. Readers will learn about
- how technologies have historically impacted libraries;
- electronic resources including e-books, full-text articles, and streaming media;
- the crucial role of free web information in supporting library research;
- discovery layers and other systems for organizing information to make it easier to find;
- desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices;
- library websites, web services, screencasts, distance learning, and learning management systems;
- social networking and patron participation, with newly crafted guidelines;
- makerspaces and other possibilities for adding creative activities and technologies to libraries such as virtual reality and augmented reality;
- a comprehensive examination of how to build and maintain the library technology environment, with advice on crafting an effective plan, purchasing equipment, putting systems into operation, and preservation issues stemming from dead and dying technologies;
- Universal Design (UX) and adaptive/assistive technologies;
- protecting technology and technology users by securing collections, enhancing computer security, and safeguarding privacy; and
- possible future developments in library technology, with suggested resources for staying informed.
Examination copies are available for instructors who are interested in adopting this title for course use.
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I: Library Technology in Context
Chapter 1 The Universe of Library Technology
PART II: Mission Critical Technologies
Chapter 2 Free Information Resources: Part of the Library Arsenal
Chapter 3 Library Electronic Resources: E-books, Full-Text Articles, and Streaming Media
Chapter 4 Organizing Information to Make It Easier to Find: Library Systems, Discovery Layers, and More
Chapter 5 Computing Devices in Libraries: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, and Mobile Devices
PART III: Technology That Makes Library Services Run
Chapter 6 Library Websites and Web Services
Chapter 7 Social Networking and Patron Participation: Marketing and More
Chapter 8 How Library Staff Learn and Teach: Screencasts, Distance Learning, and Learning Management Systems
Chapter 9 Makerspaces and Libraries
PART IV: Building and Maintaining the Technology Environment in Libraries
Chapter 10 The Right Technology at the Right Time: Planning, Evaluating, Buying, and Implementing Technology
Chapter 11 Meeting and Supporting Patron Technology Needs: Universal Design and Adaptive/Assistive Technologies
Chapter 12 Building the Technology Environment: Infrastructure, Ergonomics, and Sustainability
Chapter 13 Protecting Technology and Technology Users: Securing Collections, Enhancing Computer Security, and Protecting Privacy
Chapter 14 The Death of Technologies: Preservation Issues and Saying Goodbye
PART V: Where Library Technology Is Going and How to Stay Informed
Chapter 15 Our Technological Futures: Maintaining Library Services in Infinite Possibilities
Chapter 16 Keeping Track of Technology Changes
Glossary
About the Author
Index
Praise for previous editions:
"The book is well organized, logically grouping different types of technology and the ways to evaluate them, progressing from the basics to more advanced considerations. Some of the evaluative questions (such as those for web content planning) are especially strong and could be useful for those who are new to thinking about what to look for in different kinds of technologies."
— Doody's
"Technology advances at a startling rate, and this book provides a timely overview of what is taking place in libraries. Whether it's staff using ILL programs or learning about free information options, assisting a patron with setting up a digital projector, or teaching someone how to use social media, library staff are the technocentric community option for all people. This information is essential for keeping libraries vital and this should be required reading for all library staff."
— ARBA
”Useful for any library staff, at any level ... It is an excellent overview of library technology, and it is very thorough yet readable."
— Journal of Hospital Librarianship
"The tips on how to stay current are particularly useful ... Highly recommended to all librarians and staff."
— Public Libraries