Overdrive’s Digital Bookmobile @ Somerset County Library
The Task Force recommended a similar vehicle – a mobile technology trailer – as part of their findings presented at NJLA 2008. Our proposal envisioned a trailer that highlighted: digital features available from libraries across the state offer (including digital downloads: music, movies, book, audiobooks), gaming equipment, computers (also offering computer instruction), etc.
Overdrive’s trailer was certainly impressive but it spoke to only one vendor, offering one type of service. It was clearly geared toward adults (let’s not forget the kids!!) and there was really no place for detailed instruction. So, it provided a good model for something the state could use (a mix of the traditional bookmobile with a high tech interior)… Regarding Overdrive, the ease of installation and usuablity is questionable. Online Library services still have a long way to go.
- A picture of the enormous trailer that is the OverDrive Digital Bookmobile.
- This TV, and two others inside the trailer, run on a two minute loop, introducing people to OverDrive and its services.
- This gentleman led us on a tour through the trailer.
- Information panels were found throughout.
- Computer stations were set up throughout to allow users to browse (and listen to) the collection. There was a heavy emphasis on ease of use.
- A table with various hardware for storing digital downloads was a good idea but corporate sponsorship would have been even better. Why promote other products for free?
- Our guide explains how to use the video download feature.
- Information, quotes, and statistics lined the top walls of the trailer. Very nifty.
- The video download feature display.
Top Tech Trends
Ala 2008 Session
The panel consisted of: a Library con·slut·ant (“I do it for the money”), a University of Notre Dame employee that helps library with digital stuff, the head of Technology in , Darien, CT, a head of Instructional Services in a Vermont Library, the head of OCLC Programs and Research, and the Community Library head for Equinox software.
Open Source
- Many more public libraries have adopted open source software than academic or private libraries but more will make the change down the road. The emerging model supports open source software with contract programming and hosting services. Toward service and away from licensing. Many more open source things to come: open source library automation, multi-institutional coming out of Duke University.
- “You know open source is viable because people make money at it.” It is not a panacea though. There is a prevailing false belief something labeled open source will solve a range of financial, technical and design problems. Don’t forget about sustainability! How many orphaned blogs/MySpace profiles are out there?
- That Librarians are participating in this open source trend, creating content, is an exciting development model.
- Beware of the marketing pitch. Read the fine print. Just because it says open doesn’t mean it will deliver that new value.
Data
- Not just open source but open data (open platform). Many of our goals can be accomplished with shared data. So companies will adjust their strategies to accommodate this. Some organizations are making their digital photos available through programs like Flickr.Systems will change. Data must be ready for easy extraction.
- Broadband \ Bandwidth – we never have enough of it and are always playing catch up. Many applications are running heavy and much of our policy is determined by our access (our access is slow). Many people at home have faster access than the libraries (which is backwards). Increasing bandwidth is a simple but expensive solution.
- Mobile devices will become more the norm. Libraries need to get their content on the small screen.
Periodicals
- The rising cost of postal rates is hurting the small presses and sending them online.
- The future of bibliographic control may not include libraries if we don’t get on the ball.
Other
- Library organization inhibits innovation. We fear failure so wait for others to test the waters. Staff members don’t have time to innovate and are hesitant to innovate because of the seemingly insurmountable multi-level bureaucracies.
- Virtual communication will increase as travel costs rise. This translates into less energy consumed as well.
- Some libraries are doing extensive technical training in their communities. The role of social software is to collect local knowledge. Libraries should be hubs of local information.
People must take control of their own professional development.
