With the popularity of the e-reader that arose in the mid-2000s libraries had to keep up with book-selling competitors in offering their patrons a way to borrow books on their devices. E-readers provided convenience for commuters and travellers and those who didn’t like large, cumbersome books. The proliferation of mobile devices has changed the way people use libraries even further, particularly the younger generations. Most people have smartphones and many have tablets. If you have a library card you simply need to download an app to have access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks for free without ever leaving the house. Today, when people are busier than they’ve ever been it is so important for libraries to provide their patrons with access to these digital resources. To stay current and valuable to their patrons, libraries are also providing access to free internet and access to technology where it might not otherwise be available as well as support in teaching their patrons how to use these things.
Andrew Roskill speaks to the library’s ability to bridge the economic and digital divide. He points out that libraries have some major competition for patrons when companies such as Google, Amazon and Apple are so good at marketing that people will pay for content that they can access for free with a library membership. Three services that libraries can provide that the big companies can’t are to lend devices, provide technical training and host special events.
The following video demonstrates just how important public libraries have
“In developing countries, the internet is one of the most important features that public libraries have to offer. In public libraries, farmers, fishermen and more are able to use the internet to market their products and keep up with current prices. Agricultural information and technology in the library are vitally important in developing countries.” (Nielson, 2017) For 20 years the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through their Global Libraries program, made it their goal to provide free access to information and technology through public libraries across the globe.
Another challenge faced by libraries in developing nations is simply that books are difficult to come by and patrons may have difficulty getting to a library. Inexpensive mobile technology which is widely used worldwide (a 2014 UNESCO study states that over 6 billion people out of Earth’s estimated 7 billion population already have access to a working mobile phone) could be the solution to these challenges. The study done by UNESCO (2014) found that the number one reason why people read more on their mobile devices in developing nations was convenience and access to a wider selection of books. Where printed materials are prohibitively expensive, digital technologies are not and can easily be accessed through a mobile phone.
School libraries can also benefit from students bringing in their own devices, particularly where access to technology is limited as Nielson (2017) describes: “In schools, I think that mobile devices could have a very positive impact on learning. I was recently teaching a class in the library and asked students to participate in an online discussion. There are only 9 computers in the library, so the remainder of the students needed to use their phones to participate. It was really neat to see a group of students using their devices in such a positive and collaborative way. I have noticed that phones can be a distraction, but with guidance and support, students can learn how to use them to further their learning. This many change the way their use their phones outside of school as well.”
We will not see a decline in the use of mobile technology anytime in the near future. From a library’s perspective, both public and school, it’s something to be used to their advantage or something they can fight against. The fact that we are seeing the former bodes well for libraries staying relevant and meeting the needs of their patrons.
Works Cited
GatesFoundation (2012, May 24). The Public Library is Transforming Communities [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cwsrgMOcLA
Nielson, J. (2017, October 27). Public Libraries and Developing Countries [Blog post]. Technology and the New Library. Retrieved from https://medium.com/technology-and-the-new-library/public-libraries-and-developing-countries-cea63153fb4c
TEDx Talks (2014, May 14). Get a read on this -- libraries bridging the digital divide: Andrew Roskill at TEDxCharleston [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J198u5HK0pY
West, M. & Chew, H. E. (2014). Reading in the Mobile Era. UNESCO. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000227436
Hi Jennifer:
ReplyDeleteI really like your post. I connected with some points immediately. Access to information is crucial and the video you posted does a good job of discussing how libraries can support the digital divide, or as Roskill stated bridge the “void between the economic and digital world.” I found an article stating similar sentiments and I found that I could have devoted far more time this topic.
The stats Roskill discussed for those using e-books are eye-opening. Admittedly, I have never checked out e-books on my device-and I am a frequent patron at my local library. His suggestion that libraries lend devices, provide technical training and host special events are interesting. The last 2 I can totally see but I wonder how it would work to lend devices. How would that be managed considering the cost between a device and book…what happens when they’re damaged, lost or stolen?
I also agree with your statement “The public library has become the place where people from any walk of life can get help and access the technology they need.” I was in the public library last week and it was bustling with many different groups and individuals, many of whom were accessing technology. It was great to see it so active.
Hi Amy,
DeleteTo address your question about device-lending...I can only speak about my local public library so this might not be the case in all systems. My system use to lend out e-readers when they had their surge in popularity. The problems weren't actually with theft and damage, but with the rapidly changing technology and keeping up with it. The library found that they would have had to upgrade them too frequently to make it worth it, especially as a large portion of the population had their own devices, be it e-reader, phone or tablet. They decided the money would be better spent on buying more licences for digital materials and training staff to help patrons with their devices.
While they don't currently lend devices for patrons to take home, one branch has recently opened a Creativity Commons where patrons have access to two 3D printers, an analog to digital conversion station, a small learning lab of 12 networked computers, a music/audio recording station, an Espresso Book Machine that creates paperback books and a Cricut. Users pay small fees in some cases where consumable materials are used, but access to the machines is free. I think this definitely sets them apart from the "big three".
Thanks for your reply. The Creativity Commons sounds amazing!! I hope other public libraries follow suit if they're able. Thanks for the information. I have a pretty good working relationship with one of our public librarians so I'll ask her what her thoughts are around ideas such as this. I know they do many programs geared to students throughout the year but I haven't seen anything like this.
DeleteWell done post that outlines and highlights many useful examples and also reminds us of the important rationales and opportunities that accessible libraries and supportive information can provide. You discuss the rights that people enjoy when accessing libraries and how this should be expanded to include more people around the world and also how to leverage their existing technologies and infrastructure to make it as easy as possible. A good overview and discussion of many useful and valuable initiatives.
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I really connected with a lot of what you said (And included many of the same items in my post as well!).
ReplyDeleteSpecially, I really enjoyed the TedTalk you posted. I've only recently begun using the ebooks at my library, and thats because I now live in the states and can actually access the ebooks on my kindle. The Canadian library system did not allow me to borrow books with a kindle - only with a kobo. I think I read once it was due to Canadian/American company issues (Kindle being American and Kobo being Canadian), but as a user, it just felt arbitrary and irritating.
I really love what he said about the ways libraries can evolve to compete with the "Big 3." And, coincidentally, I've found that over the last few months, I've added a few public and university libraries to my PLN - not necessarily because I live anywhere near them or plan to visit them, but because they post great content on twitter and instagram! They promote new books, books on topic for current events, classic reads they suggest you revisit, and content that is fun. Some also provide contests and quizzes and other interactive content as well.
@mizzou.libraries, @vancouverpubliclibrary, @ncclibrary, @worcesterpubliclibrary, @nypl are some of my favourites. The Greater Victoria Public library is also fantastic, though only found on facebook.
My current neighbourhood library is... pretty sad. It's well used, but it feels like a bit of a depressing space and it's very old school (rows of computers, tables for working, but no intereactive spaces). There's a whole room for DVD rentals that I'm sure could be utilized as a community space instead. The online setup is actually better than others I've interacted with. Andrew Roskill said you should talk to your library to tell them how/why it's not working... but I wonder how one would do this? I don't want to be a 'complainer' or be perceived as telling people how they should run their library... but at the same time, I do think changes would be much appreciated by the neighbourhood. Does anyone know how one might do this?
-Kelli
Hi Kelli,
DeleteIf the branch is publicly funded then you definitely have a right to go in and voice your concerns with the manager! From my understanding of public libraries (which is admittedly limited) they should have some sort of a strategic plan in place. Maybe you could inquire about the goals of the library?
Thank you for this video! Wow. I was surprised to read that about one third of Americans do not have access to home internet. It's so easy for me to assume that home internet is something that is standard-something that everyone automatically has. One of the men in the video mentioned that he has been out of work for two years or so, and that so many job applications now are done online. It's such a good point, and one that I really never thought of. The obligation to apply for a job online really does mean that the applicant must be able to access the internet, not to mention being computer-savvy enough to know how to do so. This really made me think of the assumptions that are intrinsically linked to 'job requirements' as we normally see them in job postings. I've never even stopped to think that, if you have to apply online, there are a whole set of skills involved that are not even considered, as well as the necessity of internet access.
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