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January 19, 20192019 Library Technology Trends You Should Be Adopting
Libraries are evolving–that is the truth. The library we grew up with 30 years ago does not look the same as today's libraries. It can be nostalgic to think about card catalogs and quiet library stacks. Most kids under the age of nine probably wouldn't know how to use an encyclopedia since the rise of the internet.
But at its core, the library is still the same–with some extra oomph thanks to technology!
As conferences like FETC and TCEA approach, we've been thinking about how technology is shaping the future of libraries. We have a list of five library technologies every school librarian should follow.
But at its core, the library is still the same–with some extra oomph thanks to technology!
What are the emerging trends in library services?
In today’s digital age, new technological trends in libraries have changed the way librarians and users access information. In a recent survey, 77% of Americans 16 and older believe that the library should have free access to computers and the internet. Rating it as a “very important” service, just after “borrowing books” services.As conferences like FETC and TCEA approach, we've been thinking about how technology is shaping the future of libraries. We have a list of five library technologies every school librarian should follow.
Makerspaces
Did you know that from 2006 to 2016 there have been 14x more makerspaces worldwide? Think of what that means for education three years later in 2019. Librarians are now clearing space to make room for makerspaces.The benefits of makerspaces can be seen in the 21st-century skills children develop. When your library has a makerspace program, students are taking concepts learned in the classroom and applying them in real-world situations. Makerspaces not only teach STEM concepts but can help support all academic areas.
Makerspaces use technology to supplement learning by incorporating multiple disciplines. For instance, 3D printers, coding programs, computer science, video production, podcast development, and video game design can all be used to engage students in learning.
We've laid out the facts and benefits of library makerspaces. See why you should have a maker program!
We've laid out the facts and benefits of library makerspaces. See why you should have a maker program!
User-Focused Interfaces
Technology that improves the user experience for library patrons will save librarians time to focus on their programs. User-focused interfaces improve patron interactions by promoting engagement and more involvement from students, teachers, and parents. The goal of these interfaces is to personalize interactions between your library system and patrons.Alexandria’s Bulletins, Slideshow, and Maps interfaces are interactive and focus on the patrons' needs. For example, Bulletins are virtual boards where you can post, share, and inform patrons about all the upcoming news at the library.
Bulletins are virtual boards where you can post and share information with your patrons. Bulletins and boards can be created by any Alexandria Librarian.
The latest technological feature Alexandria's developed is the Browse interface. Perfect for libraries' who are not ready to ditch the Dewey Decimal System, Browse allows you to genrefy your collection without the grueling work! Students can discover the books they are most interested in by topic or genre when using Browse.
Digital Displays
Sometimes, you only have so much space in your library or so many copies of a book to place on display. Even physical books displays can be cleared out in a day as students visit the library. Utilizing technology, like Slideshow, to digitally display library books can help you create multiple dynamic displays for a range of titles. It's an excellent way for students to see the items available at your library.Cloud Technologies
Cloud hosting provides more reliability, better performance, and stronger security than local implementation. It can help school libraries prepare for growth and the deployment of other cost-effective technologies. The most considerable benefit for librarians is the convenience factor.The ability to work from anywhere, the flexibility of using any device, and automatic software updates are a few significant advantages of shifting to Cloud Hosting. When you have access to cloud technologies, you can focus more of your time on students and programs instead of IT.
Single Sign-on Technology
A one-stop shop for students, single sign-on technology allows schools and libraries to manage their users' login-in credentials from a centralized system. Educators save time with automatic account creation and updates. Students benefit by having further access to learning materials. Roadblocks for districts are removed when teachers and students have access to their personalized resources.Make it easier to manage your patron database by integrating SIS with your library. Learn how to with Alexandria’s SIS Bundle.
The Future of Library Technology
Empowering libraries for the future is an essential role of the librarian, and it begins with the effective use of space, resources, and community.Start by scanning the horizon for developing trends. Ask librarian colleagues, attend conferences, and research the latest reports to stay in the loop. Then make a plan of how you'd like to acquire each piece of technology for your library. Keeping up to date on current technology trends will help inspire innovation and learning at your library.
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[…] In fact, maker culture has been so infectious that in the ten years following the first Maker Faire in 2006, the number of maker spaces increased 14 times worldwide. […]