Does your company’s website suck?

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

Some of the fab cupcakes from Crumbs & Co.

I recently ordered a birthday gift online for a family member.  When I sat down and decided that I would get cupcakes delivered to her on her birthday, I started my Google search for the best cupcake-maker in town.  After sifting through many websites, menus and options, I finally decided on one place that looked great to me.  I had never ordered from them before, nor had I heard from a friend that they were good.  I based my decision, in most part, on their website– How was their site organized? Was it easy and intuitive to navigate? Was their logo professional? Did they show pictures of their products with clear pricing and shipping details? Did they offer secure and straight-forward online payment? etc.  I asked these questions and then chose what I thought was the best business for me and my needs.  I figured that if they took the time and effort to put together a good, customer-friendly and professional site, then they probably take the same time and effort to produce a yummy product.  And I was right.  The cupcakes were delivered on time, in the lovely packaging that they stipulated, and they were delicious and fresh!  Did I mention that I ordered these cupcakes less than 24 hours before they were to be delivered?

Being the good librarian that I am, I immediately thought of libraries and their websites.  I have seen way too many library sites that suck– they’re not organized in a clear and simple way, they use convoluted terms that only librarians understand and appreciate, and they post way too much information that overloads the average user.  If I can choose a company based on a website, then it’s not a far stretch to think that many library customers and non-customers will choose to visit the library and/or use their virtual services based on their website and it’s ease of use.  Marketing library services is vital today, in a time when we must justify our existence and relevancy.  Why would you ignore or under-value you’re online presence?  It’s a fantastic channel in which to reach people when and where they are, and it’s great way to showcase the library and its services to the community that supports it. 

To get back to my online cupcake ordering experience, a few days after the order was completed and my very grateful mother-in-law received her birthday gift, I got a friendly e-mail from the company thanking me for choosing them and asking if I had any feedback… all this just for a simple, inexpensive order of cupcakes.  And that got me thinking:  why can’t libraries, an important community building tool, do the same thing?  Maybe not after every transaction, but say, once a year?  I’d love to get an e-mail from my library system taking the time to thank me for using their services and asking for feedback.  Why not?  The library is not a business in the same way that my now favourite cupcake company is, but we’re all after the same thing– success.  How else can you definitively justify your existence?  As a librarian, I can talk until I’m blue in the face about how important the library is, but the bottom line is this:  a library’s strength lies in its community’s opinion. 

By the way, the fabulous cupcake company that I used is Crumbs & Co.  See what a satisfied customer can do?  Spread the word…

Posted in Academic Libraries, Leadership, Libraries and Outreach, Public Libraries, Social Networking, Technology in libraries | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

I’m back with a new published article in tow

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

After a reluctant yet much needed break from blogging, I’m back.  It’s been almost 2 months since my last post, but it is for good reason:  my husband and I just bought our first home and we have spent the last little while preparing and packing, moving and now unpacking.  Life is starting to resemble normalcy again, however we’re not fully there yet.  I am resolved to blog again, and now with a working computer and bit more time, I’m posting my first entry since the beginning of March.

And I couldn’t think of a better thing to post than the announcement that I, along with a wonderful collegue, Jennifer Andreae, have just gotten our first article published.  It is now available in the independent, professional, and refereed online journal Communications in Information Literacy (CIL), volume 5, no.2.  Our article, in the perspectives section, is entitled:  Re-conceptualizing Access: The New Role of Information Literacy in Post-Secondary Education.  Since the journal is open access, you can get it anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection– no financial or legal barriers to access academic research at CIL!

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Mobile library services — where are they?

Posted on March 6, 2012 by

The Pew Internet & American Life Project has done it again– they have released a very timely study.  The survey, entitled Nearly half of American adults are smartphone owners, was published online on March 1, 2012 and it details the sharp rise in smartphone ownership in the United States, from 35% in May 2011 to 46% of American adults as of February 2012.  A quote from the study overview:

“Nearly every major demographic group—men and women, younger and middle-aged adults, urban and rural residents, the wealthy and the less well-off—experienced a notable uptick in smartphone penetration over the last year. Overall adoption levels are at 60% or more within several cohorts, such as college graduates, 18-35 year olds and those with an annual household income of $75,000 or more.”

So why are libraries slow to adopt mobile library services?  In Bibliotech episode 15 with guest Marshall Breeding, Director for Innovative Technologies and Research for the Vanderbilt University Libraries in Nashville, TN, we discuss the importance of mobile services in spite of his prediction that:  “Mobile technology will continue to attract strong interest, but it will not necessarily drive significant innovation.  Despite the ever-increasing use of mobile devices to access library services, strategic library-oriented mobile products continue to develop and see implementation at a relatively slow pace.” (from his January 10, 2012 post on the ALA Tech Source, entitled What’s in store for the library automation industry in 2012?).  We talked about this very important issue with Lisa Carlucci Thomas last week on the show (episode 17) too.  Stephen Abram also recently pointed to this issue on his blog Stephen’s Lighthouse.  In his post from February 28, 2012 called Less Than 10% Of The Web In 2012 Is Mobile Ready, he forwards an article by the same name from Michael Martin.  From the article:  “Is your site ready for the estimated 1 out every 4 searches in 2012 coming from a mobile device, or are you part of the 91% of sites that aren’t?”

Something to think about, and more importantly, to get implemented.  Mobile matters!

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Are Libraries Dying? Um. No.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by

Image from: thesilo.ca

I have recently been surrounded by a lot of talk about the perilous future of libraries.  It’s been the subject of many a lecture offered around Libraryland, and it’s been a hot topic on the Bibliotech podcast series in which I participate.  I also recently met someone new who asked me what I do for a living.  When I told her that I am a librarian, she said to me:  “But I thought libraries are dying?”  “Not exactly,” was my response, “they’re evolving.”  And then I posed the question to her:  “Have you been to a library lately?”

I presently work in two library systems, however I have held several contracts within different libraries over the last couple of years.  The libraries in which I work or have worked, are busier than ever!  Yes, the services we offer are changing, but in all circumstances that I have seen, the demand for library resources is overwhelmingly strong.  It is not unusual to see cart after cart of books, kits, DVDs and CDs being returned to the library each day– enough to run the circulation staff off of their feet.  There are often line ups at the information desks too, and that doesn’t include the frequent phone calls that they get from remote library customers.  If you factor all of this in with the countless reports from OverDrive about the continual rise in library ebook lending and all of the other electronic resources that are utilized, then you get a very different picture of libraries.

So why do people think libraries are dying?  Is it because people think the book is dying?  Not enough people read anymore and everything is now available virtually, so the library is a dinosaur, right?  Nope.  There are plenty of people who still need paper books and resources for various reasons.  However, the virtual realm is slowly taking over and the library is heavily involved in that too– most systems have a long list of electronic databases that you can consult for anything from health issues, to do-it-yourself guidance, to figuring out what fiction book to read next.  If you want to delve into the fabulous world of ebooks, then the library is great place to go.  Library systems across the country are adding thousands of titles to their ebook collections each year and librarians are poised to help you get started.  But if you simply want to come in to get advice on how to research a particular topic, or you’re there to read a newspaper and enjoy some down time, then you can do that too.  However, the library is not only a storage facility for books, newspapers and articles (both physically and virtually speaking).   The library is also buzzing because it offers more than that– it’s a place for community meetings, poetry readings, group projects, homework help, gaming tournaments, access to settlement services, etc.  It’s also a place where people can be inspired to improve their lives, or to build on existing knowledge.  For instance, you can register for a program in a library to help you learn computer skills, a new language, how to do financial planning, Chinese medicine, study skills, writing short stories, etc.  You can also use many libraries as your one-stop-shop for personal tech help and trouble shooting, such as figuring out how to use your new laptop, installing software, setting up your ebook reader, learning how to use online social networking sites, etc.  Some forward thinking libraries are now also moving in the direction of providing hackerspaces, where you can build your own tools or whatever you want, and share/learn from those in the know.

So are libraries really dying?  No, they’re changing.  Are books dying?  No, their changing too.  To say that libraries are dying is to say that information is dying, which we all know is rediculous, especially as we have now moved into an information economy.  Libraries are not book warehouses, but rather they are places of learning.  As long a people have a drive to learn, libraries will exist.  Libraries just need to evolve with the community and get away from relying on nostalgia to stay afloat.  But if nostalgia is what you’re looking for, then the library still has many services that will appeal to you too– the difference now is that the library does not simply exist to fulfill its past.

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A love letter to books as objects

Posted on January 11, 2012 by

I love my e-book reader, don’t get me wrong.  But there’s nothing quite like the look, feel and smell of a good paper book.  I also love how the different colours, shapes and sizes of books on a shelf make a room feel cozy, dynamic and down-right interesting– you can learn a lot about a person by perusing their bookshelves.  Bookstores too, are comfortable and exciting:  All that knowledge is there, right in front of you (no need to wait for shipping), and many are as unique as the community in which they reside.  However, just like libraries, bookstores face challenging times ahead as online stores and e-content become increasingly popular.

I love, love, love the video entitled “The Joy of Books” posted on YouTube, which was filmed inside Type Books’s Queen St. West location.  It uses stop-motion to make the books come alive after the owner locks the door and leaves for the night.  For Type Books, it’s an innovative way to market their business and keep it going, but to book lovers and enthusiasts everywhere, it speaks to the heart.  Check it out below:

CBC News published an article about this video yesterday (January 10, 2012).  Here’s a little snippet from the article:

“[Joanne] Saul said the video is ‘a love letter to books as objects,’ and offers proof that people still love books — and the stores that sell them — despite growing competition from both digital media and online booksellers.

‘This video is a tribute, a love letter to books as objects,’ she said. ‘The door closes, the book seller goes home for the day and the party begins. The books get up and dance, they peek around the corner to make sure no one is looking and they have a really good time. It’s magical, it’s whimsical.’

Saul admits these are challenging times for booksellers. Two well known Toronto book stores — the Book Mark on Bloor Street West and Dragon Lady Comics on College Street — are slated to close this month.

‘It’s been a hard week for indie book sellers,’ said Saul.

‘It’s very difficult to have a bricks-and-mortar store right now when we are faced with tremendous competition from non-bricks-and-mortar stores.’

Type Books operates two locations in Toronto and Saul said the key to survival is connecting with the local community and offering innovations, such as the Joy of Books video.

‘We have to do something other than retail,’ she said. ‘I think what makes the difference is making ourselves important to our community, because we rely on those customers.’”

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A reflection on a year that’s almost over…

Posted on December 22, 2011 by

At this time of year, I always try to look back and remember where I was when the year began and where I am now as it is coming to an end.  Here are some of the professional initiatives that I have been involved with in 2011:

  • I worked in several contracts within a variety of libraries, each of which have given me a new perspective on libraries and librarianship.
  • I attended the OLA Super Conference in Toronto, I convened a session there and I participated in the Human Library event.
  • I presented a poster at the CLA National Conference in Halifax, which proved to be a very rewarding experience.
  • I began participating in a podcast series called Bibliotech, from which I have learned an enormous amount.  A special shout out to my two co-hosts, Kayhan B. and Doug Mirams, as well as to all the fabulous guests that we’ve had on the show.  Stay tuned for some more amazing guests in the new year!
  • I’ve written 28 blog posts on this site this year, and I’ve started the new adventure of video blogging– my next video post will be coming soon!

Things that I’m looking forward to in 2012:

  • New adventures in librarianship and in my work within libraries.
  • Continued success in the Bibliotech podcast series.
  • New and exciting blog posts, including video blogging.
  • I, along with a fellow librarian, have an article in the wings, waiting to be published– it should be out sometime soon, and I will definitely post about it when it is realized.
  • Anything else that comes my way, where I can learn and grow as professional.

All the best this holiday season.  I wish you a new year filled with happiness and success!

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Have you checked out Bibliotech?

Posted on December 5, 2011 by

I decided to try my hand at video blogging!  And I couldn’t think of a better topic on which to do my first video blog post than the Bibliotech podcast series.  I wanted to try video blogging for a couple of reasons:  I’m always looking to learn something new, and I have been inspired by the lastest guest we had on the show… David Lee King, a heavy-weight in the library world and creator/owner of the website and blog www.davidleeking.com.  Check out my video blog post below and also download episode number 10 in the Bibliotech podcast series!

Posted in Social Networking, Technology in libraries | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Is There Truth in Numbers?

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Image from www.amazon.com

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Media Showcase to help select media items for one of the libraries in which I work.  I was very happy to participate in this because I am trying to build my collection development experience as a librarian. 

I want to highlight here one item that I came across in my selection process, which I found to be highly engaging and down-right interesting for anyone who knows about and/or uses Wikipedia.   The film is called Truth in Numbers? Everything, According to Wikipedia (from GlenEcho Entertainment and Underdog Pictures, 85 min.).  It examines Wikipedia’s power in the online world, as one of the most travelled and referenced sites on the Internet.  Furthermore, it looks at the cultural impact that online collaborative tools such as Wikipedia have on our modern society, and the controversies surrounding the site’s neutrality and reliability.  Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers weave multiple perspectives from various academics, politicians and professionals, including a candid interview with Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia’s founder.

If you’ve heard of, or used Wikipedia; if you’re at all interested in online collaborative forums/information sources; or you’re interested in learning about or teaching media & information literacy, you should see this documentary.  Here’s the trailer on YouTube:

In case you’re curious, here is the Wikipedia entry on this film…

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Media Literacy Week, November 7-11, 2011

Posted on November 1, 2011 by

"Media education isn't about having the right answers: rather, it's about asking the right questions." -- Media Literacy Week website.

As a librarian, I am a big proponent of information literacy, and inherently, media literacy skills.  As our society gets ever more complex, media and information creation/dissemination becomes increasingly pervasive in our everyday lives.  Information overload is common-place, and it is easy to value the convenience in getting information over its reliability.  It is important, in my opinion, to understand that information on the Internet can be highly subjective in nature and therefore not necessarily reliable.  Social networking sites, while fun to use, are membership driven, and as such require the use and storage of your personal information.  How is that information being kept and utilized? 

Another facet to all of this, especially with regard to media literacy, is the impact this has on your life and the lives of others.  What you put out there on the Internet will have good and bad consequences to you and the life you’re living.  The messages you get in the media will also impact you in some way or another– and what does this mean for you, for your family, your friends, your community and the world we live in? 

Next week (November 7-11) is Media Literacy Week.  This year’s theme is ”Digital Citizenship”, where young people are encouraged to think about their online lives, and their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens.  Teachers play an important role in teaching students about media and information literacy, but don’t forget, librarians can play a valuable role too.  Information is our business and we are always ready and willing to answer questions, or better yet, to guide you in finding the anwers you need.  Please visit your local public library and chat with a friendly librarian.  They are there for you!

To find out more about this initiative, visit the Media Literacy Week website, which is stocked with information, articles and ideas for activities.

Please also see my post from September 17, 2011 entitled Teaching Online Privacy Has Just Gotten a Bit Easier…

Posted in Academic Libraries, Advocacy, Information Literacy, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Social Networking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pew Research Center Announces New Research Initiative to Study the Changing Role of Public Libraries and Library Users in the Digital Age

Posted on October 24, 2011 by

Finally!  It’s about time a survey like is done, especially now as ebooks are changing the landscape so drastically.  I like the studies published by the Pew Research Centre because they are very apropos, free, and easy to understand.  Now, if only we could get a Canadian equivalent going…

From the October 17, 2011 press release:

“The Pew Research Center today announced plans to study how the role of public libraries is changing in the digital age and how library patrons’ needs and expectations are shifting. The new research is funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with a 3-year, $1.4 million investment and will be conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.

Through national surveys, a series of focus groups in a diverse mix of communities, and special surveys of library patrons, the Pew Internet Project will examine how library users’ habits and tastes are changing in the age of e-books, widespread mobile connectivity and the existence of vast digital collections.

The new research will be launched as the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank based in Washington, DC, expands its research on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.”

Posted in Leadership, Librarianship, Libraries and Outreach, Public Libraries, Studies | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment