1. Public Focus Group – Library
Technology
Anchorage Public Library, AK
:// http://www.carsonblock.com

2. Technology Visioning Session
Today we will explore the state of modern libraries
and explore some ideas about the “library of the
future.”
The emphasis is on discovering possibilities and
discussing how they might apply to Anchorage
Public Library.
I also want to know what ideas you have brought
with you tonight!

3. Before we begin…
• Our focus is on exploration and conversation.
• This “virtual room” is a safe place to speak.
Pros, cons, questions, concerns are welcome.
So is enthusiasm!
• This session is interactive.
• Think big – 20,000 – 40,000 foot level. Or
orbit!
• These are ideas – and not promises! :0)

4. How to Participate
• You can use the chat section to enter a
comment or question at any time.
• If you would like to join on camera to offer
your thoughts, just make a request through
the chat section and our producer will bring
you in live!

5. Your thought collector…

6. We will cover a lot tonight.
One or two great ideas = success!

7. Who am I?

8. Who are you?
…and what do you love about libraries?

9. Emerging Trends

10. OCLC’s “Perceptions” Study

11. “Books” remain the library’s brand

12. Libraries and librarians are valued
• As economy got
rough, use
increased
• Borrowing is
increasing
• Librarians are
considered
trustworthy

13. Some Tech Stats
• Wireless access and use are up
• 70% say the library is the only
free source of Internet access
in the community
• Library web sites fill a need
(when they are found)

14. No one reported starting
their search for
information on a library
web site.
Ouch!

15. Other tech stats…
• 93% own a cell phone.
• Smartphone sales are on their
way to exceeding PC sales.
• 81% of economically-impacted
Americans have library cards.
• Ebook sales have gone through
the roof!

16. And social networking is
huge.

17. Trend: The “Game Layer”

18. Video Games = Spectator Sport?

19. The Digital Public Library of America
Photo Higher Education Chronicle: : http://chronicle.com/article/A-National-Digital-Public/129534/

20. Why are Libraries Important
Today?

21. I believe that the public good
served by libraries is essential to a
healthy society and a strong
democracy.

22. I believe a primary strength of
libraries is that we are hyper-local.
Always have been. Always will be.

23. Discussion: What do you believe
about the role of the Anchorage Public
Library in the communities it serves?
Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 in the basement of a California university on a pay typewriter.

24. Discussion: What library
technology do you currently value
the most, and what would you like
to see improved?

25. How are Libraries Transforming
their spaces and services today?

26. Academic Libraries

27. Wait….academic libraries?
Who cares about academic
libraries?

28. Academic Libraries are in a Significant
Transition
• Print is being de-emphasized in favor of
electronic resources, including use of in-house
technology.
• New uses of space – for people and projects --
are being emphasized. Users increasingly are in
control of their own spaces.
• With a shift towards digital, campus IT
departments are having a heavier influence in
management and design.
• Self-service is offered whenever possible.

29. What is *not* changing?
• Students remain the primary stakeholder
group – libraries are adapting to meet student
needs and to improve the student experience.
• Changes in higher ed libraries are deeply
reflective of their campus communities –
there is no single model.
• The library remains a key gathering space for
study and academic group work.

30. Colorado State University – Morgan
Library (and nearby)
• Massive remodel currently underway
• Top floor dedicated to a mix of loud/quiet student
areas
• Meeting rooms are wired: connectivity, A/V, Video
conferencing
• Laptops for in-library use for students
• Flexible, re-configurable spaces and furniture
• Flexible, re-configurable resources
• A 24/7 option for students
• “Unusual” seating and resting opportunities.
• And more…

31. CSU – laptop checkout (Macs and PCs)

32. CSU - Computers (individual spaces)

33. CSU – Computers (collaborative
spaces)

34. CSU – Video Conference Room

35. CSU – Assistive Technology Rooms

36. CSU – research consultation rooms

37. CSU – group study rooms

38. CSU – flexible group study area
(“Collaboratory”)

39. CSU – flexible group study area
(“Collaboratory”)

40. CSU – flexible group study area
(“Collaboratory”)

41. CSU – quiet study room (conventional)

42. CSU – Quiet Study (unusual)

43. CSU – 24/7 space (“Study Cube”

44. CSU – Makerspace (video)

45. What emerging trends are we
seeing in public libraries?

46. Trend: “Express” Libraries
A bookstore-like approach. Heavy on
merchandising displays, popular materials, and
fast service.
Can be designed like a “third place” or a “quick
turnaround” place.

47. Trend: Roving Reference and “One
Desk”

48. Trend: Roving Reference and “One
Desk”
Designed to
improve customer
service by
removing physical
barriers between
library staff and
patrons.

49. Trend: Roving
Reference and
“One Desk”

50. Trend: Embedded Librarians
• Defined: Librarians bringing library services to
community groups, city departments or others in
need of assistance.
• Benefits: Connects community needs to library
services and demonstrated value of the library.
• Examples: Columbus OH, Washington DC, and
Douglas County CO.
• Key question: who in your community could
benefit by having a librarian as part of the team?

51. Trend: Makerspaces
• Defined: A place for people with common
interests to meet, collaborate and make
physical things.
• Examples: 3D printing, Art, more
• Compelling information: The Economist
magazine recently devoted a section to how
small-scale fabrication will revolutionize
manufacturing.

52. Trend: Special Makerspaces
• Defined: Targeted Makerspaces
• Examples: C3 (C-Cubed: Creative Computer
Commons) concept from Pikes Peak Library
District
• Compelling information: Many RFP’s I’m
seeing are requesting developments into this
area; many colleagues are transforming their
own spaces in a similar way

53. “Makerspaces”
Situ Studio was commissioned by the New York Hall of Science to
create a Maker Space within the iconic Central Pavilion designed by
Wallace Harrison for the 1964-65 World’s Fair. The new workshop
space serves as a place for visitors to learn about scientific concepts
through hands-on making. The installation consists of a plywood 3-pin
arch structure which encloses 1,200sf of the Central Pavilion. A
modular system of acoustical panels, display cases and storage units
freely ties into the structure through an array of threaded
perforations. Moveable furniture elements tuck into the plywood
structure to free up the floor space as necessary.
Photo: Maker Space at New York Hall of Science http://www.situstudio.com/works/built/maker-space

54. 3D Printers!
Zcorp 3D Printer http://www.zcorp.com/en/Products/3D-Printers/spage.aspx
http://www.makerbot.com/

55. Trend: Hackerspaces
• Defined: A place for people with common
interests to meet, collaborate and make digital
things.
• Examples: Coding marathons
• Compelling information: Hackathon events are
springing up all over the country

56. Trend: “Office” Spaces
Think: A combination of some of the concepts
of “Third Place” and meeting rooms we saw at
University libraries.

57. Trend: Self-Service
• Defined: Usually delivered via technology, a place
for patrons to tend to their own accounts at a
computer terminal.
• Relevance: Deployment of self-service is growing.
• Examples: Point of self-service that go beyond
self-checkout and incorporate access to other
relevant user accounts.
• Compelling information: Self-service is often
“assisted” self-service

58. Trend: Content Challenges
• Defined: Public Libraries are currently having
problems obtaining digital materials.
• Relevance: Content is king. The nature and
management of digital content is different than
physical content.
• Examples: The Digital Public Library of America
(DPLA), “Douglas County Model” for eBook
publishing, others
• Compelling information: DPLA is developing
quickly; library self-publishing is exciting and
often expensive.

59. Trend: Content Challenges Part Two
• Remember media?
• Availability of “hard
media” like CDs and
DVDs is changing.
• What are libraries
doing now – and
what is possible?

60. Other Perspectives
• Helsinki, Finland’s “Library 10” is considered a
“working room” library instead of a “living
room” library.
• Essentially, it’s a maker space dedicated to
creation.
• They have a “vinyl bar” where patrons are
invited to digitized their LPs.

61. Other Perspectives
• Helsinki, Finland’s also has a facility called
“Meetingpoint”
• Meeting and working spaces.
• Computer repair and assistance.
• Lots of computer learning opportunities for
patrons.

62. Quickly – Some Tech Trends

63. Pop quiz:
What is one of the most important things we
can offer library patrons in our digital present –
and future?
If you know the answer – shout it out!

65. eBooks and eReaders

66. Mobile (Apps and Web)

67. Video is Hot!

68. Chicago Public Library YouMedia
Project
http://youmediachicago.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwPQzDsNVPU&feature=relmfu

69. Discovery Layers
• For the future...what happens if some of our
resources are not “cataloged?”
• Includes fancy searching, social media aspects,
and more cool things
• Target: integrate all available resources!

70. The Shadow Mandate of eGov services

71. What? Nothing on “Cloud Computing?”

72. Nope!

73. The curse of the shiny object
• Never copy the
“what” without
understanding the
“why!”
• Go ahead – fall in
love with
technology!
• But...always ask
“why” or “to what
end.”

74. Discussion:
What technology-related resources
or activities would you like to see
at the Anchorage Public Library – in
person, and via the Internet?

75. Thank You!
http://www.carsonblock.com