Information Technology Forecasting

Forecasting Forecasting of Information Technology Tools in Libraries Albert Franklin Bakasara Kazooba

Technology Forecasting Librarian Tools Customers

Why Bother? When is he getting off that new computer? OMG! This thing is slow I Can’t stand them! All they do is stay on that computer all day – when do they read? I feel your pain!

Principles involved in Forecasting

Understanding your customers/users

Keeping abreast of new technology trends

Selecting those technology tools/software that best fits your customer needs – you simply can’t follow everything

Understanding the library customer/user

Conducting Surveys

Customer Frequently Asked Questions

Other Internal Statistics

Conducting Surveys

Clearly define goal s of the survey

Select a representative sample

Choose a simple interview methodology

Create a simple easy-to-use questionnaire

Customer FAQs

Most reference desks keep detailed statistics on what kind of questions customers/users frequently ask. These FAQs are a useful gauge that can be used to measure the ability of some technology tools/software.

Internal Statistics

Internal statistics – like those kept in accounting, circulation, acquisition, and other departments, could be evaluated to measure customer abilities. For example, high reference desk questions about a relatively easy-to-use library feature on an existing ILS system, would be an indication that maybe, the customers will not be able to use a newer sophisticated upgrade – unless, its one designed to solve the problems they (customers/users) are currently facing.

Keep abreast of new technology Ah excuse me, do you have an IPod docking station in this library?

Keeping abreast of new technology trends

Continuing education for librarians

Technology fairs/shows

Reading industry and professional magazines

Continuing Education

Library professionals must constantly keep upgrading their skills to keep up with current service delivery trends/tools in the in profession

Some states, the continuing education component is tied in with their certification requirements

In Maryland, library professionals are required to have an equivalent of 9 college credits every 5 years

Technology Fairs/Shows

Library professionals should be encouraged to attend technology fairs/shows to get a glimpse of upcoming software/tools

Directly discuss software/tools issues directly with knowledgeable vendor representatives

Compare products

Reading Library Literature

Reading technology software/tools related articles in magazines like library journal, American libraries, Children and Libraries, Computers in Libraries, and so many others

Visiting vendor websites and consumer reports

Selecting the Technology Tools/Software

The mission of library organization

The budget

The technical abilities of the IT Department

The Mission of Library Organization

Defines the library’s reason for existence

Scope of its services

Customers

Budget

Funding:

How much money does the library have?

How much can it justifiably spend on this software/tool?

Cost-benefit analysis:

What are the benefits?

Is this the most cost effective way to acquire this particular software/tool?

Software-As-A-Service (SaaS)

Lower up-front capital investment in hardware and software

Service can be up without the need to add on a server or any other internal infrastructure upgrades

Pay-as-you-go pricing allows quick roll-out and a streamlined ROI of information process

Maintenance costs are eliminated, allowing the IT department to focus energy and time elsewhere

Updates to the software (and patches) occur without disrupting the service

Summary

In summary, libraries can and should strive to keep up with the new technologies and trends. Yes, budgetary constraints, the inability to predict the lifespan of some these tools and trends, but all things considered, the benefits of customer service improvements and keeping the library profession relevant to today’s information seeker are worth the investment.

In the March 2009 issue of the American library Magazine, Keith Michael Fiels, observes that “times may be tough – and getting tougher – but we do have a new set of tools to help us do the job. So let’s all roll our sleeves up, we’ve got libraries to save”.

Resources

References:

St. Clair, Guy (2008). "Software-as-a-Service (SAAS): Put the Focus on the KM/Knowledge Service Core Function," SMR International. URL: http://www.smr-knowledge.com/articles/EOS SaaS White Paper 2008.pdf (accessed 1/4/2009).