The Evolving Library

The Evolving Library Michelle Kraft MLS, AHIP 2009 MLGSCA Technology Symposium Cerritos, CA

Evolution
Sociocultural evolution is a term for theories describing how cultures and societies have developed over time.
Human social behaviours are learned in a social environment and through social interaction
Change is inevitable
- Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociocultural_evolution

The Library as an Ecosystem

So Why Is This Important
The evolution of library users
The individual is evolving
Large increase in already “evolved” users

User Demographics
Seniors
1925-1945 (ages 64-84)
Baby Boomers
1946-1964 (ages 45-63)
Gen X
1965-1980 (ages 29-44)
Millennials
1981-2000 (ages 9-28)‏
-Forrester Research. The Emerging Work and Implications For Training. 2005

Net Generation
Gen X and Millennials are the “Net Generation”
Born with technology
Always known cheap, quick communication
Prefers to work in peer groups
Little tolerance for delays
Multi-taskers
Used to experimenting, prefer experiences to create knowledge

Net Learners
Seniors and Baby Boomers make up the “Net Learners.”
Had to learn technology, usually along side the Net Generation
Keeps land line, cell phone not primary phone
Prefers individual work
Shows more patience, happy when technology works
Used to receiving information linearly
Less experimenting, prefer instructions

Tipping of the Scales
Gen X and Millennials make up a large group of users or potential users.
88 million people born between 1977-1997
Now 27% of the U.S. population
85 million Baby Boomers were bon
Now 23% of the U.S. population
-Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World by Don Tapscott.

Different World View

Online Uses and Expectations
“ Our generation shops online, dates online, takes classes [online], yet we still need to drive to the municipal office to pay for a dog license.”
-”The Net Generation.” Government Technology. Oct . 2006

Online Uses and Expectations
“ If you aren't going to make it easy for me, I am not going to try it. I have enough hoops to jump through during the day to deal with.”
- Mike Kraft. Trying to sync Google Calendar with his iPhone

What? It isn’t Online!?

Two User Types & One Library
Net Learners come to the library to search or read
Technology makes research easier but isn't a requirement

Two User Types & One Library
Net Generation wants the library to come to them
They can research or read when and where they want to
Technology required for research

Library and User Evolution
In the past patrons came to the library, now the library comes to the patrons.

What To Do?
Critical eye
Look at sacred cows
Road Trip
Network
Plan
Needs Assesment
SWOT analysis

What To Do?
Copy Others
Fine if works for you library
Asses Implementing
Need technology?
Change library space?

It Isn’t All Technology
University of Rochester Gleason Library

What To Do?
Get Moving
Don’t plan to death
Not librarian input
Users and non-users
Different age groups
Different professions

Reach Your Users

Get Out!
Start or do more outreach
What keeps you in your office at your desk?
Is it really important?
Things are just fine the way they are?
Could things be done better?

Different Users = Different Approaches

Different Outreach Approaches
Both groups learn completely differently
Net Learners – use instructions, think linearly
Net Generation – multi-task, experiment
Both groups communicate differently
Net Learners – usually one conversation, face to face, phone, email
Net Generation – multiple convesations, email, text, phone

Two types of hands on instruction
Linear, instructor led, detailed handouts
Experimental, sideline coach, quick reference
Different instructional aids
Handouts, step by step
Videos, self guided tutorials

Different learning objectives
How to use technology to accomplish goals
Who to call for help
Technology won’t accomplish all goals
When to call for help

Different elevator speeches
Like to know you can help
Have the resources to save them time
Specifically how can you help
Already saving time, but would like to save more

Both groups food and prize driven
Lunch and learn
Different food
Different times
Gift cards
Different types of gift cards
Free Parking – seems to work for everyone

Evaluate
Listen for feedback
Usage statistics
Engage in conversations

Rinse and Repeat
Change is inevitable
Policies
Technology
Patron characteristics
Always opportunities for growth
Hospital projects
Residency requirements
Daily job
Don’t be afraid to make changes

Questions?

The Evolving Library

by Michelle Kraft on Mar 11, 2009

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