The document discusses the evolving needs of library users and the necessity for libraries to adapt by becoming more user-oriented and utilizing modern technologies. It highlights challenges such as information fragmentation and proposes short-term solutions like using web-based services and tools that enhance visibility, access, and interaction. The author emphasizes building a virtual library environment to meet users where they are, showcasing innovations such as the Quicksearch library toolbar and exploring new platforms like Second Life.

1. Into the user environment now! How the users changed and how libraries can adjust Guus van den Brekel Coördinator Electronic Services, Central Medical Library University Medical Center Groningen 10th EUROPEAN CONFERENCE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH LIBRARIES Cluj-Napoca , Romania , 11th-16th of September 2006

2. The build up … Introduction The Problem (in short) What to do on the SHORT term? What could we do NOW? Demo QuickSearch Library Toolbar

3. T HE PROBLEM LIBRARY DISCONNECTS THE CHALLENGE

4. Fragmentation of information The user has to spend a lot of effort: To find them To learn to use them separately To search them separately To evaluate them To keep up with all individual changes To repeat the above, constantly

5. No Shortcuts No Intersections No Teleports -;) No Visibility, lack of presence

6. What we are up against … We are not the only one anymore …

7. So the World has changed, … the User has changed … and the Libraries …… just did not change enough

8. How can we turn that around? From product-oriented to user -oriented Dig into user-environments !

9. Keep up with what they are doing!

10. The new users they are more fascinated by new technologies Multitasking is a way of life; Staying connected is essential; Interactive, not isolation Zero tolerance for delay; Actions are more important than knowledge; Learning by doing, not by being told Trial-and-error approach to improvement is a viable model for learning Cut-and-Paste Culture

11. library user environments resource environment Source: Lorcan Dempsey, Liber 2005 lab books exhibitions PDAs learning management systems campus portal course material text book personal collections reading lists Institutional repository Digital collections E-reserve Catalog Licensed collections Aggregations Virtual reference Cataloging ILL lab books exhibitions PDAs learning management systems campus portal course material text book personal collections reading lists

12. But how do we start to change?

13. new central information system: component-based software, no monolithic ILS Open standards and protocols: inter-operability modular web-based library services Web 2.0 social software On The Long Term (1) On The SHORT Term (1)

14. On The SHORT Term (2) use of logs stats, evaluate and re-use “ Make the data work harder”. Combinations of data-sets can be used to create new services. in more ways than one; platform independent

15. A Short Term example “ Building around the box” From statistics to new services From Metalib -> LiveTrix http://Livetrix.ub.rug.nl

16. Already implemented in LiveTrix Discovery/suggestion tool (no need to select resource/database or subject first! Spellcheck/adviser Inline- SFX & lending info with OPAC records Impact factor info with Journals Related terms info

17. Top Ten Technologies for Libraries to embrase Weblogs RSS Wiki's IM : Instant Messaging Podcasting OpenSource Software SMS Text Messaging Social Software User-created content Mashing-up services

18. But what can we do NOW?

19. “ Quick and Easy” Top Three “Tools” the Desktop (desktop search application) The Office applications (Research Task Pane) the Browser

20. The Browser Browser extensions Bookmarklets User scripts Plugins Toolbars! (Have a look at: Library Success : a best practice Wiki )

21. A Short Term example: the QuickSearch Library Toolbar

22. Toolbar FREE software SAFE: No spam, spyware,POP-UPS or adverts EASY: quick creation and maintenance Completely web-based IE and Firefox Windows 2000 & Xp

23. How does it work ?

24. To install or not to….. Some rights needed Offer it via network if IT doesn’t let you USB-stick with Portable Firefox! “Your own portable library” Search functionality without Toolbar

25. What do the users like about the Toolbar?

26. Elements of the Toolbar Visibility Presence Access Search Usability Communication Interaction Actuality Transparancy

27. What are the Benefits of all this? increase usage collection & databases (on & off campus) More contact moments user vs. library improve the awareness of library services in general (branding) boost unknown valuable resources Posibilities to get better insight user search patterns and needs

28. And now for something completely different … The ultimate chase for the user … Extreme example of libraries following the users everywhere!

29. Building a Library in a Virtual “environment” Ok, but what are they doing in a VIDEO GAME?

30. The Second Life Medical Library 2.0 The chase for the Users …… Into The User Environment : no limits

31. Thank you for your attention. This is a mash-up of articles, presentations, blog-posts published on these subjects, mixed with my own experience and opinions. You can find all of them at http:// del.icio.us/digicmb/cluj