This document summarizes the library's efforts to promote the use of the Firefox web browser and a customized Firefox extension called LibX for RIT. The library installed Firefox on all public computers to take advantage of its extensibility. They worked with programmers to develop a LibX toolbar that allows users to search library resources directly from Firefox. The library held workshops on Firefox, created signage promoting LibX, and incorporated its use into training to creatively market library services to users.

1. Pimp your web browser at the library! - Mozilla Firefox and creative marketing of library services Roman Koshykar RIT Libraries Upstate New York Science Librarians Meeting October 20, 2006

2. Firefox at the Library Firefox version 1 – released publicly in Fall 2004 Open source web browser; seen as more secure Installed on all library computers at RIT, as well as IE Not “official” web browser, but supported

3. Why Firefox Matters Key feature for us is Firefox’s extensibility Extensions = “plugins” or other small software downloads that extend browser functionality Can we tap into use of Firefox to integrate library services right into a user’s browser window?

4. How did I get involved? What the heck is a TOOLS TECHNOLOGIST? Find an extension to get to library resources through Firefox browser Instruction on using such an extension Instruction on using Firefox

5. The Firefox Workshop Series of walk-in workshops Applications (i.e. Excel); Search tools (i.e. Google) Open to everyone – aimed at RIT staff Developed walk-in workshop for switching to Firefox

6. The Firefox Workshop First offered in February 2006 Offered once per quarter, except summer Covers basics – installing, relevant features, why Firefox is useful Non-techie – aimed at users of all levels Opportunity for creative marketing of library services?

7. Announcement for first workshop, 2/2006

8. The Firefox Extension Winter 2006 – began looking for a way to connect Google Scholar results to SFX OpenURL results Found OpenURL Referrer from Openly Free Requires user configuration with local SFX server

9. The Firefox Extension - reconsidered Installed OpenURL Referrer – tested Decided not to promote Found another extension that could be customized to local resources Did more than just connect Google Scholar to SFX

10. LibX toolbar for RIT LibX developed by programmers at Virginia Tech Worked with us to develop customized build of LibX for RIT Installs a toolbar that allows searching of OPACs Also connects users to SFX from Google Scholar (with some coaxing) LibX built our toolbar to search both RIT Catalog and Connect NY consortial catalog

11. LibX toolbar for RIT Rolled out March 2006 Installed LibX for RIT on all public computers in library (already had Firefox installed) Created local support page for LibX for RIT: http://library.rit.edu/addons/ Users can download onto personal computer

12. Promoting LibX for RIT Local support/download page Branded with our custom cue icon Training session for library staff Incorporated into Firefox walk-in workshop Tent signs created; placed on public computer monitors Added to news scroll for spring quarter

13. Tent signs advertising LibX

14. Tent signs advertising LibX

15. What have we done? Advocating for Firefox  promoting new technology, educating users on its use LibX for RIT  integrating library resources into user’s personal information space Both projects  opportunities for creative marketing of library services

16. Special thanks Jon Jiras – LibX for RIT implementation Jen Freer – photos of tent signs

17. Thank You Roman Koshykar Email: [email_address] IM: gccislibrarian