This document discusses the author's experience with adopting new technologies at their library to improve reference services. It describes how the library was initially conservative in adopting technologies like e-books and mobile services. However, as expectations grew for high-speed wireless access and mobile-friendly resources, the library recognized the need to implement these technologies to remain relevant. This helped transition the library from a center for only academic research to also a place for study groups and casual activities.

1. Joe Grobelny
January 7th, 2010
George Washington University

2. "Please relate an experience you had that shaped your
perception or use of technology in the delivery of
reference services."
tigerplish

3. The Cultural Situation
vs.
C. Sharon Pruitt AdrianDC

4. Meanwhile, back on campus...

5. "While some libraries are often
conservative when it comes to
" The expectiation is that future
adopting new technologies, we
handheld devices will possess
would think that starting to
broadband-like speed and
adopt some of these technologies
desktop or notebook-like
like e-books and better mobile
processing power, and
services now would help these
functional compatibility with
institutions to remain relevant
formats of all types....many
in a future where those large
publishers are waiting for
buildings in the middle of
technology to catch up to the
campus are already turning
content instead of downgrading
more into places for study
the graphics and complexity of
groups to meet up and grab a
content to accommodate
cup of coffee than centers of
current handheld devices."
academic research."
-Todd Spires
-Frederic Lardinois
"Handheld Serials"
Readwriteweb.com

6. The Sandbox and the Recession

7. A Laundry List: Ideas to Use
If we're using a tiered service: Cellphones, Geolocation.
If we're roving: Smartphones, Tablet PCs, voicemail to
email.
If we're not around: Audio Tours, Augmented Reality.
If patrons are out and about: Mobile friendly Web Services.
If we're building a learning commons: Real-time info on resources and staff.
Integrate resources in the CMS.
If patrons need us off campus:
A really big e-reader in the stacks.
If we miss our reference books: