This document discusses how libraries must constantly adapt to changing user demands and technologies. It begins by comparing adapting to changing technologies to a runner encountering hills - some libraries can speed through changes, some maintain their pace, and others fall behind. Whether a library adapts well depends on its energy level and training through budget and preparation. The document then summarizes several technology trends libraries must address, including information technology, social media, mobile devices, and user expectations of convenience. It provides examples of how libraries can meet these changing demands.

1. Running Uphill on
Purpose
Keeping Pace with the Changing User Demands of
the Information Age
Jennifer Sutcliffe
jsutclif@kennesaw.edu
Presentation for Virtual Services/Systems Librarian
Kennesaw State University Sturgis Library

2. I like to run.
Photo: Zulu Racing

3. Photo: National Park Service

4. Hills are a game changer.
In Running In Technology
A runner can be doing well, but When changes in technology
then along comes a hill. occur, they require libraries to
rethink their strategies.
Some runners can speed through
hills, some keep their Librarians must constantly be
pace, and others fall behind. running to keep pace or speed
ahead with user demands for
Energy level and training technology.
determine which of these
scenarios results. Budget and preparation determine
how well libraries adapt.
(Armstrong, 2011)

5. Seeking “hills” on
purpose…
Will make libraries better.

6. Association of College and
Research Libraries
2012 Top Trends in Academic
Libraries
http://crln.acrl.org/content/73/6/311.full

7. Information Technology
“Technology continues to drive much of the
futuristic thinking in libraries.” (ACRL Research
Planning and Review Committee, 2012,
“Information technology,” para. 1)
Libraries are challenged to fulfill “people’s desire for
information and access to social media and networks
anytime/anywhere” (ACRL Research Planning and Review
Committee, 2012, “Information technology,” para. 1)

8. Social Media
(Burkhardt, 2010)
• Negative
comments
• Goals • Hacking
• Rules
• Teach
responsibility
• Privacy issues
(Gaha& Hall, 2012)

9. Social Media

10. “Social media provides another vein in
Social Media which to market new library products or
initiatives.” (Burkhardt, 2010, para. 2)

11. Marketing the Sturgis Library
Using Social Media
Services Resources
• Events (book sale) • LibGuides
• Info about instruction • Featured databases
sessions
• Featured books
• Solicit feedback
• Links to other online
• Changes in library resources
technology

12. Mobile Devices
“Mobile devices are changing the way
information is delivered and accessed.” (ACRL
Research Planning and Review Committee,
2012, “Mobile environments,” para. 1)
“More than two-third of [students who own mobile devices]
use the devices for academic purposes” (ACRL Research
Planning and Review Committee, 2012, “Mobile
environments,” para. 1)

13. Mobile
Apps/Sites @
•PubMed for Handhelds
•WorldCat Local
•RefMobile (RefWorks)
• EBSCO Databases
• Lexis Nexis Academic
• Library mobile site
(Kennesaw State University Sturgis Library, 2012)

14. Mobile
Apps/Sites
Face-to-
face Library
Online website
iPads Other
marketing
Student
devices

15. Mobile
Apps/Sites

16. Targeted Apps
– self-guided walking tour of the
schools campus.
Uses images from university archives.
Allows people to experience the value of the
collection.
– Running cameras placed strategically in
areas where students might want to monitor them for
crowds.
Study spaces.
Library coffee shop.

17. Targeted Apps
@
?
• List study and computer use locations
that are currently open (library, student
center).
• Webcams that show occupancy of study
rooms in Owl Space and 3rd floor.
• Study room reservation mobile site or
app that students can go to directly and is
easy to view on smaller screens.

18. Convenience
“Convenience affects all aspects of information
seeking – the selection, accessibility, and use
of resources.” (ACRL Research Planning and
Review Committee, 2012, “User behaviors
and expectations,” para. 1)
Libraries are “competing for user attention,” “hard to use,” “the
last resort,” and “inconvenient.” (ACRL Research Planning
and Review Committee, 2012, “User behaviors and
expectations,” para. 1)

19. The library website…
Should be convenient.

20. Current library patrons have little
Convenience patience for complex searching.
(Swanson & Green, 2011).
Search boxes should be given “priority placement” on the
website (Swanson & Green, 2011, p. 223)
Develop search toolbars so students can search the site
directly in their Web browsers

21. Web Design Best
Practices
• No library jargon
• A help link on every page
• Main content gets the most space
• Minimal use of graphics
• Organize information in various ways
(Jasek, 2004)

22. Convenience

23. Work with GIL service
Convenience site, database
vendors, library &
campus IT to
troubleshoot

24. Questions?

25. Seek out technology.
Cost
Need

27. Thank you!

28. References
ACRL Research Planning and Review Committee. (2012). 2012 top trends in
academic libraries: A review of the trends and issues affecting academic libraries in
higher education. American Library Association. Retrieved from:
http://crln.acrl.org/content/73/6/311.full
Armstrong, Kristin. (2011). Mile markers: The 26.2 most important reasons why
women run. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books.
Burkhardt, A. (2010). Social media: A guide for college and university libraries.
College & Research Libraries News, 71(2), 10-24. Retrieved from:
http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/1/10.short
Gaha, U., & Hall, S. (2012, October). Sustainable use of social media and electronic
resources in libraries. [PowerPoint slides]. Slides presented at the Georgia Council of
Media Organizations conference, Macon, GA.
George, C. A. (2008). Designing the website – participatory design. User-centered
library websites: Usability evaluation methods (pp. 97-108). Oxford: Chandos
Publishing. Retrieved from:
http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=carole_george

29. References, cont.
Jasek, C. (2004). How to design library Web sites to maximize usability.
[Pamphlet]. San Diego, CA: Elsevier. Retrieved from:
http://www.elsevier.com/framework_librarians/LibraryConnect/lcpamphlet5.pdf
Kennesaw State University Sturgis Library. (2012). Mobile & software. Retrieved
from: http://kennesaw.edu/library/services/widgetsAppsSoftware.html#
Sierra, T. (2010). Opportunities for mobile-enhanced library services and
collections. [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from SlideShare website:
http://www.slideshare.net/tsierra/opportunities-for-mobile-enhanced-library-
services-and-collections#btnNext
Swanson, T. A., & Green, J. (2011). Why we are not Google: Lessons from a
library Web site usability study. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 37(3), 222-
229. Retrieved from: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s7/sh/450c865e-83ad-40bb-
9f4e-4f0e8d187872/9056a4a4877a8647823d1de9a2c402ac/res/f0431bd8-c160-
432f-9f02-c749a3b9cb15/sdarticle.pdf