Competency #2 Describe how a library could use technology to enhance or replace a face-to-face service
You think privatization is bad? Some communities are opting to use metal lockers/vending machines to dispense library material. In Hugo, Minnesota, library patrons can go online, select their titles and in a few days they can pick up the items from a locked metal compartment. (Dougherty,Wall Street Journal) With their Library A-Go-Go program, the Contra County Library system is using vending machines to dispense books. Each machine houses up to 400 books. The library patron scans his library card, locates the title via a touch screen menu and walks away with the item if it is in stock. This and other similar services eliminate the need for patrons to have face-to-face contact with library staff. For example, if a patron utilizes the “ask a librarian” or virtual reference service to find the material, then goes online to have the material dropped off at a lockbox the patron was able to find material without have to talk to a human being face to face. The lock boxes and vending machines do have the potential to expand a library’s ability to get material into the hands of patrons who may not be able to make it to a local branch easily. My concern is that the primary drive to expand and improve these types of services is to save money not improve the service to the public.
Interesting Links
Link to Contra County Library's System's Lbrary A-Go-Go http://tinyurl.com/3evb45
Library Journal Article " A Vending Library is No Library" http://tinyurl.com/4zm9bzq
Wall Steet Journal Article "New Library Technologies Dispense With Librarians" //http://tinyurl.com/26d2udn
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I remember vaguely that we saw a little video about this in class. I think the video was about how the automation of library resources was becoming less face-to-face, less personal.
ReplyDeleteInteresting choice.
I was unaware of this method of dispensing books. There have been a lot of posts this week about new services having the potential to replace library workers. According to the LIBRARY JOURNAL article, that seems to truly be the goal with these systems, at least in some libraries. And as the WALL STREET JOURNAL article puts it, it's a library for the Amazon age: just place your order online, go pick up your item, and never see a human face. (There are human beings working behind the scenes still, I suppose.)
ReplyDeleteThe Contra Costa County Library's systems might be a more benevolent version: providing access for busy commuters. I'm curious if it was done to expand service or reduce staff.
Aah! What a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post. I had no idea the extent to which the automation was taking place. The sad part is that some will really miss out on personal interaction with the librarians. A computer can't give a personal recommendation or have a riviting literary discussion. Despite the cost effectiveness, some key elements to the library will be lost.
ReplyDelete