Chris White IRLS571
4/16/07

A. Provide a brief description of each of the following technologies and how it is used in a library: Blogs, Podcasts, RSS, Open URL resolvers, RFID, and Adaptive Technologies.B. Select one technology that will most improve libraries for the librarians and one that will most improve libraries for the patrons. Justify your selections.

Blogs
Blogs are used in libraries by both individuals and groups to distribute information to other library professionals and patrons. Blogs provide an effective way to distribute information on a specific topic and can be used to track projects, share knowledge, promote events and share library news. Typical blog format allows frequent updates to content to provide relevant information. Blogs are usually arranged reverse chronologically, that is, with the most recent entry at the top of the page. Weblogs such as fermo2003.blogspot.com and catalogablog.blogspot.com are examples of how blogs are currently being used in the library world.
Like many of these technologies they can be combined. Blogs can be used with RSS feed to distribute headlines. Readers can often leave comments on the blog content and email subscriptions allow digests or summaries to be distributed.
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio files, usually in the .mp3 file format, that are available for download from various organizations. Podcasts offer the advantage of listening to information at the users convenience. The files can be copied to mobile devices and allow content to travel with users. Podcasts can be used in libraries to disseminate information or to provide programming and event access to distant patrons.

RSS Feeds
RSS feeds are a convenient way for individuals and organizations to distribute content over the web without using email distribution lists. The RSS feeds are added by users to aggregators or readers that will check for and display new content from the host server. RSS feeds can be used to alert patrons to event and schedule changes, upcoming events, policy announcements, and other important library news.

Open URL resolvers
Open URL resolvers are an essential part of the efficient functioning of a library search. The Open URL resolvers are software systems that receive search requests from users and can search multiple, disparate locations for the content. It is used most often in searches for digital full-text content but can also be used to search for abstracts, indexes, and databases. However most resolvers will offer searches of a local institution’s catalog or union catalog (a catalog that references the collections of multiple institutions) especially if there is no digital full-text options available. In some cases the resolver will populate an ILL (interlibrary loan) request based on the request and available titles in the union catalog. Essentially, Open URL resolvers are tools to more effectively find and retrieve information resources for patrons.

RFID
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are essentially an inventory control improvement. The system requires that RFID tags be attached to library materials. Each tag contains a microchip encoded with a unique identifier and when pinged by a radio signal of the proper frequency will “reply” with its unique identifier number. The advantages of RFID tags are their ability to transmit through most library materials (they do not require line-of-sight to function), they are not only readable but writable media, and can be quickly scanned ( a handheld unit can scan up to 20 tags/second). The use of RFID enabled shelving allows all the books on a set of shelves to be inventoried. Missing or mis-shelved book are identified. The tags also provide security functions and can monitor books that enter or exit the building.
There is some concern for privacy since RFID tags can be scanned from a moderate distance and may be surreptitiously collected without a patrons knowledge.

Adaptive technologies
The equipment and technologies that allow library patrons to access resources. These adaptations may or may not modify the environment (this distinction is sometimes designated by using terms such as adaptive and assistive, respectively.). The greatest challenge from a technological perspective is providing access to internet resources. Because the internet is heterogeneous both in content and format it is very difficult to create one application that will meet all needs. Assistive devices are physical hardware that assist user access or input. These include alternative pointing devices, text reading/magnifying devices, and modified keyboards.
Software solutions include a category referred to as sensory-motor adaptations. Word predictive software will help complete a partially input word, cognitive/expressive augmentation software automates multi-step tasks, and screen magnification will display text in a larger format.
Combinations of software and hardware include devices for the speech-imparied, and Braille devices that interpret visual text as raised dots. Another common adaptation for the visually impaired is the use of speaking software that will interpret text and output a spoken version to the speakers.


B. Select one technology that will most improve libraries for the librarians and one that will most improve libraries for the patrons. Justify your selections.

The technology that will most improve libraries for librarians will most likely be RFID tags. The most onerous parts of most jobs are the repetitive, non-intellectual parts. For librarians, this might be the task of reshelving books and shelf reading to confirm the correct placement of volumes. RFID technology has the potential to automate this portion of the librarian’s job.
A close second might be found in open URL resolvers. The technology doesn’t yet appear to be mature enough to be more beneficial than RFID tags. The future benefit of a more sophisticated and autonomous URL resolver has the potential to self-network search results with the resources available on the internet, in the library catalog, and at vendor sites. My limited understanding of this software suggests that significantly greater functionality is several versions in the future.

The technology that will most improve libraries for the patrons is open URL resolvers. This technology can better connect patrons with the content they’re seeking. This is the essential role of the library and open URL resolvers significantly improve the ability to achieve this mission. In a world of supply on demand, open URL resolvers accelerate the connection of people with disparate content.