Selecting and Implementing Technologies in Libraries

A Primer

Tod Colegrove

New technology and services are fundamental to maintaining the relevance of libraries today, but which technologies and/or services make sense to implement, and which to avoid? Building from a framework drawn in the overlap of design thinking with best practices in emerging technology and library practice, this book is a go-to guide for the active library practitioner and LIS student alike. From the 3D printers and laser cutters of today’s library makerspace to collection development and library outreach, this primer offers clear examples that illustrate the practical and collaborative approach that ensures alignment and increases the likelihood of success.

Written as a textbook for LIS students in the crossover areas of emerging technology, design thinking, and library management, the book will also meet the needs of the active library practitioner in public, academic, and special libraries, both those new to the field and seasoned professionals.

The practical treatment and examples provided will be of interest and immediate use. Questions at the end of each chapter give readers an opportunity to think about the concepts presented. The book is also designed to let the enduring values of librarianship and library practice shine through, guiding the reader to navigate the future of library technology.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 146 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅛

978-1-5381-1504-6 • Hardback • September 2022 • $132.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-5381-1505-3 • Paperback • September 2022 • $45.00 • (£35.00)

Series: LITA Guides

Subjects: Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Administration & Management, Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Electronic Resource Management, Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Information Literacy Instruction

Selecting and Implementing Technologies in Libraries

A Primer

Hardback

Paperback

Summary

New technology and services are fundamental to maintaining the relevance of libraries today, but which technologies and/or services make sense to implement, and which to avoid? Building from a framework drawn in the overlap of design thinking with best practices in emerging technology and library practice, this book is a go-to guide for the active library practitioner and LIS student alike. From the 3D printers and laser cutters of today’s library makerspace to collection development and library outreach, this primer offers clear examples that illustrate the practical and collaborative approach that ensures alignment and increases the likelihood of success.
Written as a textbook for LIS students in the crossover areas of emerging technology, design thinking, and library management, the book will also meet the needs of the active library practitioner in public, academic, and special libraries, both those new to the field and seasoned professionals.
The practical treatment and examples provided will be of interest and immediate use. Questions at the end of each chapter give readers an opportunity to think about the concepts presented. The book is also designed to let the enduring values of librarianship and library practice shine through, guiding the reader to navigate the future of library technology.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 146 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅛

978-1-5381-1504-6 • Hardback • September 2022 • $132.00 • (£102.00)

978-1-5381-1505-3 • Paperback • September 2022 • $45.00 • (£35.00)

Series: LITA Guides

Subjects: Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Administration & Management, Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Electronic Resource Management, Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / Information Literacy Instruction

Author

Patrick “Tod” Colegrove, Ph.D., MSLIS, is Director of the Carson City Public Library, and former State Librarian/Administrator of the Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records division. Emeritus faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno, he served as Head of the DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library and led the team that earned the library international recognition. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree with concentration in competitive intelligence and knowledge management earned from Drexel University, as well as Doctorate and Master of Science degrees in Physics. His career in libraries builds on over fourteen years of entrepreneurial experience as leadership in high-tech private industry, capped by a decade teaching in the university classroom.
Colegrove has led libraries in achieving notable firsts, including the first academic library in the United States to offer 3D printing and scanning services, being named one of the Most Interesting Makerspaces in America, and pioneering the rollout of virtual reality equipment in libraries statewide in support of career exploration and workforce development. A thought leader, his work is recognized internationally with invited presentations ranging from TEDx speaker and congressional panels in Washington D.C. to service with the International Baccalaureate program in The Hague, service separately under the U.S. Speaker Program of the Department of State with libraries across Belarus, and work with the top colleges and libraries in China at the intersection of libraries, innovation, entrepreneurship, and design.

Table of Contents

Preface
Chapter 1: Libraries and Technology
Chapter 2: An Overview of the Working Framework
Chapter 3: Community Engagement and Designing for Change
Chapter 4: Selecting and Implementing Leading-Edge Technologies in Libraries
Chapter 5: Budgeting for Technology in Libraries
Chapter 6: Policy, Ethics, and Technology
Chapter 7: Putting it all Together and Future-proofing the Library
About the Author

Reviews

This book’s objective is to provide a framework for making wise and sustainable choices in library technology. Its seven chapters emphasize the “why” more than the “what” of library technology, and it is informed by Colegrove's extensive experience in the field. Clearly, he is enthused by the promise of libraries that embrace the potential of emerging technologies, and at the same time keenly aware that prudence and wisdom are even more needful in this realm than in other sectors of library strategy. This book stands out in at least two ways: it is at the same time concise and exceptionally well resourced, and it focuses on the critical thought processes for choosing and implementing technology wisely. Regrettably, bad decisions in technology are not uncommon, and the wise counsel provided here will help libraries avoid such pitfalls. An especially valuable resource for a planning committee preparing for new technology ventures. Highly recommended. Faculty and professionals

— Choice Reviews

Determining what technologies to offer a library community and choosing the best parameters for sharing them can be overwhelming and risky. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Colegrove, in Selecting and Implementing Technologies in Libraries, provides library practitioners with a framework and examples to serve as a guide to practitioners navigating the precarious strait between library and technology. Any librarian or professional tasked with selecting and implementing technology would do well to heed the advice of this book.

— James Mitchell, DevOps Engineer (Library Publishing), University of Oklahoma Libraries

Selecting and Implementing Technology in Libraries: a Primer trains the reader to ask the right questions and recognize key insights. The savvy information professional will use the methods of this primer again and again, consistently selecting the right tools at the right time. Read this book and deliver real world implementation of tech forward solutions that will root deeply and stand the test of time.

— Tammy Westergard, MLS, CWDP, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Project SANDI, Coordinator

Selecting and Implementing Technology in Libraries: a Primer gives libraries the tools to assess, select and implement technology. This primer makes advanced technologies understandable and accessible. Dr. Colegrove provides a well-rounded and up-to-date analysis of both the use and the challenges in technological innovations in libraries.

— Sara Jones, MLS, Washington State Librarian

Library staff at all levels will gain practical insights in this guide which frames library staff as true knowledge creators, change leaders, and connectors of community. For anyone who has wondered which tech your library needs, this book offers a clear path forward how, and why, to provide these services, budget for them, and implement them successfully. Learn how to harness empathy to create innovative practices. Become more visible to help communities succeed! I've been waiting a long time for a book just like this.

— Amy Vecchione, Assistant Director, eCampus Research and Innovation, Boise State University

Before you embark on your next technology implementation, whether it involves a new library management system, a self-checkout machine, or an innovative technology product, I strongly recommend reading this book. Its insights could prove pivotal in determining the success or failure of your library’s technology implementation for both your library and its users. This book will help you to create the knowledge needed to implement the right technology in your library.

— Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association