Discovery and Diversification

How Libraries Respond to Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Presentation to The Seattle Public Library Foundation BoardBy Jim Loter and Stephanie Chase

February 28, 2013

Diversification in Four Key Areas

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• Library material formats & access• Computer and technology use• Information service delivery• Facilities use

Library Material Formats & Access

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• Increase in e-content usage• Diversity of e-formats and devices• Proliferation of e-content providers and

discovery points• Challenges acquiring e-content

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Holds and Checkout Limits Implemented

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Patron Book

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Patron

Book

CD

DVD

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Patron

Book

CD

DVD

eContent

eBooks eAudio Streaming

Kindle iPad Nook Android

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UnifiedDiscovery

Challenges

• Diversification of format has resulted in a diversification of discovery

• Content is licensed not purchased, so access under library lending models is not always available from publishers

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Responses

• Aggressive growth in eContent holdings and services

o Freegal, Hoopla, Zinio

• Integration of eContent discovery and access into library catalog

• ReadersFirst• Advocacy and outreach to publishers

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Computer and Technology Trends

• Decrease in basic Internet PC use• Increase in personal device use;

wireless Internet use• Increased need for digital creation

capabilities• Evolution of concept of "digital literacy"

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from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Fort_Worth_Library_Computer_Lab.jpg

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from : http://www.aalog.net/library-copy.jpg

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from The Chattanooga (TN) Public Library's "4th Floor"

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Challenges

• Nearly half (46%) of US adults own smartphones (Pew Internet)

o 34% of low-income (< $30K) adults own smartphones

• 57% of US adults own laptops (Pew Internet)

• "Digital literacy" includes creating and sharing, not just access (Media Education Lab)

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Responses

• Digital Media Workstations• Expanded access to computer

resources• Collaborations with Maker Spaces• 2013 Digital Inclusion Summit

o Collaboration with UW, City of Seattle, EdLab, and CommunitiesConnect Network

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Information Services Trends• Delivery at the patron's point of need

o outreacho roving referenceo embedded librarianso through programming

• Role of the information services worker moving from a gatekeeper to a trusted guide

• transactions > experiences

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from http://www.stfrancis.edu/content/lib/tour/ReferenceDesk.jpg

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right: http://denverlibrary.org/content/bridges-between-generations left: from the Kitsap Sun

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Point of Need/Communications• The patron's point of need has diversified

beyond the physical library and the website

o Facebooko Twittero Your Next Fiveo Bibliocommons

• SPL is a leader in social media services

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from http://library.wustl.edu/digital-signage/poorly-designed-examples.html

discovery and diversification

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Hi- I am trying to get a book for my mom to read. She is almost 91. She LOVES suspense, WWII, etc. She has read all Ken Follett's books. She wants excitement!! If you can find anything to fit the bill she (and I!!) would be thrilled! She is losing her sight and reads on a Kindle. Thank You!!!

Hi- I am trying to get a book for my mom to read. She is almost 91. She LOVES suspense, WWII, etc. She has read all Ken Follett's books. She wants excitement!! If you can find anything to fit the bill she (and I!!) would be thrilled! She is losing her sight and reads on a Kindle. Thank You!!!

Trends in Facilities

• Flexible, multipurpose spaces• Opportunities for collaborative spaces• Multiple demands on our "third place"

space

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http://100.oldscollege.ca/sites/default/files/images/vintage_library.jpg

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left: Kilton Library, West Lebanon, NH right: Sammamish Library, KCLSboth images courtesy Library Journal

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Research Commons, University of Washington

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