COVID-19 and Library Trends

Maw, Laura 

LM 

SJSU School of Information. (2020, May 26). Library issues and trends: Before, during, and after COVID-19 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkDy_CZZkjI

In this video presented by San Jose State University’s (SJSU’s) Leadership and Management Program Advisory Committee, current library trends were discussed, including trends in management and leadership, services, technology, and the library workforce. In terms of service trends, small scale pilots and experimental services have become even more important in an uncertain world. Also, the ability to use technology in libraries, such as 3-D printers, to help communities develop needed items like personal protection equipment, demonstrates the necessity for libraries to pivot services and resources to meet community needs. In the same vein, online learning services have increased as more people need to use tools online for learning. Further, YouTube service models are enabling services like story time to reach wider audiences as people can view the recorded video when it is convenient for them. 

I agree that library staff’s innovation and creativity are even more salient in a changing or uncertain world. Community members depend on their librarians to lead their community through change in a positive way, which in turn, instills community acceptance of the change.

Issues in URL Management for Digital Collections

Caroline Pallone

IC

Cohen, L. (2004). Issues in URL management for digital collections. Information Technology and Libraries, 23(2), 42-49. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/docview/215831747?accountid=10361 

Summary

This article is about a smaller but no less important issue within the digital collection management process for library management, and that is URL management. This is a detailed and difficult but no less vital process, according to Cohen. "The modern library typically maintains a hybrid collection of print -based materials along with digital resources. While standards and practices for maintaining print -based collections have a long history, libraries are faced with a myriad of new issues in the management of networked digital collection" (2004). The author also points out, "URLs come in many formats, and each should be utilized in the appropriate context. A full -or absolute -URL must always be used to link to a file located on a site that is external to the one in which the link is embedded. This type of outbound URL consists of the following structure: protocol://host. second -level -domain.t op -lev el domain:port/localpath/filename" (2004). The reason this is so important, Cohen explains, is because the number of URLS that need maintaining and cataloging is going to be on the rise in the near future as more items are digitized. This will soon become an important part of the job description for librarians, and it needs to be studied and made more apparent for future librarians.

Evaluation

The reason I believe this article is beneficial is because it talks about a more niche but still important market within the library world. It is all encompassing and informative about a subject that many have not heard of, but should be made aware of. The author makes sure that everyone knows by the end that this is not a field where are URLs can be lumped together, but instead each one must be maintained meticulously. The more people that know about this issue within digitizing articles, the better. 

Modern Special Collections: Embracing the Future While Taking Care of the Past

Sanders, Emily

Fall 2016

Citation:

Evans, M. R. (2015). Modern Special Collections: Embracing the Future While Taking Care of the Past. New Review Of Academic Librarianship, 21(2), 116-128. doi:10.1080/13614533.2015.1040926

Summary: This article uses a broad framework to decipher certain archival concepts in academic librarianship: collection, connection, collaboration, and community. It uses that meaning to reflect on changing landscape of special collections. It comes up with very practical solutions to some common troubles facing modern special collections. It works to embrace the past with regards to the present and future in what Evans calls a “nontraditional strategic manner.”

Evaluation: I found this article is tremendously informative. It is an alternative method of going about the thought process-- as it contains literal thought and no measurable data-- but it produces several insightful notions about modern special collections work. The only problem is that the audience can’t be sure how well these methods work as they aren’t put to practice in anyway.