Libraries 2016

Simon Clifford

Horrigan, J. (2016). Libraries 2016. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from:
http://pewinternet.org/

Summary

A summary of the Pew Research Center's findings on American public libraries, including public opinion and current trends. It covers many topics, such as events and programs, technology, and usage.

Evaluation

The report found that most Americans think libraries should provide more digital tools and education. It also found that Americans are divided on whether or not print collections should be removed to make room for other spaces, but the support for such a decision has fallen since 2015. Both topics are of interest to collection development. Beyond that lens, the report is useful as a benchmark of the current state of the field. 

Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials

Simon Clifford

Schneider, E. and Hutchinson, B. (2015). Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials. The Reference Librarian, 56(3), p. 174-188. doi: 10.1080/02763877.2014.1002716

Summary
Schneider and Hutchinson examine the frequency and distribution of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) in library collections. They find that many libraries do not carry tabletop RPGs at all, and those that do tend to have very small collections. One publisher dominates library collections with its titles accounting for over 80% of library tabletop RPG holdings. Despite a wide range of tabletop RPGs in existence from a number of publishers, library collections are small and lack diversity. They acknowledge the claim that high rates of theft may be responsible for discouraging libraries from collecting the materials, but suggest the claim is unsubstantiated, and further suggest that digital collection could offer a solution.

Evaluation
Schneider and Hutchinson have provided here a good analysis of the current state of library collections across the country. From a collection development standpoint, this article is most valuable for demonstrating the lack of diversity in library holdings on the subject. It is also valuable for discussing why libraries tend not to build these collections. Ultimately its a niche work, but great for getting a basic understanding of the topic.

Keeping Up With... Augmented Reality

Bradford, Josie

Spina, C. (N.D.) Keeping up with…. Augmented reality. Association of College and Research Libraries: A Division of the American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/ar 

The article Keeping up with… Augmented reality begins by explaining what augmented reality is.  As defined by Oxford English Dictionary “augmented reality is the use of technology which allows the perception of the physical world to be enhanced or modified by computer-generated stimuli perceived with the aid of special equipment.” 

The beginning of this article explores what augmented reality is and what devices, apps and software are being used to make it functional.  Currently there are several items on the market that are becoming popular with augmented reality.  These include Google Glass, Evena Eyes-On Glasses, “which show medical professionals the exact location of patient’s blood vessels,” iOS and Android apps and Ikea’s app which allows customers to “virtually see how furniture will look in their home.”

The article goes on to describe how augmented reality is being used in education as well as in the libraries.  

Some of the possibilities for use in education include, interactive content in textbooks, ways of exploring the real world in combination with virtual information to explore subjects such as environmental damage, astronomy and medicine.  Potential applications for augmented reality extend to any subject and have a large possibility for use. 

The potential use for augmented reality in libraries includes apps that can scan tagged books and allow library workers to see any books that are out of place.  “Augmented reality can also be used to create engaging patron-facing applications that can bring new patrons in and connect them with information they would not have typically sought out.”  There is also the possibility that libraries can create their own customized augmented reality applications that give patrons tours of the stacks, and other areas of the library in which libraries can connect information with physical locations such as tours. 

Although augmented reality has yet to become mainstream, it is important for libraries to embrace its potential for use since it will become something that is used in most libraries in the next several years.  My library is already starting to use it to scan books and look for items that are out of place.  There is the possibility that in the future a patron can find a book they want to locate on their smartphone, and it will provide them with a map to the book.  Augmented reality isn’t just something that is new and cool, and will phase out in a couple of years, it’s something that is going to become part of the technology we use in our everyday lives, and it is important that libraries are prepared to use it and embrace it’s many possibilities for use.  

Virtual Reality in the Library: Creating a New Experience

Bradford, Josie

Lambert. T. (2016). Virtual reality in the library: creating a new experience, Public Library Association: Public Libraries Online, 4 pgs.  http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/virtual-reality-in-the-library-creating-a-new-experience/

I currently work at the Boise Public Library, and this article was passed out to staff to read in order to get an idea of why we are looking into investing in virtual reality in the next fiscal year.  We have currently been testing out vendors, and just the other day staff got the opportunity to test out virtual reality for the first time.  I was fortunate enough to explore an undersea world and test out the Tilt Brush.  I had my reservations about VR, but I was honestly beyond impressed.  If fact I was amazed at the possibilities that VR has in our future.   

The article Virtual Reality in the Library: Creating a New Experience explains the exciting new possibilities that virtual reality has in public libraries.  As libraries transition away from their traditional roles, they have become more like community centers, centered around education, experience and introducing new technologies to the public, and since the purchase of Oculus by Google many public libraries are starting to realize that virtual reality is going to be the next big thing.  However, what is VR’s place in libraries?  How will it be implemented into programs and services?  

This article explores some of the possibilities that VR has in the future such as virtual travel experiences, virtual field trips, virtual gaming as well as virtual education and storytelling.

With VR users can explore fantastical worlds that don’t exist.  They can practice surgery, or see national monuments, and libraries are a great platform to provide these experiences.  However, how do libraries do this when they don’t have much of a budget?  This article suggests that there are several products out there that are very cheap such as Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear.  Patrons can also make their own VR kit out of cardboard and their phones as a craft project. 

This article also suggests that in addition to VR, augmented reality is also going to play a role in libraries of the future. Augmented reality is a way to use a camera in conjunction with software to alter the appearance of a space, so patrons can see virtual stacks or go on a virtual tours of the library.  These new technologies are very exciting for libraries and offer endless possibilities for use.    

The changing Nature of library budgeting

Samnath, Kayla

Rossmann, D., & Arlitsch, K. (2015). From acquisitions to access: The changing nature of library budgeting. Journal of Library Administration, 55(5), 394-404.

Summary:

The focus of this article was to explore the shifts in library budgets. Due to the shift the digital environment, the authors argue that there should also be a shift in budgets and in materials in which libraries provide its patrons. Typically library budgets include a separate budget for IT services. These budgets are also normally small, which really puts libraries who have began shifting towards digital resources in a tight spot. With small budgets, and many cuts, libraries find themselves with a print collection that has had no growth, or even reversed (2015, p.396).

Rossmann and Arlitsch use Montana State University as an example of an old acquisitions model in which is now criticised. Montana State University’s old model consisted of:

• Books, videos, maps
• Journals
• Microforms
• E-books
• E-journals and databases
• Interlibrary loan/document delivery
• binding

(2015, p.398). The authors critique this type of model because it really doesn’t take into consideration the libraries ever changing role as providers of not only information, but of technologies as well. The authors instead provide a new acquisitions model, one that focuses on offering tools and services to patrons. Rossmann and Arlitsch suggest that vision statements should be adjusted based on the observation of shifting to libraries providing technological tools rather than just information. They suggest vision statements change focus in the following ways:

• Teaching and Learning
• Research Services
• Engagement

(2015, p. 398).

Adopting these into vision statements for acquisitions allows much more room within the budget to focus on more IT factors. This presents a unique opportunity for libraries, taking into consideration the impact of technology, and shifting in materials to provide more tools and services to access materials versus a physical print collection.

Evaluation:

This article presented a new idea in which libraries can try to merge certain budgets. The focus is that libraries should change the services they offer their patrons. It is not a negative change, and it by no means discusses eliminating a print collection. Instead it suggests that with technological shifts, libraries are shifting as well. The digital realm offers patrons a lot, however this technology is still costly.

Budget is a serious issue that all libraries are struggling with. There have been massive cuts, which has an impact on what libraries can acquire for their collection. I would recommend this article for students interested in exploring how library budgets can be modified, as well as exploring vision statements to further define their acquisitions process.

Controversy over Japanese Manga and collection censorship

Samnath, Kayla

Masuchika, G. (2015). Japanese cartoons, virtual child pornography, academic libraries, and the law. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 54(4), 54.

Summary:

Author Masuchika discusses the controversial subject of libraries collecting certain manga’s that may depict younger children in sexual situations. Masuchika explores these collections with anti-obscenity laws in the US. this has major implications on the collection developer, and may put the library at risk to criminal liabilities. Another implication Masuchika brings up is that these types of laws could have ramifications on lead librarians who might in turn use heavier censorship in regards to developing the collection (2015, p.54).

Graphic novels and comics has become extremely popular, which in turn has led libraries to collect such materials. Typically graphic novels can be controversial, and sometimes have a very risque themes. Masuchika explains “themes of the human condition often include the unsavory, vicious, nasty, and cruel, and comics and cartoons, with their subversive, rebellious, “underground” history, are a good media for the expression of these themes. It is no surprise that examples of highly graphic nature, both violence and sexual, can be found in the pages of graphic novels” (2015, p. 55). Materials of this kind are not necessarily the problem, however the problem becomes prevalent through the collection of manga.  

In order to understand the law on this issue, Masuchika explains anti obscenity laws, and virtual child pornography laws, as well as civil and criminal liabilities. In order for works to be considered obscene, it must comply with the following guidelines:

(1) whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest

(2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law

(3) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

(2015, p. 56).

Next Masuchika explains the impact of the Protect Act of 2003, which defines acts of obscenity that can be banned on two conditions: “First, that child pornography can be a visual depiction of any kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting. Second, that “it is not a required element of any offense under this section that the minor depicted actually exists.” (2015, p.57).  Masuchika argues that this really calls into question libraries who collect Japanese manga.

The author brings into question the cultural differences between the regions of Japan and the United States. Japanese culture has different views on nudity, especially nudity with adults and children. Family and communal bathing is a part of Japanese history, and presently still takes place. The one major issue Masuchika discusses is the style of art which seems to be a big problem. The females are depicted as being younger than 18, regardless of any type of narrative accompanying the manga (2015, p. 27).

According to the author, there have been no civil or criminal charges against a librarian, or library at all. The author asserts that this is a fine line, especially because others have been prosecuted for distribution of child pornography, with materials that were Japanese manga's. Masuchika discusses that librarians civil liability immunity has never been tested in courts, and asserts that maybe that line gets drawn, especially in lieu of the information they are gathering to expose communities to.

Evaluation:

Although I find myself disagreeing with Masuchika, it does not make this article any less important. I find myself questioning the fact that Japanese manga drawing style is being brought into question, not only that, but the author is generalizing many manga's by saying there is typically sexualized imagery. Despite my disagreements, this article was a great and interesting read. It really has some hard hitting questions, and touches on very serious problems that could perhaps have a large impact on libraries.

It brings up very real problems that come up with collection development. There are questionable materials that the collection developers will come across and have to make the decision if they want to include it in their collection. This also brings into question intellectual freedom, yet adhering to US laws as well. Masuchika ends her article quoting the executive director of the ALA’s office of intellectual freedom, Barbara Jones. She says “There are many reasons for self-censorship, and one is fear” (2015, p. 59). This fear, similar to what the author is saying about Japanese manga, can lead librarians and collection developers to halt acquiring materials that are considered controversial. This has large implications on libraries and their free forum of information gathering, and access of materials.

How to maintain and weed E-book collections

Samnath, Kayla

Culley, J. (2015). I Feel the Need to Weed!: Maintaining an E-book Collection. The Southeastern Librarian, 63(1), 2.

Summary:

Author Jennifer Culley is the acquisitions librarian at the university of southern Mississippi. She discusses in her text the need to “weed”, and why perhaps it shouldn’t be viewed as such a negative aspect. She also discusses electronic books, and how it is crucial to continuously evaluation and assess the collection, regardless of format. Culley explains “the idea of more is better does not always hold true” (2015, p. 02).

Culley offers readers a brief historical overview of electronic books. Interestingly enough, electronic books have been around since the 1970’s. Project Gutenberg, which is still going strong today, is one of the first platforms in which electronic books were offered. However, the technology to use these sources was expensive. It wasn’t until the rapid evaluation of technology through netLibrary internet based services, google books, and more recently tablets, kindles, laptops, and smartphones that electronic books really took off (2015, p.02).

Electronic books allow patrons to have access to information at any time. It does not matter if patrons are inside or outside the library. Culley explains that “...there are several avenues to obtaining ebooks for libraries: libraries can purchase them through subscription services where they can get large collections of materials by subject matter, they can order single titles or implement a demand driven e-book acquisitions program” (2015, p.03). Although libraries can obtain electronic books, there is still the matter of weeding, even for electronic materials.

Weeding these materials are necessary due to cluttered search results, old data, or simply wrong information. Culley explains that this outdated information can be harmful, and even stressful on students. Typically users will make a selection on the top results due to muddled results. This became apparent on searches for STEAM, technology, science, and mathematics (2015, p.03).  Culley makes the argument that similar criteria should be used on electronic books as the ones they use for print and other physical materials. A great example of criteria for these types of resources the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Their system for weeding e-books is: “Misleading, and/or factually inaccurate; Ugly, not applicable for ebooks; Superseded, by a truly new edition or by a much better book on the subject; Trivial, of no discernible literary or scientific merit; Irrelevant, to the needs and interests of your communication; Elsewhere, the material can be obtained expeditiously somewhere else” (2015, p.04). Utilizing techniques such as these will allow electronic materials to become more meaningful, and also saving money by cancelling certain subscriptions.

Evaluation:

This article was helpful in understanding the concept of weeding, and the impact it can have on electronic books. It offers a really great history of electronic materials, and how libraries have really adapted to this format. The article was extremely useful when completing presentation four. Culley also gives insight from a librarian perspective. It was interesting how the article expressed that librarians are typically hesitant to weed because the thought of throwing away materials can be perceived as detrimental. Culley points out that how there are constantly new editions being published, in which sometimes makes the older versions obsolete. I really liked how Culley simply states that more isn’t always better, sometimes having more makes the information search frustrating, and muddled with useless results.

This article was extremely helpful when completing presentation four. For our proposed budget presentation understanding how to weed, and develop a criteria to assist in making those decisions. I would recommend this article for novices interested in collection development and management. It uses a great case study in order to assist in a deeper understanding of the concept of maintaining a collection, regardless if it is electronic or traditional formats.