Audio Books and Digital Formats

My Reader's Advisory class introduced me to many forms and formats of literature that I never considered before. I previously mentioned my new love of graphic novels as a result of my R.A. course. Audio books are another joy that I discovered in Reader's Advisory. I have recently rekindled my love of audio books through the eLibrary at SFPL.

Although I do not really consider audio books to be reading in the traditional sense, I do love listening to them because they allow me to multi-task (one of my favorite pastimes). I am able to listen to audio books while: working out, driving, walking, riding the bus, and showering. These are all areas where reading was difficult to do before. As a result, I am able to catch up on a lot of "reading".

I really enjoy the experience of using the eLibrary. Digital collections allow libraries to engage with a larger community outside the walls of the library. It is also very convenient to use the library without visiting it physically. I haven't been to a branch of SFPL for quite some time. The last time I went to the building was to do some outreach for Stanford Health Library and apply for a job with human resources. I would probably visit the library more often if there was a closer branch, but I live in a neighborhood where there isn't one. As a result I am anxious about checking out materials for fear that I will not be able to return them on time. The eLibrary is the perfect solution for me.

I am very technologically oriented. Electronic formats are convenient for me. I am easily able to download audio and eBooks to my phone and go on my way. I feel that this is the direction that libraries should move in. That is, expanding online presence, increasing digital collections, and constantly evaluating progress through user experience research. At the same time, libraries need to maintain their paper collections, but should work to promote digital resources. There, I said it. If I was to make a prediction as to the future of libraries' digital collections I would have to say they will become more valuable when they become even more convenient. For instance, they may consider following the model of iTunes and making digital formats more accessible by instant download to your phone. Smart phones are taking over at an alarming pace. I know that if it's not on my phone, I won't use it as often.

Don't get me wrong: I still LOVE books, but I also love convenience. We live in a world where time is very valuable. Digital collections usually save the time of the library user. There are a few times when they can be a time suck. I.e.: If you are using a digital format for the first time and you are having trouble doing it. Or if there is a system problem. These are a couple of the reasons why User Experience Research is crucial. Might I even suggest that this will be the focus for many new and future librarians? I know I would love to make this a facet of my career.

Public Library Apps

Just the other day I was sitting in a conference entitled The Future of Libraries (5.0). I was expecting to find out about new emerging technologies. While emerging tech was merely a side note in this otherwise informative seminar - I did discover a few new ways that libraries are utilizing technology - I was told mostly about how libraries are maintaining relevance during recessions because they are helping patrons find work. Ironic, eh?

Between speakers, I would check my email and Facebook (when the broadband would allow) on my iPhone and thought "wouldn't it be nice if public libraries could develop applications for iPhone?" Shock of shocks, DCPL already has. Of course this advancement is being met with some criticism. For instance, is this development an essential service for the average public library user? Does it serve to deepen the digital divide? Most librarians can't even afford the iPhone... Nonetheless, it is a wonderful tool and something to consider for future library users. Perhaps there is no urgent need for it now, but what about later when babies will be born with bottles in one hand and a cell phone in the other? At the very least, it is good to know that the technology is out there. As with most technology it will become less expensive and eventually available to most people. Hmmm?