Agenda – Visual Resources – 2nd April

The next #uklibchat will be on

Visual Resources

The topic for our next chat will be one that is relevant to librarians and professionals who deal with visual resources, images, building plans, maps, videos and I’m sure there are more…

If you want to contribute to the conversation on this, #uklibchat will be running on

Tuesday 2nd April 2013 from 6.30pm – 8.30pm BST.

If you want to add questions to our agenda, you can do so here. A guide to taking part in #uklibchat is available here and  you can always tweet us @uklibchat or email uklibchat@gmail.com with any questions.

We look forward to chatting with you!

#uklibchat live at Library Camp London 2nd March 2013

The #uklibchat staff team are gathering for Saturday’s London Library Camp, and we will be proposing to run a session

Design your own LIS qualification

What should be studied in a modern librarianship and information studies qualification? What did you find most useful if you’ve done a Master’s, PGDip, or undergraduate degree, and what have you never used? What do current students make of the content of their courses? If it was up to you what would you bin and what would you include? Join us on Saturday 2nd March, either in person at the Camp or on Twitter, for opportunity to discuss what the core skills are across different sectors and what direction we’re heading in as a profession.

Due to the nature of Library Camp, we wont know what time our session will run, we will put out the information on Twitter on the day as soon as it’s confirmed, so follow @uklibchat  or keep an eye out for our hashtag #uklibchat

We hope to run a hybrid in person and online session, so even if you’re not going to the camp you can still participate by following us on Twitter and adding your questions to our agenda.

Agenda available here

 

 

#uklibchat trending on the 21st Feb

Thanks to everyone who joined in on #uklibchat tonight about Librarians and Personalities. At one point we were so popular we become a trending topic?!

http://en.trending-topic.com/countries/United+Kingdom/topics/hashtag-uklibchat/

 

 

Agenda – Librarians and Personality – 21st February

The next #uklibchat is on librarians and personality and will take place 6:30 – 8:30pm on Thursday 21 February.

The agenda is now available to view and add to here.

This chat will feed into and inform the Library Camp London session on librarians and personality, but you don’t have to be coming to Library Camp to join in.

We look forward to chatting with you on the 21st!

Summary – 4th Dec 2012 – Innovative use of technology in libraries

On the 4th of Dec we held a #uklibchat session on Innovative use of technologies in libraries, which was complemented by an article written on the subject a few days earlier by @ggnwed.

Things that cropped up were:  further uses for RFID,  acknowledgement of the usefulness of smartsm (automated stock management system), resistance to social media in organisations, use of new tech for marketing purposes, questions of whether library qualifications were fit for purpose, what skills librarians needs to develop to make use of tech,  and perhaps a tech roadshow to give people the opportunity to see and use what is all the rage!

Many thanks to everyone who attended. Good effort was made to make sure info put here is correct, changes have been made to some text to make things read better. If you spot a mistake, or if we’ve miscontrued anything, we welcome corrections. Especially as some tweets were not numbered or linked to a question, and I had to make a few guesses.

For accurate quotes, please use the Searchable Twitter Archive

Q1  What new tech has your library introduced in the past few years?

• RFID,  Self-service, staff roaming with tablets to help users @agentk23
• I’d say biggest new tech has been RFID – mostly been good too. PN compes that allow usb flash drives and wi-fi @poetryghost
• thin-client laptops for better access to institutional software. Thinclient is where the laptop is used to access things hosted elsewhere, works a bit like a Remote Desktop but a laptop. Bascially means the laptop runs faster cos there’s nothing on it, and a wider range of stuff can be available remotely @osmonkey
  • We’re using thin-client at the business school so students can access things like SPCSS and similar, from anywhere @roogly
  • There is quite a lot of interest in thin-client. There have been a few jisc projects e.g http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/greeningict.aspx @paulbrichardson

• We seem to have had most of the usual “new” stuff for ages, all we’ve done is upgrade our gear (on our 3rd RFID supplier etc) @pennyb
• E-book service, free wi-fi, self-service machines, digital display screens & use free online services to promote lib service @ggnewed
• nice new pod in the library – students love it. Whole ground floor refurbed Sept 2012 and proving popular  http://t.co/hDHofjG0 @elstopbanana
• Is anyone using Smartphones with RFID? @mickfortune
  • I”m not but seen it being used in France on a beta project. I believe ti was iPHone and iPad (seem to recall mainly iPad) @mardixon
  • RFID is being used in conjunction with social media, intelligent sherlving etc, but rare in UK @mickfortune
  • Is anyone using RFID in collections management (museum of art galleries)
    • @mickfortune rec’d his blog http://ht.ly/fOVJo and website http://www.libraryrfid.co.uk/resources.html
    • RFID Solutions for Libraries Group on Linkedin: http://t.co/YBVEEgUA   @rugabela
    • A lot of inaccurate misinformation on RFID Solutions for Libraries Group on LinkedIn though – treat it with caution! It’s very old tech but the JISC List on RFID is also helpful – sometimes http://t.co/EqjVZXVg @mickfortune
    • LinkedIn terrible way to get good RFID info. Use Mick’s website. Also some on mine at http://t.co/g4TJw5hB. @galeciagroup
• Would you say smart sm is tech? It’s a stock analysis tool – prob software w[?] web interface I think. We’ve been impressed in some ways doesn’t replace stock knowledge. But given reduction of professional librarians and need for paraprofessionals to be involved, smartsm is a helpful tool. Interestingly except when we’ve over weeded, customers have liked the results and commented positively @poetryghost
  • Smartsm has also been very helpful in my lib service too @ggnewed
  • smartSM powerful tool to empower decision making @dave1lloyd
• We use the school VLE to host our digital resources so pupils can access them at home as well as anywhere in school @bishopwalshlib
• I like the software as service approach – software accessed anywhere via web, as a way to try to promote stock in new ways. W also have 2 apps. 1. Catalogue search, renewal reservation. 2. Ebook (Overdrive) @ggnewed
• We used tiki-toki for historical timeline, Woices for literary audio tour.  All accessed via internet. @ggnewed
  • how did you convince your libraries to use these new tools and offer to users? do you have the authority to decide to roll out a service via the organisation? or need to make business case? @uklibchat
  • It gets agreed along the way – sometimes at beginning. Sometimes I tinker at home & it forms into something lib service can use. @ggnewed
• Starting to use new technologies for marketing new (and existing) library services more these days. Adding messages to self service welcome screens, public computer login screens, OPAC screens etc. @DRagsdell

Q2. Do you think the new tech has been beneficial (to library/staff/users)?

• In many ways yes, as full self-service is needed for 24/7, and users like that a lot. Staff rightly feel marginalised. Other tecnologies like social media more popular with staff, though still only a hardcore. Other stuff depends on courses . @pennyb
• Display screens have helped promote services, library events, different types of stock.@ggnewed
  • Who puts together the content for your display screens? Is it easy to manage? @calire
  • at my work it’s librarians who work on publicity some of the time, and they use Powerpoint mostly. Our screens also show (updating live with the joys of code) where computers are free, a godsend when it’s busy. @pennyb
  • We use PowerPoint for a screen in one of our libraries. Have used digital photo frames to do same, but took time. @calire
  • The simplest way to do it is as a Powerpoint slide. I believe screens we use also display standard media files. Library staff provide content, but one of our team members is responsible for making sure it runs smoothly. @ggnewed
  • Some orgs hve done ‘available computers’. e.g. @rscwales funded project @GlyndwrUni http://t.co/x1mWiHO9 @paulbrichardson
• Ebooks attracted new users. @ggnewed
• the digital library on the VLE has been appreciated by teaching staff and by the students who’ve used it. @bishopwalshlib
• Think e-book market in libraries will take off next year when new library e-readers launch in UK? @mickfortune
  • If more ebooks are released for library use. Ebook services seem to be moving to web browser based reading too. So tablet/wifi enabled access might be the way it goes @ggnewed
  • Yes new 3M offer will use many many platforms for ebooks @mickfortune
• Twitter is definitely better for chats than the ‘can you hear me?’ routine of the webinar. I like it!
• RFID w self service staff : also hard to know as staff did restructure and reduce coincidentally at similar time. @poetryghost
  • I wrote about this ‘coincidence’ on @alanwylie ‘s blog recently http://ht.ly/fP1Py @mickfortune
  • Given govt cuts, staff reductions were inevitable as v big overhead. In a way could have been worse without RFID @poetryghost
  • But libraries spent more on RFID than necessary. Rush to s/s means reinvestment will now be needed to keep up. @mickfortune
  • I’m sure it happens but in this case were not related. One was brought in, restructure was part of a different process @poetryghost

Q3. Can you name some exciting uses of technology that you’ve seen in libraries?

• Libraries are keen on creating their own websites using startpages such as Netvibes. They can take control quickly/easily
  • going to be looking at NetVibes to create a startpage for jobseekers @calire
• http://www.socialmediacaster.org/smc-en  also looks quite innovative @mickfortune
• the use of the GoTo suite of product to induct and teach distance learning students. Also used to create instructional vids. @roogly

Q4. Have there been times when it hasn’t worked, and why? [tech that bombed or didn't do what you thought it would]

• I remember the  bloomsbury ebooks offering and overdrive for public libraries. So clunky I did not like using it at all. ebook platform with limited content is a fail. Users check once, and may not check again. @agentk23
  • Think Overdrive may have improved, but had a nightmare a few years ago showing my mum how to download an audio book. @calire
• *Shakes fist angrily at Yahoo pipers for letting me down too many times* But saying that, things like Yahoo pipes are good for getting idea off ground if you are trying proof of concept.  @ggnewed

 Q5. Are there any technologies you think we should give up on?

•  The VLE? ! VLE is too often simply a repository for lecture notes. conversation happens elsewhere, e.g. twitter, facebook, bar… @Paulbrichardson
  • I think that it’s too easy to internalise & try and control, rather than go out into 3rd party resources. (re VLE) @philbradley
  • Agreed. Q5: Re VLE Need to re-visit the purpose of the whole thing sometimes i.e. supporting learning! @paulbrichardson
  • are there any good alternatives to using VLEs @uklibchat
  • Can think about a cluster of apps, as in Personal Learning Envmt (PLE). Some might use Google Apps…. @paulbrichardson
  • PLE is a generic phrase. Everyone creates their own PLE using own tools for own purpose. @philbradley
  • Phil is right. PLE is conceptual – you can’t buy one! http://t.co/wnTg20SJ @paulbrichardson
  • Shouldn’t the focus be on the activity, rather than the tool? Always plenty of tools, so can essentially forget them. @philbradley
  • Tech is only as good as how you use it sometimes? (VLE case in point maybe) @uklibchat
  • Possible data protection issues? If you use cloud services, your data is elsewhere. @agentk23
  • Sure, have to take DataP into account, but should not define what can be done. Should be exception. PLE is really about individual, how they can keep up to date etc. Dragging info in from elsewhere, so datap not so much an issue @philbradley
  • (re PLE) Data protection? Absolutely it’s an issue. Policies needed @paulbrichardson
• I suppose it’s difficult to give up on some technology if you’ve invested £££££s in it. Also sometimes entire services are built around services [tech?], making the implication of changing it all a huge task.@ggnewed
  • Yes, but that’s from a mistake culture. Agree if its physical item, but if software, should maybe use free stuff? @philbradley
  • I suppose if you pay for software you are also paying for a level of support from supplier. @ggnewed
  • Disagree. Supplier can go bankrupt. Developer may want to support/develop to improve their product. @philbradley
  • I’d say that’s what holds people frm free stuff – I’d be using Linux if I knew I could get support easily @poetryghost
  • I’m thinking about rubbishy experiences I’ve had with a couple of free services I thought were great & developers messed up. I’d have happily paid for access if they’d offered it to keep services running well. But I agree that some paid services are just as bad.  @ggnewed
  • Also, despite govt policy on using open source, we’re very limited to what we can download due to int[?] costs  @kosjanska
  • I use free stuff a lot – it works for me, but might not be okay for lib service with 600+ employees. But then again, some of it might well be useful. @ggnewed
  • Yes, fair point well made. Both need to be included in a healthy mix of products @philbradley
  • Interestingly @NickDimant says Open Source systems need commerical support to work as business model @mickfortune
• Check out IFTTT to replace Pipes. Lori Ayre just popping in. Library Consultant from USA.  @galeciagroup
• I’d say playaways are a dead end (type of audiobook device), and inevitably libraries will need to give up on CDs and DVDs. They were basically an audiobook device that only holds one book. You lend device, customer adds batteries n earphones http://t.co/CAbX6KR9 @poetryghost

Q6. How much time is needed to learn and develop innovative tech in libraries? [may be good to have concrete examples?]

Q7. Do we need additionals quals to librarianship in order to develop innovative tech or can they learn at work?

• all depends how fast tech moves and how fast your org is willing to let you move – see social media in local govt services @poetryghost
• Would like someone to tell me what are important things to learn outside of libqual when working with online /e /digital @agentk23
• I think it’s a question of mind set, not qualifications. Have to be ok with unknown and being uncomfortable. @philbradley
• I think more people should learn about things like Human-Computer Interaction – it’s not very techy, but it IS important. @pennyb
• Library schools are where the failure is. Curriculum for our profession needs to change. @galeciagroup
  • disagree it’s not the curriculum it’s the culture @poetryghost
  • Probably so. If culture changed, so would curriculum. @galeciagroup
• I learnt about a lot of things because it was of interest to me anyway. @ggnewed
• Some people aren’t keen on techy ideas eg Twitter, but when they actually use it, it makes sense as to why it’s useful. @ggnewed
• My tech learning has been problem based. I want to do X, how do I do X? And I ask that on twitter @agentk23
• Org Culture can make big diff. Creating a culture of risk-taking, encouraging ideas from everyone, flatter org – all help. @galeciagroup
• Libraries need more coders. No brainer. @mrnick
• social media management poor – staff not empowered to make use of when at work @dave1lloyd
  • I think use of social media depends on how overall organisation views it.  @ggnewed
  • agreed -personal experience is I’m not aware of many orgs that encourage all staff to make use of social media @dave1lloyd
  • But sometimes when new social media site pops up it may be necessary to justify using it again!! @ggnewed
  • Or just do it anyway and then apologise later @calire
  • would be nice – my org doesn’t allow for library staff to access social media unless on break, not part of job @dave1lloyd
  • I did a lot at home or on my own devices. Still only person in library who can access SM at work. @calire
  • has anyone argued for a change? May just need someone to make a business case ask @tomroper.  @uklibchat
  • that’s a big prob in many orgs People at top older and suspicious of new tech treat each new 1 separately @poetryghost
  • That social media business case in full: http://www.ksslibraries.nhs.uk/procollect/  (use the drop-down menu) @tomroper

Q.8. Have you used any advisory services e.g. JISC, CILIP, other to advise on what tech could be helpful? Where else?

• Not tended to use services such as jisc, cilip formally- but will have used policy documents, briefings & papers by them. @ggnewed
• No promises, but would people find CILIP info service helpful if were able to offer access to play with ipad/kindle etc? Something I’d be keen to make happen, so thanks for enthusiasm. Does £££ so no promises, but will work on it. @philbradley
  • sounds interesting, may depend on how long we could ‘borrow’ for? think also may need support on use?
  • Yes, yes, yes – but not just in London please  @bishopwalshlib
  • We have done this for library staff & public. Hopefully organising a gadget day for library people to play & learn @calire
  • Just FYI, US group did a Tech Petting Zoo that worked well. Focused on how to learn devices in general. It was a hit. See http://t.co/1hui6SIJ for ideas. @galeciagroup
  • No much point showing kindles though Phil, as not allowed to loan them out etc!  Perhaps kobo better? @libwithattitude
  • could attach to existing regional events. @karjg
  • Good idea. We ran public drop in sessions here showing library users various ereaders and tablets – it worked well. @ggnewed
  • we’ve done something similar to a tech roadshow. Lets folk see it in action and play @kosjanska

Q9. Where are the places to look to get funding if lib can’t afford tech dev wanted?

• Arts Council England are keen on funding innovate/creative ideas. Good opportunity to take a chance & do something “Wow!” @ggnewed

Feature #01: Innovative use of Technology in Libraries

We are very excited to introduce to you something new that we’re doing at #uklibchat:  featured articles related to the chat sessions on our websites.

Gary Green  kindly agreed to write on December’s topic, and he highlights great examples of innovative use of technology in libraries.

 

The innovative use of technology in libraries

Technology plays a significant role in the delivery of modern library services – most commonly the software and hardware used in library management systems and catalogues, internet enabled computers, and electronic and digitized library resources. This use of technology is commonplace, but some libraries are also using it innovatively, providing services and information in new and unusual ways. In this blog post I’m going to share a handful of examples I’ve found in the library sector and also highlight that a large budget isn’t always needed to develop original ideas using technology.

 

Library Live And On Tour (Fraser Valley Regional Library Service, Canada): This is an interesting take on the mobile library service concept, with the aim of reaching people “who don’t know about our libraries or might have some obstacle to visiting them.” As well as taking books out to library users, the book mobile was kitted out with internet enabled laptops, e-readers, tablet devices, daisy audio players, an enhanced sound system and a large LCD screen, and visited places such as residential homes, soup kitchens, food banks and festivals. The focus of the service was less about the library materials and stock and more about adult literacy, access to information and community development, thus changing the emphasis of what a mobile service could provide.

 

Our Town Stories (Edinburgh Libraries): This site is focused on Edinburgh’s archives and the plotting of historical photos and stories on a virtual map. It features resources held by the library service, but library users can also contribute to the map. You can navigate the map via a sliding timeline bar, or click on pointers on the map that open up the images and stories. Once you’ve opened up an old photograph, click on the sliding bar above it and watch the image fade from view into an overlaid shot taken from the same perspective but from the modern day.

 

LibraryGame (Running In The Halls): This combines social media, gaming and library services. The social game is developed around the idea of gaining achievements whilst using library services and resources. It can link into library management systems and make use of library members’ data. Users can engage in competitive activity with each other and their achievements can be shared on regular social media channels. It aims to reward regular library users and encourage other users to become regular users of the library in a fun way.

 

Penguin Self-issue (Christchurch Libraries, New Zealand): This is a creative take on the use of RFID for issuing library stock in a children’s library. It works in the same way as a standard RFID book issuing/circulation unit, but is designed to look like a penguin on a block of ice – you place the items you want to borrow on the penguin’s open book and they’re issued to you. It’s purely designed as a fun way of engaging children in the library.

 

 

Photograph: Penguin self-issue © Christchurch City Libraries / Flickr

SCARLET project (University of Manchester): This is an augmented reality application designed to enhance student researchers understanding of historical documents housed at the University of Manchester. Using a tablet or smart phone device with the SCARLET app on the user points the camera on their device at the historical document and enhanced information about the item is displayed on the screen of their device – that may be a video commentary from an academic about the document, an overlay of the complete document, or other multimedia presentations. Only a limited amount of enhanced information is given, as the main purpose of the app is to generate an interest in the item, so that the student is encouraged to undertake further research.

 

Foto Fortunes (Library of Birmingham): This is a clever and creative method of crowd sourcing classification for photographs held in Birmingham’s archives. Disguised as a Facebook app in an interactive game format the player is presented with a series of old photos which they are asked to describe with keywords. The player is given a number of chances to find the most popular keywords that other players have used to describe the same photo and, as you enter your answers, it adds them to the list of keywords used for that image. So, as you’re playing, you’re also tagging the digitized image. The game is accompanied by a cartoon game show host, who comments on your answers. At the end of the game, you’re shown your score and high scores for the game.

 

Screen shot: Birmingham Library and Archive Services Foto Fortunes

 

Twitter Library Catalogue Search (University of Utrecht): The library service at the university have created a Twitter bot that runs a search on the library catalogue whenever anyone sends their Twitter account a tweet with a hash tag of #search and some appropriate keywords. Once the search is run the library Twitter account replies to the sender with an @ mention and a link to the catalogue search results.

 

Although most of the above examples required a significant amount of investment in time or money, the Library Twitter bot is a good example of how innovation can be achieved on a limited budget. It used 3 free services (Yahoo Pipes, Twitter, ifttt.com) and, with an intermediary knowledge of programming and how the library’s search urls were constructed, innovation was achieved.

 

In some ways it’s easier to put something together if you only need to focus on the software side of development. Once you have to build a physical object e.g. The Library Live And On Tour book mobile or penguin RFID issuing system, you have the expense of creating that physical object. With regard to software, there are so many free applications out there that can give you the capability to create new things, whether that’s tools like Yahoo pipes and ifttt.com that allow you to manipulate data, or more creative tools like Junaio, which was used to develop the SCARLET project. Admittedly, you may still need to have some technical knowledge to get an idea up and running using these tools, but there are online sites that let you get creative without this level of knowledge. For example, the library service I work for has used Tiki-Toki (Queen’s Jubilee project), Woices (literary trail of Guildford), Google Maps (Book Map) as a means to highlight our library resources in new ways. All of these sites allow users to create free accounts and add their own multimedia content and present it in a unique way – Tiki-Toki appears as a historical timeline; Woices is a series of audio podcasts; Google Maps displays book covers as pointers on a map and links back to our catalogue. I understand that free services can have their limitations, but they can also be a cost effective and easy way of trying out new ideas.

 

Following on from this, if you’ve got an idea that you want to turn into something tangible, the difficult part may be trying to find the relevant software or web service to help you achieve your goal. If this is the case, I’d recommend taking a look at a couple of sites. The first is Phil Bradley’s “I Want To” blog, which lists hundreds of useful web based services that let you create all manner of clever things. The second, Similar Sites Search, is useful if you find a website that does almost what you want it to do, but not quite. Type in the name of a website and it will give you a list of sites that are comparable and maybe one of those has all the functions that you need.

 

So, as I have illustrated, there is some fantastic innovation happening around technology in libraries, and if your library service wants to develop something new and exciting it needn’t be expensive to do it.

Gary Green (Technical Librarian, Surrey Library Services)

_

Do let us know if you like the idea of featured articles, and we always welcome feedback and comment on how we can improve!

#uklibchat team

Agenda: 4th December: Innovative use of technology

Greetings all! The agenda for the next  #uklibchat session is now available

Topic:  Innovative use of technology in libraries!

If you’re interested in talking about the exciting things you’ve seen happening in libraries tech-wise, or want to discuss what more can be done, and whether it’s worth it – why not join us for #uklibchat on Tuesday 4th December at 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm GMT. To view and add to the agenda, please click here.

To participate in the conversation use the #uklibchat hashtag on Twitter next Tuesday evening. If you are a Twitter or #uklibchat novice, please visit this page for advice on joining our chats.

If you have any queries please consult the uklibchat team via Twitter (@uklibchat) or email (uklibchat@gmail.com).

We look forward to chatting with you!

Summary – 24th July 2012 – Open Source and Open License Content

On 24th July, #uklibchat’s discussed Open Source and Open License Content.

Read on to find out more…

A thank-you to all the participants. We sometimes alter and combine tweets for the sake of flow, but endeavour to accurately reflect the views expressed. The searchable twitter archives for #uklibchat contains the actual tweets.

Please note – Adrienne moderated this chat but Sarah and Ka-Ming have summarised it, so we would particularly welcome comments and corrections! 

Q1 Does your library use open source software?

• Not for major systems (e.g. LMS/ILS) but a lot of the bespoke glue between those systems uses OS software … but we are evaluating VuFind as a replacement OPAC. For major systems like an LMS/ILS, I think you need serious buy-in and support from library director & staff to be successful.  Many libs have had their LMS/ILS for 10+ years, so it’s deeply embedded in the workflows & psyche of staff @daveyp
  • Yes -need to start with considering what we are here for (e.g. enabling learning & research) & how technology can enable @lizjolly
  • Depends, I think. The tech can be outsourced to service provider; the library retains benefit/responsibility of community #uklibchat @DataG
  • It’s the cultural shift required (rather than the tech) I’m thinking about. ..and same cultural shift is needed if the next gen of (non-OS) LMS replacements (Intota, Alma, etc) are going to succeed @DaveyP
  • This is spot on, easy to imagine a traditional-style OSS LMS having an easier time than a nextgen system @preater
  • Agreed. OSS adoption done right (IMHO) means that the library actively participates rather than passively receives @DataG
• Pretty much Open Office for now. This has proved quite beneficial in the rural community. @SHelmick
• I was giving a webinar on open source recently. At the start I asked what percent of libraries used open source; it was 50%. When I reminded them about Firefox and Chrome and WordPress and Drupal and Apache and Linux it jumped from 50% to 90% @DataG
  • ah, interesting! It’s easy to forget how mainstream #opensource is @uklibchat
  • Good point! Keep forgetting that E-prints is OS
  • Agreed, #opensource is everywhere including being sold to you in library vendor’s systems. @preater
• Yes, we use koha in HaltonPublic Libraries! @afeitar
  • How were the results? @rugabela
  • What would you say the main benefits are for your users? @lizjolly
  • It has improved the online services, eg we send email notifications, etc, but it has had difficulties too @afeitar
  • We’ve had Koha as our LMS for 18 months and I’d say it’s settled in quite well. First few 3-6 months were hard though! @afeitar
  • Trickle down $ advantages. I appreciate how #opensource prepares users/staff for updates/adapts @SHelmick
• We rely on the usual open source software behind the scenes, but so far no major OSS implementation (e.g. the LMS; discovery). @preater
• Dare I mention Shibboleth as a widely adopted piece of open source software in libraries? @nicoleharris
• LMS now part of discovery landscape should also be seen as part of creative landscape – rhizomatic learning? @DaveParkes
• I wrote a blog post which may be of interest: “Open-licensing your images. What it means and how to do it”: http://t.co/1yM7hE01 @pigsonthewing
• Libs using open source LMS +other stuff -HE SCONUL’s HELibTech http://t.co/dOuY0mgP publics http://t.co/nNx5tabc @kenchad
• University of Staffordshire were (I think & correct me if I’m wrong!) 1st HE library in the UK to move to an OS LMS @daveyp
• As far as I’m aware, Staffordshire are still the only UK HE library to use open source for their LMS @joeyanne
• Yes, Staffs still the only one – but NHS & research are growing. LMS part of info landscape-  not just discovery but part of creative and remix @daveparkes

Q2 What is the most popular #opensource software in libraries?

• Popluar OSS in libraries? For *major* systems probably Institutional Repositories (Eprints etc) -almost all are OSS? @kenchad
  • I think you’re right. Content repositories are where there is not penetration of commercial options (with notable exceptions) @DataG
  • Not exactly libraries but Moodle VLE seems strong @kenchad

Q3 Do you have any experience implementing open-source software? If so, what were the pros and cons?

• As a developer, OS software is much more hackable and it’s easier to add in extra functionality @DaveyP
• Open Source software is really about spending money in a different way, not especially cheaper … @edchamberlain

Q.4  Do you think that open-source software can replace commercial licensed software?

• There needs to be a variety of support models (commercial and community) available and a shift in procurement processes but yes. @nicoleharris
• Think this is most interesting if we consider ‘big’ systems like an OSS LMS, cos there’s no doubt OSS is already pervasive… @preater
• For the LMS etc. I reckon this is a question of business model (how to support the system) than development model (OSS vs closed). @preater
  • yes, at least in UK HE…along with all those other cultural change issues @liz_jolly
  • It does come down to a change in culture — one that I think is more aggressive in taking control of its own destiny @DataG
• Commercially produced software usually has the advantage of big capital investment, so it is easier to do big things @DataG
• There is an important distinction to remember between commercially supported OSS and commercially licensed proprietary systems @DataG
• Always be a mixed economy – OSS and commercially produced landscape – we all use google 1st! Analogy with gold and green in OA? @daveparkes

 Q.5 Do you know of any successful experiences/projects involving open-source software?

• Maybe worth mentioning that some commerical solutions are built on top of OS code – e.g. Summon built on top of OS Solr/Lucene @daveyp

Q.6 Do you know of any unsuccessful experiences/projects involving open-source software?

• Kaywa and Open Office develop to meet the needs of creators more than users. Many updates without much benefit.@SHelmick

Q.7 Is open-source software better than the commercial ones? Are they worse?

• OSS definitely rivals commercial software and can be better – easier to customise – but have to be choosy @amycrossmenzies
•  I believe so. Very open to feedback and adaptation @Shelmick
• In general, I’d say “yes”. I feel the key thing is to have open systems & OS normally more open than commercial lib products @daveyp

Q8 What are the main advantages and disadvantages of running open-source software in libraries?

• No answers to this, but it is covered to some degree in the answers to other questions (Ed)

Q.9 Have you contributed to open source software? Or open licence resources e.g. Wikipedia?

• Depends what you mean, but I’ve written open source s/w and written extensions to open source products @ostephens
•  We’ve released library usage data sets with an open license http://t.co/1GXcmK1w @daveyp
•  Released large amounts of data under and open license and tools to publish and manipulate it http://t.co/hDEmieEV @edchamberlain
• Yes – all LIS/HE related – quite a few bits on http://t.co/vinPsm8P @ostephens

Q.10 If you could develop any piece of free software for your collection (or any other), what would it be?

• Moodle and WP plugins (latter to grab library account data into WP) @ostephens

Other questions asked

Do you think OSS is still primarily creator, rather than user, focussed?

• Not so much as well meaning developers @SHelmick

Do we have to pay for OSS software? Or Are all OSS free of charge? @rugabela

• There’s nothing to stop a company selling OSS, or more likely, selling support for OSS e.g.http://t.co/sRCwxQbx@daveyp
•  Not all OSS is free but there’s a lot more choice and can usually get a similar thing free @amycrossmenzies
• We pay for hosting and development small charge – no licence @daveparkes

Do you know WEBLIS developed by UNESCO? http://t.co/g1KzvguI @rugabela

• @rugabela I’ve heard of ISIS, which I think is/was the most widely implemented ILS/LMS in the world? @daveyp
•  WEBLIS is based on CD/ISIS. There was a free database software known as CD/ISIS @rugabela
• CD/ISIS was implemented in small libraries/documentation centres in Spain. It was quite popular in mass media. But I’ve never worked with it. @rugabela
• I did some practice with it on a course and I didn’t like it. Found it rather strange and a bit complicated @rugabela

Does anyone have comparison of benefits of open source lms over others? @imrana_g

• It’s an appalling example (since most of it was bullsh*t), but http://t.co/KTXuXQgw came to mind! … well worth reading, if only to peek into the collective mind of a commercial company threatened by Koha/Evergreen @daveyp

Other points made

• Open source is rhizomatic in sense part of the ecology -part of roots and shoots that allow the plant to propagate itself,creativelearning tool @daveparkes
  • @daveparkes Yes. Teach how to think/create vs. what to think/create.@shelmick

• Yes. This is why I think we are seeing many leaving OSS SEO. http://t.co/egou61m9 @Shelmick

• Koha ILS Users & developers Group on Linkedin http://t.co/lsJShOi2

• ‘Hype cycle’ proprietary software hits a wall where owner relies on lock-in. OSS goes through the wall if the community is strong @c3iq

Summary – 21 Aug 2012 -Outreach and Inclusion

On 21st August, #uklibchat’s discussion was on Outreach and Inclusion. Participants discussed what they thought counted as outreach, gave real examples of outreach, and taking a ‘business’ approach to marketing. Plenty of advice was given on what to consider when starting outreach, establishing and maintaining connections being a big consideration.

Read on to find out more!

A thank-you to all the participants. We sometimes alter and combine tweets for the sake of flow, but endeavour to accurately reflect the views expressed. The searchable twitter archives  for #uklibchat contains the actual tweets.

Q1  What is outreach? Blogs? Leaving the Library? Marketing Events?

• Do blogs count as outreach? I don’t think you can say you’re doing it just by saying ‘we have a blog’. I also think marketing is linked in some aspects, but separate. It should be more than just posters/leaflets a pen with logo. @agentk23
• Anything where library services or promotion of library services take place outside or extend beyond the physical library? so I’d consider blogs, leaving the library and marketing events outreach. @library_lizzie
• Does outreach mean to reach the people who can’t access to a library so easily?. Not sure about the meaning of that @rugabela
• I would consider outreach to any library user as outreach @library_lizzie
• To me outreach is about targeting groups by the method they prefer, directly to them, rather than customer coming to library @mrswtaylor
• http://t.co/BXP6olcY Here’s a blog post talking about outreach in libraries. This shows that the definition of outreach is quite mutable! @agentk23
• Is outreach also about attracting non-traditional users to library services, even if not using physical library? @kirsty_thomson
• Think of outreach as reaching out to the community through a mix of tools, but with emphasis on physical presence in community. It should be about attracting new and non traditional user groups, making the library more accessible to encourage them in @Jigsawatwork
• In a school, outreach is taking the library to those pupils who don’t want to use us and showing them why they should. @BishopWalshLib
  • Do you have specific outreach strategies aimed at particular groups or make all outreach relevant to all? @library_lizzie
  • We do both at different times – eg this year we had an author visit aimed just at the special needs pupils @BishopWalshLib

• Hello! At Citizens Advice ‘outreaches’ are places where advice is offered outside bureaux (courts, doctors etc) @cmbirley
• Real outreach would be not just taking the library to people, but letting them pick when, where and how. By talking to them, not just assuming that, as librarians, they know what people should have @artistmakers
  • yes i agree but with severe staff shortages this is going to be harder to achieve! @alan_wylie
  • It’s going to be essential; without support from a wide audience, libraries will (and should) close @artistmakers
  • think its v important to listen to and respond to needs of library users in a way like this @amycrossmenzies
  • outreach was one of the things that got sacrificed when Islington slashed staffing. @agentk23
  • yes it did to a significant extent but it’s still happening, its a great shame and short sighted @alan_wylie
• Outreach in medical libraries often means providing info skills sessions in departments @herslantfinely

Q2 Does your library do outreach? Who do they target? (or if you know of an outreach project can talk about that too!)

• Last year I heard about projects that encouraged school children into Cambridge college libraries. V.cool One by @Girlinthe.  @agentk23
• Pop up libraries can be considered outreach. Where I work, we set up stalls near canteen to catch nurses/doctors/students. Pop up works, had some people sign up on the spot, and consider using our literature search services, last time I was at one  @agentk23
• I would call this blog by our biochemistry subject librarian outreach http://t.co/utZiCnO2. Another subject librarian sends monthly emails to her department to keep them up to date with new books and available training @library_lizzie
  • Who are you trying to reach with the blog, and how do you make sure it’s reaching the target? @uklibchat
  • Trying to reach biochemistry staff and students – not sure how it’s made sure that happens as I don’t run it @libary_lizzie

• Saw this great article in ALA magazine recently about taking ref libs into community http://t.co/ffY5EFrR @alan_wylie
• The medical library where I work has librarians whose job title is Outreach Librarian. They go to users offices in their department to give one-to-one training, search advice, etc…@library_lizzie
• In Islington we go the freshers fairs and business events promoting the service. Also we have made links with refugee groups and give them tours of the library etc @alan_wylie
• Public libraries would make connections with schools, I think local lib did readings in school to encourage use of libraries? @agentk23
• We’re a University library open to the whole community all year round – no access control barriers! We’re not unique. @liz_jolly
  • how many non academic users do you get? #uklibchat how do you let them know that it’s available to them?
  • Don’t count separately as can just walk in (don’t need to join). @liz_jolly
• Summer reading scheme presumably an example in public libraries. Most kids coming into ours knew about it through schools. @cmbirley
• Summer reading challenge is promoted to all schools through assemblies. @calire
• I’m coming to the conclusion that librarians need to get familiar with many Marketing strategies @rugabela
• We have a group of y10s doing a week long project in my uni library, hopefully will encourage them to use lib when they’re at uni @annie_bob
  • sounds like a great way to show students the value of library b4 they start at uni @amycrossmenzies
• hi I’m a liaison librarian for SLS I encourage use of local library as well as school. VLE also great for outreach @elizabethhutch
  • sounds great, wish i’d had this cos in hindsight i didn’t have a clue!! should do this everywhere @amycrossmenzies
• http://t.co/HaAnQxUK Quaker runs a mobile library that reaches homeless people. I think public libraries should consider this. @agentk23
  • some already do, Islington has the ‘new horizons’ project taking books etc out to local estates and hostels etc @alan_wylie
• Outreach is also not about bricks and mortar. In HE We need to be visible in departments, schools, faculties, show our services @roogly
• Worth looking at CILIP Libraries change lives awards for examples of public library outreach http://t.co/oZZ1IRZ7 @calire
• We also have mobile lib. here, a number or buses (library buses) which go to remote places & boroughs without a library @rugabela
• last week a customer saw our VOLUNTEER doing Under 5s and came in for first time in ages and is displaying his art next month… @amy_crouch

Q3  When running outreach projects, what should be considered?

• Good relationships with local college & pub. libs. @liz_jolly
• Firstly proper dialogue and meaningful consultation with user/nonuser groups, ask them what they want and need @alan_wylie
• In my exp biggest barriers to outreach are staff time & trouble building/keeping good contacts w other orgs. I do a lot of work with schools & just getting to the point of talking to someone other than secretary can be v challenging @spoon_tragedy
  • yes i agree, we need to find simpler ways of doing it that are not time and staff intensive. It took me months to contact local schools and arrange visits etc, very frustrating and time consuming @alan_wylie
  • why do yo think they aren’t interested? have u had any feedback why they aren’t enthusiastic? @amycrossmenzies
• Should consider what the library is trying to achieve and how will this work with the interests of group being targeted. Consider whether anyone else in your organisation/network has had contacts with the targeted group you can use @spoon_tragedy
• who it’s most valuable/needed to reach. make sure it’s done in an appropriate way that those groups will embrace @amycrossmenzies
• Should start where pupils are and make outreach relevant to their world, their interests and needs @BishopWalshLib
• Important to consider what method(s) of communication best for reaching target audience @library_lizzie
• Continuity. Relying on just one person, means when they leave, connections lost. Is a factor for working with homeless orgs @agentk23
• monitoring impact of outreach is important to consider – show growth etc @mrswtaylor
  • definitely – you need to make sure outreach is working or you could be wasting your time @library_lizzie
• Another thing to consider is whether you have the stock to satisfy the interest your outreach creates @BishopWalshLib
  • good point – stock range and correct format! @mrswtaylor
• Fidelity is a very important concept in Marketing nowadays. How can it be applied to libraries? @rugabela
  • what do you mean by fidelity as a concept? @uklibchat
  • Now companies are very interested in retaining customers, to make them come back to their shops, services. In other words, faithful customers. That’s what I mean @rugabela
  • also to generate ‘lifetime value’ from customer, inc getting them to advocate for you (ie, recommend svcs) @NicolaFranklin
• In medical lib, can be hard getting message to every staff level. Rely on “lib champions” a lot @herslantfinely
  • lib champions? @uklibchat
  • Not official term! Regular users who tell their staff about us. Rely on word of mouth lots. Loyal users who champion us whenever they can, some depts use us far more than others – Ortho, for e.g @herslantfinely
  • do you ask them to do that for you, or just happen to have people who do? @agentk23
  • Yep, not volunteers or recruited specifically. Enthusiastic lib supporters. Mention us in dept meetings @herslantfinely
  • Library champions as in the Team London, Merton Libraries volunteer sense? @Alan_wylie
  • By lib champion just meant some1 who would liaise with library/promote it where they were @spoontragedy
  • Or just encourage the most enthusiastic kids to “tell their friends”. Doesn’t have to be official role. @herslantfinely

Q4  What kinds of library need to do outreach?  Public, academic, health, others?

(skipped as  it’s clear all different sectors are doing outreach)

Q5 What messages, channels and tactics do libraries use to communicate?

• We use our VLE to promote the library to the school but also our services as a SLS @elizabethhutch
• we’ve just created a FB page for islington libs, it’s taken us years to get approval! Also looking at interactive opac! @alan_wylie
• Some pupils follow me on Twitter! Also library website on VLE, school briefing system, assemblies, and school plasma screens @BishopWalshLibrary
• Social Media, E-mail, Advertising, On-line services, phone @rugabela
• pop-up libraries, twitter, facebook, blogs, going to student inductions and freshers fairs @agentk23
• I think that a good tactic is to collaborate with other institutions in cultural programmes @rugabela
• Ours rely on photocopied flyers in the library, not distributed, and the local paper, mainly @artistmakers
  • where I used to work. a colleague said they distributed leaflets once and that ‘it didn’t work’ so they didn’t do it again. I think it’s the wrong attitude to take. Should instead look at being more creative and better targeted! @agentk23
  • yes, that does sound rather defeatist – imagine ‘oh, tried reading a book once, didn’t like it, never again’! @artistmakers
  • Often hear lots of “we’ve tried that already” attitudes. Can be disheartening to the librarian w/ ideas! @herslantfinely
  • Very disheartening for people like me who try to get involved and bring life to local libraries!  @artistmakers
• We’re all about Twitter and Facebook. Also planning a ‘trailer’ style film about our services that will prob go on YouTube. We’ve also considered raising awareness of what we can do for students *before* they come to uni, via Widening Participation @claredowsett
  • Our (uni) library is involved in summer schools for yr 12s. Have had positive feedback from students, hopefully it will help them if/when they start uni @library_lizzie
  • it seems more school libraries are trying to do this. We have used Birmingham uni outreach for y12 @claredowsett
• blogs, library newsletter, website.. @amycrossmenzies
• We rely on word of mouth & enthusiastic users, but also Trust intranet, blogs, staff inductions, marketing events @herslantfinely
• Another good tactic would be to allow the use of rooms for meetings or offering rooms for rent @rugabela
  • that’s more income generation rather than outreach? @uklibchat
  • Don’t you think that librarians should get a bit of business perspective? @rugabela
  • maybe it would also bring people to the library who wouldn’t otherwise be there so could also be outreach? @library_lizzie
  • definitely agree, marketing strategy and planning especially. eg, understanding different ‘segments’ of ‘target market’ will have different needs + use different channels @nicolafranklin
  • I’m seeing that cultural institutions here are using more business tactics to reach people, pure Marketing!! I’m even hearing that Culture is a business but with very different characteristics comparing to “Traditional Business” Cultural intitutions in my country [Spain] are becoming more& more specialised in business tactics. Of course, there’re people reluctant because they think that this will promote inequality when accessing 2 culture  @rugabela
  • I think if we were more business like we would be able to promote the library and ourselves better. @elizabethhutch

• Use FB, Twitter, email newsletter, blog, website as well as posters, local press etc @calire
• All of these, but also community newsletters, working in partnership with other agencies, strong links with local press. @ouchlibrarian
• Branding is also a good idea as it increases recognition of the library and the wide range of resources we provide. And branding enables us to differentiate ourselves from other departments in a positive way @claredowsett
• we have gone out and asked different target groups how we can improve services to them, asked what they need. The trick is to act on what they say. If they see we’re responding they are more likely to use the service@ouchlibrarian
  • very true – pupils always delighted when we buy books they’ve suggested @BishopWalshLibrary

Q5a For those who work in pub libraries do you think pub libs make full use of different mediums?

• Ours doesn’t – staff cutbacks and lack of social media training are barriers. @cmbirley
• I’m on FB and Twitter, go into local village once a week physically – never seen any ‘outreach’ or marketingg from local lib How about them using posters or cards in local shop windows/notice boards (as lots of others do) to raise awareness?@nicolafranklin
• In my public library it’s hard to pass suggestions upwards – management seem to have other priorities or maybe constrained? @cmbirley
• Is there a reason (public esp) libs seem reluctant to learn marketing/business tactics? @rugabela
  • possibly cost! @Elizabethhutch
  • don’t think inc knowledge of how to best communicate msg needs inc cost eg; better target existing stuff. Libs have competition whether they like it or not (google, bookshops, etc) – better to know how to counter than ignore? @nicolafranklin
  • some things to do wouldn’t cost much! I think it’s partly lack of vision @agentk23
  • I agree, coupled with fear of unknown and distaste of anything that smacks of ‘commercialism’ @nicolafranklin
  • I think that the best for libraries is to work in networks, sharing resources and aims. Thousands of libraries competing would be a totally mess in society.Collaborative networks save costs.@rugabela
  • The problem here is that the top authorities are politicians!! Libraries depend on goverments. For that reason there’s a mess here ’cause the last decision is up to local/regional gov. I think libraries should be allowed to work more independently. They’re people trained to do it well @rugabela
  • Yes, but independence should also come with financial support. libraries benefit the community. @agentk23
  • Quite often we rely on external funding for services to target groups sadly @ouchlibrarian
  • libraries should be exploring these external avenues for funding! It’s a good thing. @agentk23
  • yes its great if you know who to apply to and in partnership with others @ouchlibrarian
  • so outreach should include to council too, so they understand why/how libs benefit community. @nicolafranklin
  • That was vv strong msg from the libraries futures workshops.@BenYMLee
  • and again this is about shouting about success when things work @ouchlibrarian
• Pub libraries don’t make full use, parent organisation often wants to keep control& prohibits/constrains a lot of channels @spoontragedy

Q6 Does your library have a social inclusion policy?

• social inclusion is at the heart of the University’s mission. it’s what we’re about so no separate policy. @liz_jolly
  • So how do you make sure you’re socially inclusive? do you think there’s anyone you’re not reaching? @uklibchat
  • we work with colleagues across the uni. & with uni. partners in the community. Always looking to learn & improve! @liz_jolly
  • it means going out and targeting groups, asking how we can improve services to them, asking what they need. @ouchlibrarian
  • I agree by working with as many colleagues as possible and marketing services widely we are being inclusive @ouchlibrarian
  • Cool. What partners/orgs do you work with? @uklibchat
  • the usual (common in post 92 unis) inc.: local councils, schools, 6th forms, colleges, NHS trusts, business, charities @liz_jolly
• I think my local library could do more for ethnic minorities, collab with Chinese Association for example. Also, it’s hard for some groups, like the homeless. If you need to give address to become library member, you can’t join!@agentk23
• Compared to today, Libraries 50yrs ago were exclusive institutions, now they’re learning how to become inclusive @Richardveevers

Q7 How can social media be used in outreach?

Social media useful for last minute reminders of events and training sessions. But social media shouldn’t be the only medium for any communication because not everyone uses it. @library_lizzie

Q8 How do you create/maintain successful partnerships with orgs/groups outside your library for the purposes of outreach?

• Don’t think there are shortcuts! you need to have someone as a liaison and keep it up! @agentk23
• Quite often we rely on external funding for services to target groups sadly @ouchlibrarian
  • but libraries should be exploring these external avenues for funding! It’s a good thing. @agentk23
• Public authorities can sign up to 6 steps to accessible library services for blind & nominate a champion – joint SCL & STV initiative @mrswtaylor

***

Related Links (pulled out from discussion)

http://t.co/BXP6olcY Here’s a blog post talking about outreach in libraries. This shows that the definition of outreach is quite mutable!

http://t.co/utZiCnO2. I would call this blog by our biochemistry subject librarian outreach

 http://t.co/ffY5EFrR Saw this great article in ALA magazine recently about taking ref libs into community

http://t.co/HaAnQxUK Quaker runs a mobile library that reaches homeless people. I think public libraries should consider this

http://t.co/oZZ1IRZ7 Worth looking at CILIP Libraries change lives awards for examples of public library outreach

Extra:

Blogged: Library Outreach, Advocacy & Marketing – close cousins or poles apart? http://t.co/ceEpAMHr by @nicolafranklin

 

Agenda – Outreach and Inclusion – 21st August 2012

The next #uklibchat  will be on Outreach and Inclusion

Time and Date:  Tuesday 21st August,  6.30- 8.30 pm UK time.

Does your library do any outreach work?  Is social inclusion only of importance in public libraries?

Feel free to add  your questions to the agenda  here

Use the hashtag #uklibchat on Twitter to join in the conversation and follow our Twitter account @uklibchat.  We look forward to chatting with you! And if you want to lurk, hey that’s okay too