public libraries & technology plus preserving indigenous knowledge

Public libraries & technologies - where might things go?

KeAnne Hoeg will lead us in a wide ranging exercise in pondering how far we can go.
The readings will provide an overview of the ways libraries are using technology. Some are interesting; some are provocative. It looks like you have a lot of readings, but many of them are only a page or 2. When possible, KeAnne has also tried to provide links to libraries using technologies into practice so you can see them in action.
- Required
  1. OPACs
    - How OPACs Suck, Part 3: The Big Picture (Schneider, 2006). If you have time, read Part 1 and Part 2
    - LibraryThing for Libraries (Sheehan, 2007).
      - Danbury Public Library Catalog uses LibraryThing to provide tags for its collection
    - Evergreen: Your Homegrown ILS (Weber, 2006). Read pp. 38-39, stopping at the “Beginning the journey” heading
      - Ann Arbor District Library Catalog uses tags and allows users to tag books and post reviews/comments; play around with it if you have a chance.
  2. Who’s On Third in Second Life? (Bell et al., 2007)
  3. Using Wireless Devices to Enhance Reference and Information Services (Forsyth, 2006)
  4. In Blog Heaven: A Painless New Approach to Readers’ Advisory (Zellers, 2007)
    - Blogging for a Good Book (Williamsburg Regional Library blog)
  5. Libraries Use MySpace to Attract Teens (Oleck, 2007)
    - Hennepin MySpace page
  6. Competencies/Skills
    - University of Michigan’s MSI Social Computing Specialization
      - Skim description and required courses
    - Making library schools smarter (Mercado, 2008)
      - Read point 10
- Optional
  - Happy Birthday, BFBG! Recent post from the Blogging for a Good Book blog reflecting on the blog’s first year, stats, etc.
  - The looming infrastructure plateau? Space, funding, connection speed, and the ability of public libraries to meet the demand for free Internet access (McClure, Jaeger & Bertot, 2007)
    - Read the “Implications of the infrastructure plateau” section
  - Library 2.0 Debased (Blyberg, 2008)
    - Blog post notable because Blyberg has been a Library 2.0 advocate
Questions to ponder as you read/explore
1. What are the biggest problems with current OPACs/ILS and what do you think of the recommendations to improve them and how some libraries are responding to that challenge?
2. What are the most important issues for public libraries to consider when implementing technology?
3. How would you use technology to improve the public library’s services? Where would you start and why?
4. Many of the technologies fall into the Library 2.0 category (Web 2.0 applied to the library). Is Library 2.0 a passing fad or could it bring real improvements to library services? Is Library 2.0 an attitude/state of mind or is it about the technology?
5. As future librarians, how prepared are you to implement or champion these technologies? What technology skills (if any) do you think you need?

Peserving indigenous knowledge

Liz Gregg will lead us in a discussion on how public libraries might contribute towards preserving indigenous knowledge. To prepare yourselves for the session,
1. read Nakata, M. et. al. (2007). "Chapter 1: Indigenous Knowledge, the library and information service sector, and protocols." Australian Indigenous knowledge and libraries. Pages 7-20, (11pgs)
2. Choose one of these two readings:
  - Senior, D. (2007). "Giving indigenous knowledge: the Alkalyte Antheme collection, Alice Springs Public LIbrary." Aplis 20(1) March; 28-33, (6pgs)
  - Kargbo, J. A. (2005). "Managing indigenous knowledge: What role for public librarians in Sierra Leone?" The International Information & Library Review 37,199–207, (8pgs)
3. Read at least one of these:
  - Robinson, O. & Barnard, T. (2007). "Thanks, but we'll take it from here. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women Inﬂuencing the Collection of Tangible and Intangible Heritage" Museum International, No. 236; 59(4) 34-45
  - Britz, J. & Lor, P. (2004)." A Moral Reflection on the Digitization of Africa's Documentary Heritage." IFLA Journal 30(3); 216-223 (p. 22-29 of pdf)
  - Joranson, K. (2007). " Indigenous knowledge and the knowledge commons" The International Information & Library Review. doi:10.1016/j.iilr.2007.09.002
Questions to Consider:
- Does indigenous knowledge have a role in American public libraries? Why or why not? How does its geographic restrictions affect the collection process?
- Should outside institutions be allowed to obtain rights to certain elements of indigenous knowledge such as medicinal or other information? How should these collaborative relationships be maintained?
- How would you compare international standards for dealing with this type of knowledge versus US Libraries?
- Should we adopt any of the international approaches to our handling of native North American materials?
- How does the idea of the information commons contribute to indigenous knowledge. What are the limitations?

Seminar in Public Libraries - public libraries & technology and preserving indigenous knowledge

03 April 2008

Some things from our list of Library 2.0 links

Local Legacies: Celebrating Community Roots

In North Carolina

Public libraries & technologies - where might things go?

Peserving indigenous knowledge