The Evolving Library

The Evolving Library

Michelle Kraft MLS, AHIP2009 MLGSCA Technology Symposium

Cerritos, CA

Evolution

Sociocultural evolution is a term for theories describing how cultures and societies have developed over time.• Human social behaviours are learned in a

social environment and through social interaction

• Change is inevitable

- Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociocultural_evolution

The Library as an Ecosystem

So Why Is This Important

• The evolution of library users– The individual is evolving– Large increase in already “evolved” users

User Demographics

Seniors• 1925-1945 (ages 64-84)

Baby Boomers• 1946-1964 (ages 45-63)

Gen X• 1965-1980 (ages 29-44)

Millennials• 1981-2000 (ages 9-28)

-Forrester Research. The Emerging Work and Implications For Training. 2005

Net Generation Gen X and Millennials are the “Net Generation” Born with technology Always known cheap, quick communication Prefers to work in peer groups Little tolerance for delays Multi-taskers Used to experimenting, prefer

experiences to create knowledge

Net Learners Seniors and Baby Boomers make up the “Net

Learners.” Had to learn technology, usually along side the

Net Generation Keeps land line, cell phone not primary phone Prefers individual work Shows more patience, happy when technology

works Used to receiving information linearly Less experimenting, prefer instructions

Tipping of the Scales

Gen X and Millennials make up a large group of users or potential users.• 88 million people born between 1977-1997

• Now 27% of the U.S. population

• 85 million Baby Boomers were bon• Now 23% of the U.S. population

-Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing Your World by Don Tapscott.

Different World View

Online Uses and Expectations

“Our generation shops online, dates online, takes classes [online], yet we still need to drive to the municipal office to pay for a dog license.”

-”The Net Generation.” Government Technology.Oct. 2006

Online Uses and Expectations

“If you aren't going to make it easy for me, I am not going to try it. I have enough hoops to jump through during the day to deal with.”

- Mike Kraft. Trying to sync Google Calendar with his iPhone

What? It isn’t Online!?

Two User Types & One Library

• Net Learners come to the library to search or read

• Technology makes research easier but isn't a requirement

Two User Types & One Library

• Net Generation wants the library to come to them – They can research or

read when and where they want to

• Technology required for research

Library and User Evolution

In the past patrons came to the library, now the library comes to the patrons.

What To Do?

• Critical eye– Look at sacred

cows– Road Trip– Network

• Plan– Needs Assesment– SWOT analysis

What To Do?

Copy Others• Fine if works for you library

Asses Implementing• Need technology?• Change library space?

It Isn’t All Technology

University of Rochester Gleason Library

What To Do?

• Get Moving– Don’t plan to death

• Not librarian input– Users and non-users

– Different age groups

– Different professions

Reach Your Users

Get Out!

• Start or do more outreach– What keeps you in

your office at your desk?

• Is it really important?

• Things are just fine the way they are?– Could things be done

better?

Different Users = Different Approaches

Different Outreach Approaches

Both groups learn completely differently• Net Learners – use instructions, think linearly• Net Generation – multi-task, experiment

Both groups communicate differently• Net Learners – usually one conversation, face

to face, phone, email• Net Generation – multiple convesations,

email, text, phone

Different Outreach Approaches

Two types of hands on instruction• Linear, instructor led, detailed handouts• Experimental, sideline coach, quick reference

Different instructional aids• Handouts, step by step• Videos, self guided tutorials

Different Outreach Approaches

Different learning objectives• How to use technology to accomplish goals

• Who to call for help

• Technology won’t accomplish all goals• When to call for help

Different Outreach Approaches

Different elevator speeches• Like to know you can help

• Have the resources to save them time

• Specifically how can you help• Already saving time, but would like to save more

Different Outreach Approaches

Both groups food and prize driven• Lunch and learn

• Different food• Different times

• Gift cards• Different types of gift cards

• Free Parking – seems to work for everyone

Evaluate

Listen for feedback Usage statistics Engage in conversations

Rinse and Repeat

Change is inevitable• Policies• Technology• Patron characteristics

Always opportunities for growth• Hospital projects• Residency requirements• Daily job

Don’t be afraid to make changes

Questions?