Publishers, Libraries, and Patron Zombies

NYT: For Libraries and Publishers,

The day after Christmas, the library re-opens it's doors to a bright and mildly chilled Tuesday morning.  Oh, the serenity of it.  The sun is shining over a soft snow that fell the night before, the day is fresh with the powering up of computers and the smell of overdue books.  But wait.  What is that?  Off in the distance, creeping slow toward the book drop.  A crowd, a hoard, a swarm of...patrons.  As they approach the librarians realize that they are not ordinary patrons, no, these patrons are not the chipper fiction readers to be expected on a weekday, they look tired with their bloodshot eyes and unkempt hair.  It looks like they haven't slept in days.  It's almost like...like...their zombies.  Zombies lacking compound bone fractures and bleeding appendages, rather with book size boxes (half of them still wrapped in plastic) and USB cables.  They're clutching their packages and moaning "help us...help us."  While a enthusiastic library staff runs towards the shelf to grab the Zombie Survival Guide (thank you Max Brooks for having this foresight) a thought comes to mind.  These patrons are not the rotting corpses from World War Z (again, thank you Mr. Brooks), nor are they the flesh eating monsters from Walking Dead, they are patrons exhausted from staying up since Christams trying to figure out how to use their new eReaders.

Alright, so this exaggeration of an apocalyptic raid on the library is probably not going to happen but it might come close.  The library has been training for the past month to prepare for the eReader questions that are bound to walk through our doors this time of year.  Rather than fearing these questions I have tried my hardest to arm staff with the information needed to answer basic questions and feel confident when talking about this technology.  The requirement that staff has is to be able to explain our eBook loaning software and how it works with eReaders.  They're on top of their game.  All of them, whether comfortable with the technology or not, has welcomed the information with open arms, I am confident that they will be able to rise to the challenge of answering the eReader demand.  Unfortunately, there are some in this game of loaning digital content that are not as flexible or willing to cooperate as the staff at the library.  These hindering parties are ebook publishers and, you may not like to hear this, libraries.

In my eyes (notice I said in my eyes, none of my opinions reflect the opinions of the library) publishers and libraries share an equal responsibility in making the relationship between ebooks and loaning work.  Publishers, come on, blocking libraries from purchasing content.  I know it's about the money but lighten up.  Yeah it's easy to check out digital library books (for most people) but if patrons want to borrow it from the library and you don't provide the content there is a good chance they will just look for the print version anyway.  Yeah, you'll probably get some business but your pissing off a lot of libraries and patrons which is not good.  I use my eReader for checking out a books from the library, sometimes I finish it, sometimes I don't, I'm a busy guy.  If I don't finish it or if I really like it I consider purchasing it for myself so I can read it at my leisure so there is no worry about it disappearing after 21 days right when I'm getting to the good part.  One thing I do not do is actively look for eBooks to purchase.  If I want to read it and it's not in the library's eBook catalog I'm going for the physical copy.  So, in my eyes you just lost a potential costumer because you didn't sell a copy to a library.  I also try to avoid you when I buy books for my own personal collection.

Libraries, you're complaining about these publishers not selling you books, and it sucks, but do something about it.  Write a letter, boycott, paint profane images on the side of their buildings (no, that's probably not a good idea).  My point is that I see a lot of articles published about how publishers are treating libraries poorly but we should stand up for ourselves and think of inventive ways to get these people working with us.  Get them on our side.  We are and always have been an asset to publishers.  Not all patrons exclusively check out books.  Many of them visit books stores and buy content online so how about publishers sell us eBooks and we'll push your titles saying that they make a good last minuet eGift or something crazy like that.  I'm just giving an example but we need to work together.  Also, the whole 26 checkout freak out, that was bad.  I'm going to have to side with the publishers on this one.  It isn't fair that libraries are able to purchase one eBook and check it out over and over again.  That doesn't happen to real books and we're just fine with that.  Perhaps 26 is low, I'll give you that, but why should we not give a little to publishers to get a little?

My point is that libraries and publishers need to work with one another.  Both businesses have gains when working together.  Libraries of coarse continue to checkout books, which is, let's face it, awesome.  Publishers, it's a way to advertise.  Let libraries do your leg work.  Get the word out there for eBooks.  Owners of eReaders are not going to borrow every eBook from the library.  They are going to buy many, many titles.  Let them.  It's fine.  Check some out, get the word out there and let them buy some.  It's not all about money (especially for libraries).  If libraries are telling patrons that publishers won't work with libraries how's that going to look?  If libraries sit there and complain about publishers it's not going to look good for us.  So, publishers work with libraries and libraries work with publishers.  Enough said.

#pardonmythumbs

-rk

Creating A Web App...

Smart phones, while great for flinging birds at evil pigs, they are also handy when using custom web apps.  They, in my opinion, can make a librarian's life much easier if used in a constructive way.  Not that ridding the earth of evil green pigs is a waste of time.  


Anyway, to start, a few months ago the library I work for moved out of their comfy location in the heart of the community to a remote location on the outskirts of town.  All this is well and good but the funny thing about moving a library is moving the thousands of books that go along with it.  An even funnier bit is moving it all back to a building that has been renovated can now not hold the number of volumes it did before.  When this happens it's time to discard some printed pretties.   


<opinion>If you're one of those librarians that is HESITANT about getting rid of books you should know that less people will use a crowded and old looking collection than a fresh and new looking collection.  If you are a librarian who will NOT throw out a book (*cough* hoarder *cough*) you should probably get with the times.  Would you wear ratty, dirty, smelly skirt, suit, or knickers to work?  No, you're a respectable professional.  So why would you keep ratty, dirty, smelly books?  Your collection should match the professional attitude of your organization.</opinion>


Getting rid of books is OK with me, which is good considering I have to take care of the adult nonfiction collection that is in some ways grossly out of date.  The problem I have is carrying books that will inevitably be discarded from storage to the second floor of the library, scanned, taken out of the system, de-marked, and finally hauled back to storage.  Not that I mind the exercise, it's the amount of time this process takes that worries me.  So, what do you do to save some mileage?  Create a web app.


The app I put together is a quick (and dirty) HTML web app to record barcode numbers off books without leaving the storage unit.  The web app sent the barcodes to a Google Docs spreadsheet which would later be download to a .CSV file and uploaded to the circulation software (Evergreen in this case) and finally discarded.  It sounds like a lot of steps but when it comes to hauling boxes this was an incredibly easy solution.  I later added the option to check either "Keep" or "Discard" so I could upload the "Keep" books and change their status from "Storage" to "Available" (or whatever they needed to be changed to) and put them directly on a cart to be shelved.  


This is just one example of what custom smart phone web apps can do.  As far as forms are concerned you can really make them do just about anything.  From this "project" I have created a "Order This Book" app that I can use in book stores, app I like to call "P.A.T." which stands for "Patron Assistance Ticket."  This one spawned out of my notorious habit of telling patrons I would look in to something for them then forgetting about it or misplacing the piece of paper I wrote the information down on.  And finally, a few that I will not mention because they were more trouble than they were worth.


<instructions>
What you will need:
-A basic understanding of HTML.
-Google Chrome Browser
-SourceKit App
-Dropbox
-A Smartphone with web access


The HTML was written using the Google Chrome extension SourceKit paired with a blank .html file uploaded the "Public" Folder in my Dropbox account (if I've lost you it may be a good idea to get some techy help before proceeding).  


The foundation of the code was taken from a Form created in Google Docs by right clicking on the form and selecting "View Page Source."  Here I copied "<form action=...>" to "</form>" with this you are going to paste it in to your blank HTML file in SourceKit(I hope this sounds more high tech than it actually is).  


From here you will edit the HTML code to create the function and look of your form.  The hardest part was finding the code that would alter the Form to create a custom landing page.  If you do not add this code the form will default to Google's landing page and you will have to click "Go Back to Form" each time you enter an item.  If you do not mind this "Go Back to Form" step you can actually skip the HTML all together and just use a Google Form. It is still pretty handy.


To better explain take a look at the code below:



"<html>
<head>
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width">
<meta charset="utf-8" />


<title>PAGE TITLE</title>


<link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="THIS IS WHERE YOUR ICON URL SHOULD GO"/>
<LINK REL="SHORTCUT ICON" HREF="THIS IS WHERE YOUR FAVICON.ICO SHOULD GO">
<script src="js/scripts.js" ></script>


</head>
<body bgcolor="#000000">
<font face="courier new" color="white"><b>GIVE IT A TITLE</b></font>


<style type="text/css">
.ss-q-title {color:white}</style>
<script type="text/javascript">var submitted=false;</script>


<iframe name="hidden_iframe" id="hidden_iframe"
style="display:none;" onload="if(submitted)
{window.location='THIS IS WHERE YOU RELOAD PAGE SHOULD GO';}"></iframe>
<form action="THIS IS WHERE YOUR GOOGLE DOCS FORM URL SHOULD GO" method="POST" id="ss-form" method="post"
target="hidden_iframe" onsubmit="submitted=true;">


<form action="THIS IS WHERE YOUR GOOGLE DOCS FORM URL WOULD GO" method="POST" id="ss-form"> 
<font face="Courier New" color="white"> 
<br> 
ALL THE STUFF BELOW COMES FORM YOUR DOC'S HTML THAT WE TOOK EARLIER.
<div class="errorbox-good"> 
<div class="ss-item  ss-text"><div class="ss-form-entry"><label class="ss-q-title" for="entry_0">Barcode
</label> 
<label class="ss-q-help" for="entry_0"></label> 
<input type="number" name="entry.0.single" value="" class="ss-q-short" id="entry_0"></div></div></div> 
<br> <div class="errorbox-good"> 
<div class="ss-item  ss-checkbox"><div class="ss-form-entry"><label class="ss-q-title" for="entry_1">Discard
</label> 
<label class="ss-q-help" for="entry_1"></label> 
<ul class="ss-choices"><input type="checkbox" name="entry.1.group" value="Discard" class="ss-q-checkbox" id="group_1_1"> 
Yes</label><br>
 <input type="checkbox" name="entry.1.group" value="Keep" class="ss-q-checkbox" id="group_1_1"> 
No</label> 
</ul></div></div></div> 
<br> 
<input type="hidden" name="pageNumber" value="0"> 
<input type="hidden" name="backupCache" value=""> 


<div class="ss-item ss-navigate"><div class="ss-form-entry"> 
<input type="submit" name="submit" value="Submit"></div></div></form>"



</instructions>


Above is, structurally, what you want.  While you can change background images, color, font, etc. you are going to want to keep it simple.  Simple will allow the page to load quickly and quietly on your smart phone.  Feel free to use anything above, all of it is a hodgepodge of code taken from different locations on the web.  Have fun.


Happy discarding.

Out of School and into the Real World...

This past December marked the end of my adventures as a LIS student.  To be honest, it was not what I had expected.  Going in I thought I would learn a lot of great stuff from a lot of great librarians, unfortunately, I was wrong.  I did learn a lot of great things from a lot of brilliant librarians, however, this took place far from the classroom in places that resembled ACTUAL libraries and involved conversations with ACTUAL librarians.  I have read many blog posts (written by many of these brilliant librarians) about the uselessness of LIS degree programs lately and the loss of expansion in curriculum.  Not to say that librarians are unimportant but the training that is required is less than sufficient when students finally embark on careers in libraries.  My best example of the poor preparation in library programs is my own LIS education in relation to my recent library position, which is Reference and Adult Services Librarian.

I was pulsing with excitement when I was hired for this position, I was ready to put my knowledge about libraries to use and bring the community an abundance of information and cultural experiences.  I knew that I was ill prepared from my LIS program, however, I thought that mixed with my prior experience in public libraries would somehow work together and help me be incredible from day one.  Turns out I was wrong, this position is a lot harder than I expected.  I was lucky that I could smooth talk my way into the position without having any professional experience but unlucky in that I now have to learn what it really means to be a librarian.

Like I said, I have a fairly strong background in LIS and I know that all library positions are different but my point is that the programs are not preparing students for the demands of a library and the community.  My past experience has helped me out a great deal but what are the students doing that have only been in libraries to check out books that are on reserve (I've met several of these individuals)?  There are so many wonderful librarians and students that are going to make wonderful librarians but the program is so simplistic and basic that anyone can float through with everyone else.  This is going to muddy the waters for the wonderful librarians mentioned.  I think LIS programs need to evaluate what they are doing and how they can benefit the future of the field.  If they don't I can see a fairly disappointing future for a lot of libraries.

Another thing I would like to mention is a group of LIS students that are taking back what it means to actually be and LIS student.  At hacklibraryschool.wordpress.com there are a great deal of posts talking about interesting topics for LIS students (and recent graduates) or anyone else who wants to keep up with the areas of interest of the younger library generations.  I plan to continue to follow them while I continue to practice my horrific blogging skills.

Keep up the good work.

-rk

Tweet Clarification...

Yesterday I tweeted "The library should take lessons from the Apple store."  I received a few responses asking for clarification, so, rather than being held to 140 characters I decided to post my revelation here.  

It was a cool autumn evening when I entered the Apple store (I generally go in there to look around while my wife is off shopping for wife like things).  Last night, like many others, all the employees were busy helping individuals find the devices they needed, wanted or just wanted to out.  Everyone of those individuals were wrapped up in another conversation and all I was there to do was browse.  As soon as I settled at a station an employee popped his head over and said "if you give me a minuet I'll be more than happy to help you."  More than happy?  I cannot remember the last time I heard that in a library.  I understand that this establishment deals with sales and is based on commission but is that not what libraries are trying to be like.  Have positive management structures meant to put the patron above all other functions.  I mean in a public setting they are supporting the library and patrons deserve our undivided attention even if the request is trivial and possibly even boring.  I am sure these Apple employees deal with many individuals that are trying to figure out how to double click.  

My point is that the word in library-land is that libraries need to shape up and take the lead in technology training and advancements.  But they also need to listen and get back to the basic theories of helping the customer.  I know of many librarians that do this and it works great for them.  But I know of even more librarians and library staff that treat customers or patrons or users as a tedious side note to the function of their day.  

It is hard to work with the public.  You will run across many undesirable individuals no matter what profession you work in.  I just think it would be nice if libraries put customer service higher on their priority list.  Then maybe the shushing, old cat lady stereotype of librarians would be put to an end.  If libraries are going to survive in the age of technology we need to be as good at selling our selves to our patrons as the Apple store is and it starts with being kind and welcoming.

-rk

"New Librarianship in the Age of eBooks"

I just watched this presentation by David Lankes from Syracuse University.  He talks about how libraries and librarians need to stop focusing so much on reading and more on the conversation and learning aspects of information.  Which is a brilliant concept that should take focus away from the complaints of whether the item being read is digital or paper.  He also talks about the need for libraries to step up and stop waiting for publishers to work out organization problems.  Libraries should be on the front line of working out how to include eBooks into their collections in a way that is conducive to members (a term David used as opposed to calling library goers 'patrons.'  I like it  and I'm going to continue to use it) needs.  The presentation is a little lengthy but I would recommend taking a look.


The New Librarianship in the Age of the Ebook from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

Mmmmm...Salty Library Snacks

;During national library week a fun comercial was put out stating that Americans spent a considerable amount of cash on salty snacks in vending machines (or something like that click here to watch).  In this comercial they suggested the nifty idea of having books in vending machines.  This is a far from new concept but it is still very intriguing.  Several library directors in my area were talking about the book filled kiosk eliminating the job of general library staff.  This is far from the truth (because it would take hundreds of machines to house all the books in the library) but setting up book kiosks much like the roaring business RedBox did could be a potential delight for book fans.  I mean libraries could set up borrower machines in locations throughout town that are more convient for patrons to visit than the library.  This could also help lower late fees because while you may stop at the grocery store three times a week you may only go to the library once.  Why not bring your books to the store with you?

Now the price is something else.  These once sweet treat serving devices are going to run a library a significant amount of change and there is little to no profit but hopefully this technology will be seen as one to help communities get their reading fix faster and easier while still promoting healthy reading and eating habits.  Good luck.

Digital Storytelling

Classes began a couple of weeks ago and for one of my assignments I was asked to read an article about Storytelling and construct an appropriate abstract about it.  I never really thought of storytelling as a topic of discussion among peer reviewed journals and I was surprised to find as much information as I did pertaining to the craft.  The primary focus that I found was not on storytelling as an art but storytelling as a digital experience.  There has been a boom of fascinating information written about digital storytelling and how libraries are implementing this technology with their communities.  I think this is a really awesome idea.  Being one who is involved with story time at a library I find parents saying that they cannot find transportation or do not have time to come to the library while story time is in session.  This is unfortunate, and many parents agree, because they feel their children could benefit from oral storytelling as opposed to television programs and other means of child entertainment.

In response to this exercise I am going to further look into digital storytelling to see what programs have been successful and how children have been affected by it.

If your library has a digital storytelling program how does it work?  Do you have a large community response? What age levels do you targe?  What software do you use?

Please leave some comments.