A blog for librarians in all smaller libraries, not just for one-person or solo librarians--all kinds of libraries, anywhere in the world. Management information, links, and marketing tips that you can use right now.
02 July 2008
IS THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY FALLING BEHIND?
A study in the UK by Sero Consulting and the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) reported that “library management systems are not fully fit for purpose because they do not allow seamless integration with teaching, learning, and research behaviour in the Web 2.0 environment.” Users expect a seamless, easy searching experience, which most LMS do not provide. Mostly, the systems were designed to serve backend users (technical services), not customers. “The report says that the business case for libraries is that they provide authoritative information, and access to it in the most efficient way. However, libraries ‘are not yet exploiting intelligence about user habits to enhance their position in the information value chain.’”
Is your OPAC (online public access catalog) as easy for your customers to use as it is for you? How can you make it easier for them?
Judith A. Siess is a recognized expert in one-person librarianship and interpersonal networking. She was the editor and publisher of The One-Person Library: A Newsletter for Librarians and Management from 1998-2009 and is the author of articles for publications such as American Libraries and Searcher. An active member of SLA since 1980, she was the inaugural chair of its SOLO Librarian’s division, which is now the fourth largest division of the association with nearly 1,000 members. She has drawn from her more than twenty years’ experience to write seven books (see links). She is trying to retire, but it isn't working.
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