Thursday, October 27, 2011

Reflections and what I learned....

Now that my work here is almost done, it's time for some reflection on what I've learned about technology and how it is used at the Windham Public Library.  As a result of this assignment, I've learned that there are varying degrees of technology use in libraries and WPL in particular.  Barbara and her staff were kind enough to allow me to see the behind-the-scenes workings at the library and how they balance the print and online usage.  It has been a wonderful experience on so many levels:  I loved visiting with Barbara again; I loved blogging, even though I never thought I'd do it; and I loved learning what the Windham Public Library uses for technology, how much they spend on updates and upgrades, and how Barbara and the staff manage the different technological devices available there.  Even though they are on a limited budget, as most libraries are these days, they continue to look for new ways to implement the latest technology in order to best serve their patrons.  By purchasing eight new personal computers, continuously updating patrons on e-book readers and other devices, and keeping their website current, the Windham Public Library is doing a fantastic job with keeping up with technology and looking to the future for what's to come.

Of all the things I learned during my interview with Barbara, I have a few favorites.  The first is the program they provide to the various nursing homes in the area; the staff brings in and picks up books to the folks there so they still have access to the library even though they aren't able to visit anymore.  This is a wonderful service that addresses the needs of our community.  The second was how the Windham Public Library balances the use of technology with print materials.  I appreciate that they embrace the new changes in technology, while still maintaining the "old-school" methods of print access.  This is vital in today's society.  Without this open-mindedness, many libraries and librarians would find themselves not being able to meet the needs of their patrons, and therefore become obsolete in a short period of time.  The third and final favorite thing that I learned was Barbara's perspective on filtering, parent responsibility, and open access to information.  I feel this tied much of my class instruction together into a cohesive, real world application.  She views internet access in her library the same way I would if I worked in a public library:  that parents are the ones responsible for their children's appropriate internet use, not the librarians.  I like that they installed the lowest possible filter on their computers so that patrons can still access certain sites, such as those relating to breast cancer, while still being able to receive E-rate funding from the government.  (It's always important to keep the library's budget in mind.)  Filtering of websites has a few problems, such as restricting useful and instructional sites, failing to restrict ones that are offensive and inappropriate, and I hope that in the near future there will be more effective programs created.  Until this happens, I think Barbara and her staff are doing the best they can to provide open access to information while still complying with federal laws.  

In summary, I'd like to extend a hearty thank you to Barbara Keef and the staff at the Windham Public Library.  I hugely appreciate your openness and generosity of time and information to me during this interview/blog process.  I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!  Thanks again and I'll see you soon!

Kristin

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

My pictures of the Windham Public Library, Windham, ME.

View of the Windham Public Library from the parking lot.

Covered bridge behind the library.  It's a beautiful area.

Hugh Laurie advertising the joy of reading.

The computer workstation with the new computers.

Close-up shot of one of the new computers.

The Express Computer.

Another shot of the computer workstation.

Cozy reading area. 

The sign says it all.

The staff here makes an effort to keep the library aesthetically pleasing.

E-book information.

The stacks in the adult section.

Another shot of the stacks in the adult section.

Example of security.

Barbara Keef ~ Reference and Technology Librarian.  Thanks, Barbara!

My Interview with Barbara Keef at the Windham Public Library


The following is the write-up of my interview with Barbara Keef at the Windham Public Library:
 
  • What is your job title? 
  • Reference and Technology Librarian.”
  • What is your job description? 
  • “My job covers many areas including basic reference and research, helping patrons use the public computers, organizing displays, and updating the website.  I also facilitate the library’s Book Group, keep the monthly Newsletter on track, help out with the Library Teas every 6 weeks (with the Children's  Librarian), and figure out some programs and the Adult & Teen Summer Reading Programs…there probably is more, too.  Oh, yes, I schedule the Meeting Room and attempt to keep our blog going…”
  • Are you the main person who maintains the website?
  • “Yes, with Sally Bannen.”     
  • Were you trained on-the-job, or do you keep taking classes?  How do you stay up-to-date?
  • “It’s funny, because I was not a computer-techie kind of person.  I started here in 1995 when computers were just getting used in libraries, so we were just beginning to automate.  The town offered some introductory courses and I was intrigued – it’s all information and it opened up a whole new world.  I’ve never been afraid of trying new things, which you can’t be if you’re going to be a librarian.  So anytime I saw there was a workshop or anything I went for it.  Then when I began my Master’s  coursework, many of the courses were online and focused on  internet resources.  At that point I knew I either had to go with all of this or not.  I do know some people who decided that this shift to online work was too much for them.  You either love it or you don’t.  It’s a balance between print and online material, and the important thing is to find that balance.  I just want to connect people with what they need.  So, if I can find it in a book, fine.  If it’s online, fine.  Where’s the best place?  That’s how I look at it.  I don’t put computers up on a pedestal.”
  • What is your favorite task?
  • “Helping people learn something new about the Internet (email, uploading photos, etc.).”
  • Least favorite?
  • “Resolving printing issues.”
  • What types of technology are available to patrons at the Windham Public Library?
  • “Public access computers, Wi-Fi 24/7, Downloadable audiobooks & e-books.”
  • What types of technology are available to staff?
  • “Same.”
  • Does anyone else help manage the technology? 
  • “The Town of Windham IT department.  He really is good.  He does all the updating now, which I used to do, but that took a lot of time…so that’s changed, although as it is now, I am really the one in charge of the computers and helping people with problems on their laptops.”
  • Are paraprofessionals and volunteers taught basic troubleshooting techniques?
  • “No.”
  • As to the budget, how much is spent on technology, specifically databases, music, movies, software, etc?
  • I learned from Inese (Library Director) that the town deals with the budget.  As to the equipment budget, it is approximately $7200.00 per year and non-print is about $5400 per year.
  • Do you have a budget for new technology or upgrades? 
  • “Yes, but not sure of the dollar amount.”
  • Are your computers networked?  Is there wireless internet access available?
  • “Yes and yes.”
  • What type of connection is there?  (i.e. cable modem, ATM - Ethernet, T-1)
  • “There are two T-1 lines.”
  • Is the WPL automated?  If yes, what is the name of the system?
  • “Yes, we have an open source system – Koha.”
  • I didn’t see an Acceptable Use Policy on your website.  Do you have one?  What, if any, are the time limitations for computer use?
  • “We do have an Internet policy online.  It’s under Services, Public Computers, and it’s under that link.  Patrons have to accept the policy when they get online.  You don’t have to have a library card to use the computers.  Anyone can come in and use them.  It’s very nebulous.  We’re not the school.  As to the time limitations, we have a time management system where you log in, you get an hour, but if nobody’s waiting, then it just kicks it over.  Some libraries only let a person use a computer for a certain amount of time every day.  Even if there’s nobody waiting, and I think ‘Why?…So you’d rather have them sitting there empty than let people go over their time limits???'  That’s bizarre.”  The link to the AUP is:  http://www.windham.lib.me.us/internet-usage-policy
  • Do you accept E-rate funding?
  • “Yes.  We had to, and in order to keep it we chose the lowest level of filtering we could possibly have.  Filters don’t really work anyway.  For example, if people want to look up something about breast cancer, they might not be able to.  We have an anti-virus program and that is handled by the town’s IT department.”
  • Have you had any problems with unacceptable computer or Internet usage?
  • “We haven’t really had any problems.  I know people often confuse what the school requires and what we require, and I’m still amazed that some libraries still require people to sign something to use the computers and to sign something for their kids, and I think, ‘What?  What is that?’  It’s public information access.  If parents have issues with what their children are looking at online, they should  come in with them and supervise their internet usage.  We haven’t had a lot of problems with patrons looking at pornography or things like that, maybe because of the way that we’re set up, with the computers facing out and visible to everyone.  A few times, we’ve had people looking at stuff and we ask them not to access those sites.  Generally people come across things inadvertently and they freak out saying they didn’t mean to do that.”
  • Do you have an IT person if no one on staff is able to fix the technology-based problems?
  • “Yes.”  This was covered earlier in the interview.
  • Do you have any equipment that can be lent out to community organizations, patrons, used for town council meetings, etc?
  • “No.”
  • Do you feel there is enough space for the computers?
  • “Yes, although we could always use more space.”
  • Are there enough outlets/data ports to accommodate all of the equipment and other devices that may be brought in by patrons?
  • “For right now, yes.”
  • Was ergonomics addressed when purchasing furniture for the computer area?
  • “Somewhat.”
  • What do you have in the area of assistive technologies?  I know you have an automatic door that’s wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, but what in terms of technology and computer use is there?
  • “We do not have an assistive technology workstation, but we would always adapt a workstation to a patron.”
  • What works best, in your opinion, in terms of the technology available at WPL?
  • “Public computers.”
  • What doesn't work - what items of technology in the library need to be revamped or rethought for optimal use by or for patrons?
  • “We just purchased 8 new PCs – we also have 2 laptops – not sure what else we could revamp.”
  • Do you lend out materials such as CDs, DVDs, or VHS?
  • “We loan books on CDs (and still on cassettes), DVDs, and some VHS.”
  • I saw on the website that you can download audiobooks and eBooks for free through Maine’s InfoNet’s “Download Library.”  Has this been a popular feature?  What about iFlicks?  What do you think about the HarperCollins recent decision?
  • “Yes, especially now that Amazon/Kindle is compatible.  OverDrive is the program and has worked well. We joined a state-wide consortium which purchases the eBooks.  There are instructions on the Portland Public Website that are very easy to use.   It’s pretty popular.  No, not iFlicks.  As to the HarperCollins issue, I think that’s under question.  We went to a couple of conferences recently – a Tri-District Maine meeting and the New England Library Conference in Burlington, Vermont. From what was presented at both meetings, publishers are just going to have to get their act together.  They can’t just sit around debating, 'Is this the end of the print book?  What are we going to do?'  They have to work on offering books in many formats. Who knows how this will all end?  Things will continue to change and libraries will need to adapt their services.”
  • I never noticed your adult “Read Alike” suggestions before.  Is this new?  Has it brought in patrons that you know of?
  • “Not sure – people like these lists.”
  • I saw on your blog that OverDrive will begin adding Kindle compatibility to its networks.  I have a nook, and saw that it will (or already is) compatible with that too.  When is this to start? 
  • “Now.” 
  • Have you had any interest in this already? 
  • “Yes.”
  • I saw an article on WebJunction that librarians are helping the unemployed.  Is there anything WPL does in this area? 
  • “We cooperate with Windham Adult Ed.  They have a Career Center/help with resumes and also have public computers for people seeking jobs.”
  • Do you feel you offer a unique service?  If yes, what?
  • “The library is probably the only community center in the town.  Where else can people go to sit, read the paper, look at books, use computers, munch on their snacks – all for free?  The library offers help in many areas:  selecting books, movies, audio, research, projects and computers.  We also will help people download audios/eBooks to their own devices, set up email accounts, upload photos, etc.  Would you think of going back to Best Buy (or Staples, WalMart, etc.) to ask them how to set up an email account because that’s where you bought your computer?”

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Get Ready, Get Set.....GO!!!

I'm off and running!
So, I just got off the phone with Barbara and she confirmed that she is the librarian most in charge of the technology aspects of the Windham Public Library.  Our interview is set for 10:00 AM tomorrow (Friday, the 14th) and I'm really excited to see what she has to say.  For a relatively small town, this library has done a fantastic job keeping up with technology and always looking for new ways to improve the system and help their patrons.  

During our chat, I told her why I was doing the interview ~ that I was doing a blog for a class at UMA ~ and briefly went over some of the questions I had prepared.  She mentioned that the library has a computer technician they use for their more technical needs and that I could talk to him if I wanted to.  I explained that I really needed to speak to a librarian about how they handle internet security, what Acceptable Use Policies they may have, and what sort of troubleshooting is done to avoid calling the IT guy.  She said that it sounded great and was happy to meet with me.  

I also mentioned that I could email her my questions, of which there are a lot, so she could review them at her leisure.  So, I did that after we got off the phone and now all I have to do is make sure all of my ducks are in a row and see her tomorrow!  Looking forward to it!

Kristin

Pictures from a trip I took with my daughter, Sophia, to visit my sister and her family in London. The British Library visit was one of many highlights of our adventure.

Adris, Sophia, and Sivad reading on the couch in my sister's flat in London.

Cool poster in the British Library of books.

Close-up of poster.  I like the "Adopt A Book" caption.

Picture of the entryway at the British Library.  An amazing place!!!

Another shot of the British Library.
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Questions, questions, and more questions!!!

Hello again!
Here is a list of most of the questions I plan on asking Barbara Keef during my interview.  I may do a bit more research - I had to look up what ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) was on HowStuffWorks.com, which I think is basically ethernet (which I do now understand) and so there may be some differences between this list and the actual questions I post after the interview.  This is most of them, though...

QUESTIONS FOR BARBARA KEEF ~ TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIAN AT WPL:


MY Questions for Blog Interview
  • What is your name and job title?
  • What is your job description?
  • Are you the main person who maintains the website?
  • What is your favorite task?
  • Least favorite?
  • What types of technology are available to patrons at the Windham Public Library?
  • What types of technology are available to staff?
  • What types of Internet-based technology services are provided to the patron ubiquitously (at the same time)?
  • Which Operating System do you use?  Does it work well for your patrons’ needs?  Is it user-friendly?
  • Does anyone else help manage the technology? 
  • Are paraprofessionals and volunteers taught basic troubleshooting techniques?
  • As to the budget, how much is spent on technology, specifically databases, music, movies, software, etc?
  • What types of systems does WPL use?  Are they current or outdated?
  • Do you have a budget for new technology or upgrades? 
  • Are your computers networked?  Is there wireless internet access available?
  • What type of connection is there?  (i.e. cable modem, ATM ~ Ethernet?, T-1)
  • Is the WPL automated?  If yes, what is the name of the system?
  • I didn’t see an Acceptable Use Policy on your website.  Do you have one?  What, if any, are the time limitations for computer use?
  • Have you had any problems with unacceptable computer or Internet usage?
  • Do you have an IT person if no one on staff is able to fix the technology-based problems?
  • Do you have any equipment that can be lent out to community organizations, patrons, used for town council meetings, etc?
  • Do you feel there is enough space for the computers?
  • Are there enough outlets/data ports to accommodate all of the equipment and other devices that may be brought in by patrons?
  • Was ergonomics addressed when purchasing furniture for the computer area?
  • What do you have in the area of assistive technologies?  I know you have an automatic door that’s wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, but what in terms of technology and computer use is there?
  • What works best, in your opinion, in terms of the technology available at WPL?
  • What doesn't work - what items of technology in the library need to be revamped or rethought for optimal use by or for patrons?
  • Do you lend equipment to patrons? If so, what types?
  • What about software such as CDs, DVDs, or VHS?
  • I saw on the website that you can download audiobooks and eBooks for free through Maine’s InfoNet’s “Download Library.”  Has this been a popular feature?  What about iFlicks?
  • What , if any, types of security measures have been taken to prevent theft of hardware or software?  Do you have an Internet Security Suite?  Which one?  Is it effective, or have you had problems? If yes, what happened?
  • I never noticed your adult “Read Alike” suggestions before.  Is this new?  Has it brought in patrons that you know of?
  • I saw on your blog that OverDrive will begin adding Kindle compatibility to its networks.  I have a nook, and saw that it will (or already is) compatible with that too.  When is this to start?  Have you had any interest in this already?
  • I saw an article on WebJunction that librarians are helping the unemployed.  Is there anything WPL does in this area? 
  • Do you feel you offer a unique service?  If yes, what?
So, this is about it for now.  I hope I am able to get a good idea of what's going on technologically at the Windham Public Library and learn more about the ins and outs of the behind-the-scenes workings there.
Thanks for reading and see you soon!

Kristin


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What's the PLAN???

So, I've been giving some more thought to my blog and how I'm going to go about setting things in motion.  I've gone over the questions in the assignment area, looked at past students' blogs, and tried to come up with some good questions of my own.  I went to the Windham Public Library's (WPL's) website and really checked it out to see if there were any changes I noticed and if there were some new technology services available.  There were, which I'll go over in my interview.  I also visited WebJunction, and a few other sites, for some ideas, which I did get.  For example, I saw an article about how librarians are "throwing out a lifeline to the unemployed" (Gutsche, 2010), so I decided to ask Barbara if she and/or her fellow staff members were doing anything like this.  I also checked out some different links on WebJunction, such as Operating Systems and how to install them, which also helped me formulate better questions.

Next on  my list is to contact the technology librarian, who I believe is Barbara Keef.  I'm first going to give her a quick call to let her know what my new assignment is all about.  I'll ask her if she has any free time in the near future so that I can interview her about the technological aspects of the WPL.  Then, I'll put together some of the more technical/complex questions and send them to her via email so she can peruse them and come up with some answers for me.  I plan to ask her to set aside an hour of her time, if possible, to get some thorough answers.

After I've set up the interview, I'll come back and let you know how everything went and the date we've set up to chat.  I look forward to seeing her again and to find out how things are going for the WPL technology-wise. 

References:

Gutsche, B. (2010, July 21). Job-seeker success: libraries throw out a lifeline to the unemployed . Retrieved from http://www.webjunction.org/workforce-resources/-/articles/content/101741495