{"id":94740,"date":"2013-01-29T12:33:26","date_gmt":"2013-01-29T17:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2013\/01\/29\/innovative-library-services-in-the-wild\/"},"modified":"2024-04-14T04:13:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-14T09:13:09","slug":"innovative-library-services-in-the-wild","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/internet\/2013\/01\/29\/innovative-library-services-in-the-wild\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovative library services \u201cin the wild\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our new report<\/a> takes a close look not only at how Americans are using public libraries, but also what sort of services and programming they think libraries should offer \u2014 and what they say they would use in the future.<\/p>\n\n

For this last point, we asked about a range of potential offerings, including online \u201cask a librarian\u201d-type research service, mobile library apps, library kiosks in the community, and pre-loaded e-readers available for checkout. A breakdown of these ideas\u2019 overall popularity is included below; more information is included in the report<\/a>, and tables with demographic breakdowns for each item can be found in the appendix<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

\"pew-internet-2013-01-22-lib-services-4-06\"<\/figure>\n\n

But we also wanted to include illustrations of some of these more innovative services, to see what they look like on the ground. To that end, we\u2019ve collected examples of many of the types of services mentioned in the report, as well as some \u201cfun and funky\u201d services that we\u2019ve seen pop up at libraries across the county.<\/p>\n\n

We\u2019ll keep updating the list with new examples as we hear about them. Does your library have a neat service we should know about? Send us an email and <\/b>let us know<\/a>!<\/b> And many thanks to everyone who has sent in examples so far.<\/p>\n\n

Examples of services discussed in the report<\/h1>\n\n

Technology \u201cPetting Zoo\u201d<\/h3>\n\n

The Kent Free Library in Ohio<\/a> \u201chas hosted \u2018Technology Petting Zoos\u2019 to give patrons and community members a chance to have hands-on interaction with a variety of tablets and e-readers. In the library’s meeting room, 12 different devices are available to try out with a librarian on hand to explain their features and detail the differences between various devices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Digital Media Lab<\/h3>\n\n

The Skokie Public Library in Illinois<\/a> \u201coffers a digital media lab, a space with content creation tools that allow patrons to create and share video, music, photography, and design projects. Customers have access to computers with editing software, cameras, camcorders, microphones, and musical keyboards. Additionally, the Skokie media lab has a green screen wall for video projects.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Technology help<\/h3>\n\n

According to the American Library Association, 35% of U.S. public libraries offer one-on-one technology and\/or research help with library staff.<\/i><\/p>\n\n

The <\/b>Arapahoe Library District in Colorado<\/a> offers Book-a-Librarian help in English, Spanish and Russian.<\/p>\n\n

The New River Library branch of the Pasco County Library System in Florida<\/a><\/b> has Teen Technology Tutors who receive volunteer hours by tutoring older adults (ages 50+) one-on-one in beginning computer tasks. And the George W. Covington Memorial Library in Mississippi<\/b> offers \u201cOne-On-One Basic Computer Training For Visually Impaired (& Sighted) Individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

\u201cRedbox\u201d-style library kiosks and outreach services<\/h3>\n\n

[in California]<\/p>\n\n\n

The Carson City Library BranchAnywhere in Nevada<\/b> \u201cprovides patrons at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada with access to current library materials, digital tools and librarian-educator programming. The secure automated library machine stores 240 items, handles loans, accepts returns, and connects to the library\u2019s automated library system. Circulating items include hand-held electronic devises, DVDs, books, games and puzzles.\u201d (Video<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n

The Free Library of Philadelphia<\/a> has library \u201cHot Spots\u201d that \u201cbring computer access, classes, and the internet to neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. Hot spots can be found in Philadelphia churches, schools and non-profit organizations. Each Hot Spot includes computers, a printer, and all necessary broadband equipment, as well as a reference collection of Free Library materials.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Mobile Apps and Websites<\/h3>\n\n

The <\/b>Goethe-Institut New York Library\u2019s<\/a> Mobile Augmented Reality App <\/b>\u201callows learners to explore German cultural heritage in New York City using archival documents, photographs, and multimedia narratives to bring to life United States history. Using this technology, users are able to hold up their mobile phones and see archival photos layered on top of the images visible through the camera\u2019s phone. In 2012, the American Library Association recognized the library for offering cutting-edge technologies in library services.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

The <\/b>Cuyahoga County Public Library<\/a> <\/b>of Parma, Ohio \u201c<\/b>created CCPL Mobile, an exciting new mobile app that enhances the library patron experience by giving patrons access to the unprecedented convenience of checking out items using their smart phones. The free CCPL Mobile smartphone app features a Digital Books & Media channel that makes finding and downloading e-books and e-audiobooks from the library\u2019s collection. In addition to using the app to renew and reserve items, patrons can also use the tool to find library branches and hours of operation. The library frequently hosts \u2018technology petting zoos\u2019 to teach patrons how to use the CCPL tool, e-readers and e-audiobooks in the downloadable collection.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n\n

The <\/b>Contra Costa County Library<\/a> in California has a \u201cSnap & Go\u201d project that allows users with mobile phone to access various library services via scanned QR codes. \u201cBy reaching otherwise time-pressed users while they are waiting in public spaces (at bus stations and buses), the library has managed to stretch its resources even while budgets tighten. Codes on signs at the information desk open up a text message to a text-a-librarian number; staff respond to the texts within 10 minutes. Usage of the library’s mobile website is up 16 percent since the program was implemented. To overcome many people’s unfamiliarity with QR code technology, library staff created an online guide to \u2018Snap & Go,\u2019 which received 7,900 views during the project\u2019s first year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

\u201cTo help students keep pace with the fast-moving trend in e-books, online databases, and other digital learning tools, Boston College High School<\/a> adopted a cell phone policy at the start of the school year which allows student to use their cell phones for research purposes in the library. Additionally, the school provides iPads for all faculty, as well as for students in grades 7-10. The mobile initiative aims to foster an understanding of how digital learning tools can enhance secondary student information literacy experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Customized reading recommendations<\/h3>\n\n

The <\/b><\/strong>Scottsdale Public Library<\/a> in Arizona\u2019s \u201cGimme Engine\u201d mobile website \u201c<\/strong>helps customers find a great book to read based on a library staffer\u2019s recommendation and review. Gimme combines library catalog MARC data, content enrichment service images and descriptions, and library staff book reviews on Goodreads.com to create a unique experience. Gimme, which was developed with monies received from an LSTA grant, was created to meet a need stated by both library and non-library users; they wanted book recommendations powered by library staff. The Gimme engine is a creative solution to meet these customer needs.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n\n

Online research assistance<\/h3>\n\n

According to the American Library Association, 70% of U.S. public libraries offer digital or virtual reference services.<\/i><\/p>\n\n

At the Ohio State Library<\/a>, <\/b>\u201cprofessional librarians are available to answer your reference questions and to assist you in finding information. The service is one of the busiest of its kind in the United States. Ohio residents can log on from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., for an online chat session. The librarian will share expertise and provide high-quality, authoritative web sites and online database resources via web addresses within the chat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

The New York Public Library<\/a>\u2019s <\/b>\u201cask a librarian\u201d texting service, \u201cAsk NYPL,\u201d \u201cis a virtual reference service of the New York Public Library that allows patrons to submit research questions to trained information specialists via phone, chat, email, and text. Every day, except Sundays and holidays, anyone, of any age, from anywhere in the world can reach the library via various methods, including by phone, text message, and online chat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Libraries as incubators and creation spaces<\/h3>\n\n

The <\/b>Library as Incubator Project<\/a> <\/b>\u201chighlights the ways that libraries and artists can work together, and works to strengthen these partnerships.\u00a0At a time in which both libraries and arts organizations are often having to do more with less, it makes sense for these two parts of our culture to support each other. The Library as Incubator Project calls attention to one of the many reasons libraries are important to our communities and our culture, and provides a dynamic online forum for sharing ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

(More about <\/b>Content Creation, Media Labs, and Hackerspaces<\/a>)<\/b><\/p>\n\n

Coordination with schools and literacy efforts<\/h3>\n\n

Several libraries and schools have programs where children read to dogs, such as the Fairfax Community Library\u2019s \u201cRead To A Dog\u201d Program<\/a> and the therapy dogs<\/a> at the Princeton Public Library. (The Harriette Person Memorial Library in Mississippi even has Beanie Baby Reading Therapy!)<\/p>\n\n

The First Regional Library System<\/b> in Mississippi has online after-school tutoring, and the Pima County Public Library <\/b>in Tucson, Arizona has live stage shows of favorite children\u2019s books, called \u201cStory Town.\u201d \u201cStaff, partners and volunteers create lively Story Town neighborhoods like Literacy Lane, Fairytale Trail, Book Walk, Downtown, and Art Alley where they make crafts, watch dance performances, and participate in storytimes and mini-workshops throughout the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Other programs and services<\/h1>\n\n

Unique Library Collections<\/h2>\n\n

Musical Instrument Check-Out Program – <\/b>Lopez Island (Wash.) Library<\/p>\n\n