texas library association 2009 annual conference houston, texas nextgenreference: maximizing space,...

TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

HOUSTON, TEXAS

NextGenReference: Maximizing Space, Staff, and Technology

JEFF BONDDEXTER GOODMAN

LAURA HEINZJEFF LACY

Have you used this technology?

Facebook

The Hub

Cell phones

Apple Newton

Amazon.com

Webvan.com

#1: Know your users

Know your user base and choose technologies that fit your clientele’s needs.

Don’t fall for the idea that your library must embrace every new technology.

Have a goal.

Example: Instant Messaging

A university library sees a need to improve communication with students.

The library decides to provide a new avenue for students to ask reference questions.

The library decides to try Instant Messaging.

After the program is launched, library staff evaluate the program’s effectiveness and makes changes as needed.

Who said it?

“There is not the slightest indication that nuclear energy will ever be obtainable.”

--Albert Einstein

#2: Experiment

Sometimes, we make mistakes. That’s okay!

Don’t be afraid to experiment or “play” with new technologies or websites.

A new service doesn’t have to be “polished” to be made public.

Try pilot programs.

#2: Experiment

Administrators: Allow your library staff to try new things. Develop a “culture” of experimentation.

Many new technologies are free.

23 Things

Example: Facebook

A library “dips its foot” in the waters.

Without much effort at all, a library adds pictures and puts up basic information.

The page becomes popular. People become “fans” of the page.

Example: Facebook

The library adds a chatbox to the page for reference services

The library adds a widget to allow users to search the OPAC

The page becomes more popular. Library considers exploring more social networking sites.

Two competing companies promote their new, competing products (1976).

Each product has its strong points.After several improvements to the products

and significant promotion, one company concedes defeat. (1988)

vs.

#3: Promote your product

Even if you have the greatest new reference tool, if you don’t promote it, it may fail.

Word-of-mouth advertising will help, but you have to get the ball rolling.

Promotion only goes so far.

#4: Think about staffing issues

Each new reference tool you add will likely add to staff load.

Priorities

Will all reference staff be involved?

What tasks can be performed at a traditional reference desk?

#5: Collaborate

What other units should be involved (inside and outside the library)?

What opportunities exist to involve student workers or volunteers?

What opportunities exist to collaborate between libraries?

What’s hot?

Twitter

Text message reference

What’s next?

Video chat reference

Quick Response (QR) codes

Online databases with mobile versions

Many, many more!

Challenge!

Choose one new technology tool to implement in relation to reference.

Promote this new tool to your users.

Share your successes with other libraries!

Experiment!

Challenge!

Most of all, find the very best ways to meet your users’ information needs.

Thank you!

Jeff BondEmail: j.bond@tcu.edu

or find me on Facebook!