For those who may not know the Luddites were a group in England in the 19th century who destroyed mechanized looms (these guys were textile artisans) for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddites
Thanks to Dr. Janik, a professor at Wayne University for reminding me of them, the lesson they teach is still relevant even today.
These guys were seeing their whole livelihood being tossed out the window with the industrial revolution. No way that they could keep up as they were. There wasn't a lot of support at the time for retraining even for those who would have been interested. All these highly trained textile people knew was that the one set of skills that had seen them through their entire lives was now worthless. And so some did not react well, they protested and smashed property. This did not stop the march of technology, however. The thing is if something is reliable, cheap, easy to use, and helpful in some way its going to take off. Hard to avoid this.
Now while I don't expect librarians etc to start pitching computers and E-book readers out 20 story windows or some such, there are ways to drag ones feet when it comes to new technology. There are many reasons for this from unfamiliarity to outright dislike. Librarians are people too and as a rule not everyone is fond of every change coming down the pike. Now I say that but I don't mean to hint that all tech is good, neither is it bad though. What it requires is a careful review of its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it is indeed truly better or simply new and shiny.
Of course to do that requires a great deal of dedication to learning something new. Now one wouldn't think in a field where information is so key and sought after that learning something new with technology would be a problem but it can be. Sometimes its staff concerned about a new technology and sometimes its lack of budget but when it comes to E-books and other electric technologies not all libraries are created equal.
Despite this the library field has seen a lot of change from handwritten books to printed books from books of ones catalog to little cards. Electronic databases are not that old, my point being if one looks over the history of this field that will find time and again where they've adapted some new technology to help make things more efficient or better for their patrons. I expect with push comes to shove, the same thing will happen with E-books. Once the bulk of the concerns over E-Readers are addressed.
For example, If they settle in price and reliability they will get more use. If one doesn't have to buy multiple E-readers to have the books they want (some e-readers will not have the ability to have certain books), they'd get more use. If artificial limitations on download...well you get the idea. Currently E-Readers is not the uber shiny thing we'd all like it to be so I doubt it will over come other mediums just yet. However it is popular enough to but one tool in a library's kit in its effort to serve its community. And as such we need to understand all strengths and weaknesses, it is not something that can be ignored. I don't think it can be stopped, After all if its raining and I have to be outside, normally I grab an umbrella not simply stand there and wish for it to be sunny. Actually I might grab an umbrella and wish for it to be sunny. Point being somethings simply have to be dealt with, ignore at ones own peril.
And just something to keep in mind:
Tech has their glitches:
http://www.tshirtmagic.com/stock.php?action=step3&DesignID=996434
New technology is great and it will be important to keep up on it, analyze it. Not the most exciting for some but in this world of forever change, it seems wise to keep a look out ahead so as not to trip over the rocks in the path.
For those who might be interested the American Library Association had a really interesting article on technology and change in libraries. Rather then reproduce it here, one can find it at: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=archive&template=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay.cfm&ContentID=153440
Christina Doane
Christina -
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Mentioning the Luddites brought a smile to my face. We do, however, always have to be cognizant that there are 'quasi-luddites' among us. There will probably always be.
We all personally know people that are either afraid or skeptical of technology. It can be generational; younger people tend to migrate the most easily to new technology, or it can be personal - longing for a simpler life.
Whatever the reason, these people may end up being our customers too. We need to, as stewards of information, be able and willing to teach, assist, and modify our tools to reach all patrons.
"Cognizant" Thats an awesome word, kudos on your vocabulary :). To continue yes I expect there will also be those persons less comfortable with technology changes. If those who are more comfortable are supportive (via classes etc) I think we could help the quasi-Luddites to make their transition less painful when using unfamiliar tech like an e-reader. It will require patience and definitely some ability to teach but I agree its possible and will definitely be part of a librarians job. Its good to be aware that this view is out there and have some idea how to deal with it. Good points Greg!
ReplyDeleteI think we must also consider that those patrons who are "quasi-Luddites" may not want to be taught. Even given the best librarian and the best classes, some people will just not want to accept the changes technology brings. These people will also be customers, as Christina mentioned. So we have to be able to and willing to serve all patrons as best as possible. Not push them to change when they are not willing. Technology is not for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting topic. I recently attended a staff meeting at my local library, and they discussed budgets for ebooks. They do currently have ebooks available, but no ereaders to loan out. I live in a community where many of the patrons are older in age, and the librarians discussed that many patrons do not want to use this new technology. They were trying to decide on the demand for the technology and this was difficult with it being a relatively new technology. They did discuss that as they gathered more ebooks, the demand might grow from younger patrons who are not currently aware of the resource being available at the library.
ReplyDeleteSarah Benitez
Yes thats true Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteSome may not want to be taught. My husband worked in retail for sometime. In the photo lab, they have touch screen technologies so people can alter and set up their own shots. Some people, love it and are eager to push the buttons, they want to learn something new. Others won't even look at it telling him, “They don't know how.”
And thats very true across the board. With education and support we can bring some of the quasi-luddites up to speed. Others I think the best we can do is do it for them yes but do our best to engage them, maybe they can learn a little despite themselves who knows? At the very least this requires a great deal of understanding of people on our part in order to help judge correct action.
And good point Sarah, that seems to operate under the idea of “If you build it, they will come..” (from field of dreams book).
And I would agree with that to a point, one suggestion is my local library has a youth committee of teens etc who help set up programming and have input into our teen and children areas. I would try to engage the youth see if this is something they truly would like or if it would be a waste since they can't afford/don't want etc an e-reader. Or if your library decided to get e-readers thats a little different but definitely I would try to get input from the people they want to be using this service. Of course you know your library best, so your milage may vary, just a thought.
Oh and also may ask ones older patrons how they feel, would a class on e-readers etc help or not? Who knows may get surprised :).
Read On,
Christina Doane
Regarding quasi-Luddite librarians dragging their feet on the ebook issue, I think a lot of it has to do with several factors: the rapidity of the change in technology, simplistic training from the ebook vendors and upper-level management that is not working on the frontline, patron's expectations for ease-of-use, and too many layers to the interface and operability of downloading ebooks.
ReplyDeleteAt my library we answer so many phone calls regarding downloading ebooks. We are told from the upper levels that they've given us and the patrons clear instructions, yet there are always complications especially when dealing with patrons who have difficulties with computers in the first place and secondly trying to communicate the same technical language over the phone. And just when things seem to make sense the library changes its website or the vendor changes something or the e-readers change. The overall attitude I sense from my colleagues is that of exhaustion. I think we all want the process to become easier and unified among devices. Perhaps in a year or two the ebook growing pains will ease and staff will feel more equipped or educated in dealing with ebook issues. But as I see it right now, people have been sold on ebooks through the lure of advertising and the expectation has been placed/forced upon librarians to make the magic happen seamlessly for the demanding patron. It is expected of us and ultimately we must change or risk becoming irrelevant.
Benjamin Boss
Good points all Benjamin,
ReplyDeleteIt is all rather coming a head type feeling isn't it? I mean they've been around for about ten years but you're right. It does seem like the last few years have seen an explosion on this front. I do hope that things settle down a bit for you and your co-workers. Thank you for sharing this view, dealing with in demand, constantly changing technology is definitely not easy. In fact some libraries have taken to rewarding their staff for buying e-readers for their personal use as it aids them in being able to explain it to each other and patrons:
http://www.libraries.wright.edu/noshelfrequired/2011/10/14/library-staff-training-idea-for-ereadersebooks/
Again thanks for sharing, :).
Read On,
Christina Doane
Christina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post! I agree that there are pros and cons to embracing new technology. Adaptation is the key to survival, and this is especially true of libraries. As you pointed out, libraries have already undergone major changes in the past few decades. With these changes you do risk alienating demographics that are not used to or knowledgeable about technology. However, by introducing e-books and new technology, you can also catch the interest of younger generations. There advantages and disadvantages to using technology, but ultimately it's about knowing what resources are best for your library and its patrons.
Caityln,
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked :). Exactly, no two libraries are the same and only the staff of that library and their patrons can determine whats best for them. I am a big fan of as many choices as possible, it helps add to a library's flexibility in budgeting and that can only be a good thing. By knowing as much as possible as staff we are in a better position to help patrons weither or not the patrons choose to embrace the new technology.
Christina Doane