4th Entry: Library Technology Trends is Mobile Technology

For  the Library Technology Trend of the moment I believe that mobile technology will be the most long lasting. In fact I am confident that it will no longer be just a trend but a permanent fixture of modern life. Mobile technology is being able to access the internet and digital information from a device that is not an actual computer. It is hard for some born before this millennium to remember  a time where everyone didn't have a phone. Bohyun (2013) “We are quickly moving into an era in which the smartphone is the most common device used  to access the World Wide Web" While most people do have access to a computer there  is a much greater percent that has access to a phone. Smart phones are becoming the default phone. 

To see how mobile technology is changing how libraries interact with patrons in the modern world the perfect example would be the San Antonio's BiblioTech Library. It is touted as the first all digital library. Book clubs are conducted via Goggle hangouts and the only books available are eBooks. They even have digital comics for download. Tablets  are also available and for use. now one doesn't have to physically go to the library. everything can be done digitally. One important aspect of this library is that they do offer computer classes to help the public learn how to use new technology. While interesting this is very rare and most libraries are still playing catch up. The average rural library is just trying to make it's website accessible to mobile devices. The idea of a completely digital library is till very far off. Mobile devices will continue to get faster and shiner and libraries will learn how to survive in these new digital ecosystems. 

Bohyun, Kim. (2013). The Mobile Shift. Library Technology Reports, 49(6), 5-8.

San Antonio's BiblioTech Library 

Retrieved from: http://bexarbibliotech.org/

3rd Entry:Electronic Resources eBooks

Electronic Resources is general term for a broad set of resources that can be accessed in digital format. These resources range from eBooks, eJournals, electronic databases and internet websites that serve has reference sources (Burke, 2013).  All of these have a place in the modern library. However, I wish to discuss the effect of the eBooks in the modern public library. The  eBooks is seen by some as a challenge to the modern public library and all that it represents. The traditional print format of shelves full of the latest best sellers  and the reference sections. However, the modern public library is aware and part of the growing technological trends.

The library is engaged in the growth of eBooks and supporting it's patrons access to eBooks. With consumers purchasing eReaders such as Kindles and NOOKs  and tablets such as the Galaxy and Ipad remaining popular eBooks are here to stay. eBooks can be easily accessed through a public library website with patrons library card account information for free. However, this process isn't free for libraries. One major issue with eBooks is that is isn't as simple as buying print books for libraries. Publishers have put certain hurdles that have made eBooks slightly cost prohibitive  for libraries. Harper Collins famously capped eBook lending for 26 times before libraries would have to purchase the book again in order to allow patrons access. According to the 2014 ALA State of America's Libraries Report Ebooks publishers and  libraries are working together to provide consumers a way to access eBooks. The report also shows that  though Ebooks continue to make gains among reading Americans,  few readers have completely replaced print with digital editions. 

Ebooks are a resource that continues to grow and libraries are working to make sure that they grow with it.


References
ALA State of America's Libraries Report
Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2014

Burke, J. (2006). Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A Basic Guide for Library Staff. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Hadro, J., & Kelley, M. (2011). HarperCollins: 26-Loan Cap on Library Ebooks. Library

Journal, 136(6), 16-18.