"It is time to dispense with the all-electronic library as a goal," says Kay M. Todd in a Legal Times article.

A great deal of Todd's argument stems from a recent study of students taking a history class online. The study, Todd reports, found sixty-eight percent of the survey-respondents printed out all the readings for the class. Amongst the reasons given are a cadre of standard reasons including readability, easier means for taking notes and better retention of the material. Personally I don't find issues with any of these reasons. Only recently have I become adept at making notes in electronic materials in a way that is terribly useful. A few small (I hope) forests have given their all for the web and electronic based materials I've committed to the printer. Where the disconnect occurs in Todd's article is that an "all-electronic" library doesn't have to be used only on-screen to make it both valuable and potentially superior to its volume-based predecessor.

One vital omission in Todd's argument is the lack of acknowledgment that there is great value in being able to print materials where and when one needs them. Even if the electronic resources get committed to paper the ability for two different attorneys, in different parts of town or different states, working in the same firm to be able to simultaneously access materials, if only to commit them to atoms, has great value. The need to keep multiple copies and have attorneys travel with bound volumes are costly and unfavorable alternatives.

While arguing that many law firm libraries can be reduced in size and supplemented with electronic resources Todd suggests that all-electronic doesn't work when the materials need deeper consideration. "The electronic library is not an effective delivery mechanism where researchers would benefit from the juxtaposition of sections or when they might want to browse," Todd writes.

The argument goes on to suggest that the inability to browse through electronic resources and to look at the table of contents and go to a section are big downsides of electronic resources. More than indictments of electronic research it speaks more to the types of materials being used. There are plenty of electronic resources, in the legal community and elsewhere, that have just these functions. What is necessary is a well-versed librarian who can help the patrons of the library get information in the way they need. Increasingly this is electronically and as there are more digital natives in the ranks of colleges and the workforce the once preference for print will fade. Even the digital immigrant that I am I find I now exclusively use on-screen resources to a much greater extent when once upon a time I printed nearly everything. Rather than dispensing with the goal of an all-electronic library we need to focus on the needs of users in an ever more electronic, connected world and workforce and make it easier for everyone to be successful in the information age.

Wired has a nice writeup today on the Learning 2.0 project developed by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County...

Recognizing that librarians need to know how to participate in the new media mix if libraries are to remain relevant, Blowers challenged her 550 staffers to become more web savvy. Using free web tools, she designed the program and gave staff members three months to do 23 things.

They created blogs and podcasts, tried out Flickr, set up RSS feeds, learned about wikis, uploaded video to YouTube, played with image generators and Rollyo, and explored Technorati, tagging and folksonomies.

If the Learning 2.0 program interests you, be sure to check out Five Weeks to a Social Library also. It's a course developed last fall by Meredith Farkas, Michelle Boule, Karen Coombs, Amanda Etches-Johnson, Ellyssa Kroski, and Dorothea Salo...

Five Weeks to a Social Library is the first free, grassroots, completely online course devoted to teaching librarians about social software and how to use it in their libraries. It was developed to provide a free, comprehensive, and social online learning opportunity for librarians who do not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education and who would benefit greatly from learning about social software.

The actual course wrapped up earlier this month. Readings and screencasts are available on the site.

[Wired] Public Library Geeks Take Web 2.0 to the Stacks

To celebrate his second anniversary as a blogger, Kansas City librarian David Lee King wrote and recorded a song about Web 2.0, then created a video to accompany it...

This had me laughing out loud in my office today. Even louder than when I discovered Dave Pattern's Library 2.0 Idea Generator.

H4: Technology Scouts: How to Keep Your Library and ILS Current in the IT World

Jane Kelsey, Yale University School of Law
Katie Bauer, Yale University
Casey Bisson, Plymouth State University

Jane Kelsey

Library catalogs have changed fast since the 1970s, and even though everything has moved onto the web, the changes are still coming fast. In order to keep up, we must think about ILS in widest view possible, because it's not just for bibliographic information anymore.

Why change? Because library users want change. Because libraries have to change in order to stay viable. And because we can change as ILS's offer new modules.

Young library patrons were born with joysticks in their hands, and they expect everything to be online. Thus expect library services to be online, too. They expect ambient findability, with the least amount of effort. Simply put, they won't use systems that require too much work.

And this drives librarians crazy. Many librarians try to keep viewing things as hierarchical, categorizable, and sequential. But that's not how information is anymore. Now, everything is "intertwingled" (e.g., a mashup of craigslist and Google Maps produces HousingMaps).

Administrators have similar expectations. They want web services that will save time and money and redeploy staff to higher functions. They expect a credible presence, which keeps reliability intact.

ILS vendors are finally beginning to provide products to make these things happen.

Here are a few examples of what Yale's Law Library has done...

• Implementation of an Electronic Resource Management (ERM) module that integrates fully with the ILS
• Using a WebBridge to suggest other resources for patrons to check
• Syndication of incoming RSS feeds into library catalog interface, including library news and legal news from Jurist
• Now producing RSS feeds going out of catalog (e.g., new acquisitions alerts)
• Library can communicate directly with users via portals and feed readers using RSS feeds
• Creation of a MiniCatalog module via AirPAC
• Spellchecking in the OPAC
• Added tables of contents, book jackets, and permalinks to the OPAC
• Creation of Firefox search plug-ins and LibX toolbar
• Place an icon in records on Amazon when the library has the book

Katie Bauer

Users now have a lot of options in searching for information. A recent OCLC survey shows that college students use search engines far more than library websites when performing online research.

This means it's time to start pushing library content out of library website and into places that the patrons already are. What users want is quick, simple, and seamless access. They want it to be easy.

One tool used at Yale to make this happen is John Udell's LibraryLookup, a javascript code that grabs an ISBN from an Amazon URL and plugs it into an OPAC search. This allows users to search for a book in the Yale catalog directly from that book's page on Amazon.

This leads to additional Firefox browser add-ons. The pros of these plug-ins include the ability to put a catalog search box in every browser window a user opens, providing users with complete control over when they can perform a catalog search, and the relative ease with which the plug-ins can be created. However, there are some notable drawbacks. For one, the plug-ins only work with Firefox. Also, to use the plug-ins, users must first download them. Finally, the user must take an extra step to search the catalog.

In addition to plug-ins, libraries can push content out into other realms using RSS.

Yale performed a study to discover where users are on the Yale webspace. The results of this study were then used to determine where the library would push its content. For example, students are using the university's course management system heavily, so Yale is now working on a prototype to push library content into the CMS via RSS. One such piece of content is an automated reserve book list for specific courses in each course's web space.

Yale is also now putting links to library resources into Google Scholar search results using SFX. The user doesn't need to configure anything in order for this to work. This same functionality can be added to Open WorldCat as well. The only drawback is that Google Scholar is very picky about what links it will include.

Casey Bisson

Library catalogs have been criticized a lot this year. The challenges that have generated these criticisms involve usability, findability, and remixability.

Recently, the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) and the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Library have done things with library catalogs that everybody immediately wanted for their own institutions. AADL it inexpensively using open-source software, while NCSU spent a lot of money to develop a commercial solution. To attempt some of these same things, Bisson developed WPopac, a library catalog built using open-source blogging software (WordPress).

Usability is important, as is findability. How do libraries serve people who start their research with internet search engines? How do you increase the functionality of the OPAC for your users? You can improve findability by making content indexable by search engines and linkable. With linkable content, can much more easily track citations to your content and resources.

What about remixability? Flickr, an online photo sharing site, is an excellent example of content that is remixable. Flickr provides the content, and others build tools to manipulate that content for new uses. The tool builders don't have to invent Flickr, and Flickr doesn't have to invent the tools.

An excellent example of a tool built by someone outside of flickr to make use of flickr's content is the Crayon Box Colr Pickr.

In this new world, to make this kind of innovation occur in libraries, we must similarly separate the data and the data manipulation. Then the possible manipulations are endless because it's not limited by the interface of the data system.

Solutions to the challenges of usability and findability are imminent. Therefore, it's time we began focusing on remixability in our systems. To do this, we should look at the OpenSearch API, follow the development of WPopac, and ask our ILS vendors to keep the door open for experimentation (i.e., ask for APIs).

Casey's slides are now online at his blog, MaisonBisson.

E3: Invasion of the Podcast People: Podcasting for the Law Librarian

John Mayer, The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction
Jim Milles, University of Buffalo Law School

The guys made this one easy on me. John already has his synchronized slides and audio up over at CALIopolis. And while Jim added a lot of new detail to his presentation to gear it more toward law librarians of all different types, the big picture was pretty much the same as his session at CALI, which I've already summarized.

God bless you both.

C2: Let's All Wiki Wiki! Creative Uses for Wikis in Any Library

Deborah Ginsberg, Chicago-Kent College of Law

Simply stated, a wiki is a web application for online social collaboration. The typical characteristics of a wiki include the use of lots of hyperlinks, both internal and external. A wiki usually provides for the easy creation and editing of pages by just about anyone.

There are, however, two big caveats with wikis: 1) there is no editor to control content or authority (as evidenced by the Wikipedia entry on John Seigenthaler Sr) and 2) open editing leaves the pages open for spam.

Example: WikiNews (extensive use of hyperlinks and sources)

Many wikis have a revision history that allows users to track changes to a page and compare different versions of a page (often even side by side). Users can even choose to revert to previous versions.

Wikis also provide a means to host online discussions ABOUT wiki pages.

How are wikis being used in libraries? Patrons may be using them for research, either with a general wiki like Wikipedia or with more subject specific wikis (e.g., Psychology Wiki). There are already some law-specific wikis available, including JurisPedia and Wex. An example of a library-specific wiki is LIS Wiki. Some libraries are creating wikis for patron use, such as Butler WikiRef (includes reference resources and instruction). Libraries are even creating internal wikis, like the one for UConn Libraries IT Services.

There are lots of options available for creating wikis. Some considerations include deciding where it will be hosted, what software to use, and determining who controls what. WikiMatrix is a good tool for deciding which wiki service to use. It allows users to compare the features of various types of wiki software.

People often sell the idea of wikis to new users by emphasizing the fact that you don't need to know HTML to edit a wiki, but each wiki uses its own proprietary wiki syntax, which may be just as daunting as learning html (without being as universally useful).

Popular software and/or hosting choices for wikis include MediaWiki, PBwiki, JotSpot, and Edit This.

Ginsberg has created LawLibWik, a law library wiki that anyone can edit. She hopes that everyone in the profession will start contributing. It can be used to teach research skills to new librarians and to share knowledge with one another.

Legal Writing and Research Library Workshop Modules: Teaching Legal Bibliography Using Instructional Technology in Innovative Ways
Lauren Michelle Collins, Wayne State University Law School

After being awarded an Innovative Instructional Technology Grant by the Office of the Provost, Collins and others at Wayne State are currently developing online tutorials for various topics in legal research. The tutorials feature audio recordings with accompanying visual aides. The visual aids in some tutorials are simple slides. Other tutorials feature video demos. The tutorials are viewable within a web browser. Collins said she expects the tutorials to be unveiled in August.

Those involved in the production of the tutorials, including library students, had little experience in a project of this type (and size) and had to do a tremendous amount of on-the-job learning while. For example, the camera used to create video for the project arrived with no instructions. The team then had to spend several days learning to use the equipment.

Collins stressed the importance of developing the format at the same time you develop actual content. With format already in mind, content production is simplified greatly.

Certain unforeseen developments threw obstacles into the project. For one, changes to certain library resources forced some tutorials into obsolescence before they could even be used.

I just finished meeting with the reference staff concerning IM reference, and I'm happy to say that we're set to begin offering our reference services via instant messaging to our students, faculty, and staff over the next few weeks (first as a summer-long pilot project -- then as a permanent service). We just need to obtain a catchy screen name, get Trillian installed on everyone's machine's, and schedule "desk" coverage for the summer. In addition, we'll also begin offering reference service via email, a service that's long, long overdue for us.

One of the major advantages we have in implementing a virtual reference plan is affiliation with an institution already experienced in providing IM reference service: UNLV's Lied Library (the university's main campus library). The librarians at Lied have been providing chat reference in one form or another for quite some time, including service via the major IM providers (AIM, MSN, and Yahoo!) for the last year. Hopefully, we can work with Lied on some mutually useful collaborations once we're up to speed with our own service. (For more on Lied's IM service, read Sherri Vokey's post on the topic from last year over at schwagbag.)

Fortunately, this looks to be just the first major development for us in a summer filled with technology projects. More to come soon.

Two weeks ago I posted about a technology plan I was developing for the law library. Well, the draft is now complete, and I'll be submitting it to our director for approval later today. In composing the plan, I've tried to incorporate usability and patron needs into as many areas as I can. In addition, I've made every effort to leave as much room as possible for seamless adoption of new technologies as they emerge -- thus there is no mention of any specific tools in the plan.

Here's the complete draft:

Goal 1. The Law Library website will serve as a branch location of the library, offering any and all possible items and services to remote patrons.

Priorities:

• Integrate all remote library information and services into single unified web presence.
• Provide remote access to library collection and documentation.
• Develop unified searching and browsing mechanisms for all library resources.
• Adapt all content into formats usable by leading and emerging platforms.
• Implement emerging systems for communication with and among patrons.
• Permit patrons to complete library transactions remotely.
• Allow and encourage patrons to enrich, remix and reuse library content.
• Integrate usability testing into all library systems.

Goal 2. The Law Library will provide, and members of the Law Library staff will participate in, technology training programs designed to help staff provide competent service and assistance to the users of library technology.

Priorities:

• Schedule regular current technology awareness sessions for library faculty.

• Provide introductory training to all affected library staff members for newly acquired technology resources.
• Obtain and encourage feedback on and ideas for technology training from participating staff.
• Acquire or create instructional documentation for all library technology resources and make it easily accessible to all library staff and patrons.
• Incorporate user perspectives into all training programs in order to foster a usability-centered library culture.

Goal 3. The Law Library will obtain and implement equipment and services necessary to best attain the priorities listed in Goal 1.

Priorities:

• Establish realistic and appropriate priorities for technology needs in project planning, resource allocation, and institutional budgeting.
• Identify explicit service needs early in the planning stages of all technology projects.
• Perform sufficient research to identify and obtain the equipment and services that best meet the specific needs for each technology project.
• Provide the necessary equipment and services for in-house patrons to receive access to all the same items and services as remote patrons.

Goal 4. The Law Library staff will collaborate to implement and update the technology plan as necessary.

Priorities:

• Schedule regular brainstorming sessions for technology project ideas with full library staff.
• Solicit participation in project planning from any interested staff members.
• Involve all affected staff members in the design and testing of new items and services.
• Revisit this plan regularly to evaluate its continuing effectiveness and relevance to the library’s mission.
• Develop methodologies for integrating patron feedback into all appropriate business processes.

Two weeks of staring at this document have left me a bit myopic. Am I missing anything? Comments and criticism are welcomed.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm pitching (*cough* mandating *cough*) the idea of IM (instant messaging) reference service to the law library reference staff. Late last night, just as I was about to break down and start prepping my presentation, a huge time-saver appeared in my Bloglines subscriptions in the form of a PowerPoint presentation on that exact topic, courtesy of Sarah Houghton at LibrarianInBlack:

Anyone is welcome to take the presentation, modify it to your heart's content, and use it to explain and promote the use of social software in your own library. Talk to your administrators; rev up the people looking longingly at retirement. We're all in this together, and this might be one way to get everyone on the same page (or at least in the same chapter).

Granted, a law library's patron base doesn't consist of too many kids and teens (which are the focus of much of Sarah's presentation), but the data she provides is, for the most part, easily translatable to the twentysomethings that make up the bulk of the law school student body. All in all, a great introduction for anyone contemplating IM reference service.

[LibrarianInBlack]IM and Other Social Software for Libraries