It is clear so far that technology has a big impact on what goes on within a library. It also has strong effect on what it means to work in a library on a daily basis. It affects what the library staff does, how they do it, and how they feel about their jobs. According to a job satisfaction survey done by Library Journal, 49% of the academic librarians surveyed said their jobs changed because of technology (Albanese, 2008). It is clear that technology is having an effect on the conditions of library staff in many ways.
Technology could be seen to make the lives of library staff a little less stressful. For instance, with the online catalog and internet patrons can answer certain questions themselves thus freeing some of the librarian’s time. It can also make it easier to do some routine library tasks, such as check out books. Automation of services will definitely effect what librarians are doing each day. Jack Siggins predicts that as services become more automated “new tasks as yet unidentified will replace traditional ones, much in the way online catalogs have greatly reduced the need for catalog card preparation and filing. Changes both in the stock of equipment and in the organization of work will have a direct impact on jobs and staff” (Siggins, 1992).
Being involved in these changes could be both interesting and rewarding for librarians. While some may fear these changes and feel that increased automation will make libraries and librarians irrelevant, others do not. As Amy BeggDeGroff, a director of IT at Howard County Library in Maryland puts it: “We weren't losing a position in information-seeking activity in fact, we were an active player in information seeking.” (BeggDeGroff, 2008) As “active players” in information-seeking, librarians have the ability to learn about and use technology in a way that benefits patrons, and lead the way towards the future of librarianship. Librarians also have the psychologically rewarding task of teaching patrons about new technologies that have the potential to enrich their lives. The rewards that librarians see in their job are certainly apparent in the Library Journal job satisfaction survey in which 70% of academic librarians described themselves as either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their jobs. (Albanese, 2008).
At the same time, technology can make librarians’ jobs more psychologically demanding. Librarians are now required to teach people how to use technology, answer technology related questions, and even do troubleshooting when technology isn’t working as it should. This can be difficult if the librarians don’t have training in these areas. BeggDeGroff describes the negative effects of technology at a library she worked at: “Our information desks were becoming overwhelmed with computer questions staff could not answer, since no training had been available prior to the computers' installation” (BeggDeGroff, 2008). As new technologies are developed, it can be a struggle to keep up with them. According to the job satisfaction survey by Library Journal, one third of the academic librarians surveyed said that keeping up with new technologies is their biggest on the job challenge (Albanese, 2008).
Technology can also have a physical impact on librarians. Librarianship typically doesn’t involve a lot of physical activity. Technology can add to this problem by increasing the time librarians spend doing sedentary activities such as sitting at the computer. It can also lead to things such as back problems. As Suzanne DeLong describes it: “Many of the activities librarians do--working at a computer terminal, listening carefully to others, looking at printed materials on a desk or countertop, looking carefully at an object on a shelf or wall poster--are conducive to poor posture in the neck and upper back” (DeLong, 1995). This poor posture can create back problems and neck problems. Sitting at a computer too long can also lead to eye strain. According to an article by Jim Young, up to 80% of computer users report suffering from some eye strain or eye fatigue(Young, 1996). These problems can be helped by making sure to stay active as much as possible, as well as keeping an eye on posture and how close you are sitting to the computer.
It is clear that technology has had a big effect on what librarians do every day. It has had both positive and negative psychological effects on librarians, as well as certain physical effects. Here are some questions to consider:
Has technology overall made librarianship easier or harder? Why?
How is technology going to impact librarians’ day to day activities in the future?
As technology continues to develop, what are some ways we can keep up with it?
What are some ways we can minimize the negative psychological and physical effects of technology, and increase the positive effects?
Works cited
Albanese, A. (2008). Take this job and love it. Library Journal , 2 (133), 36-39.
BeggDeGroff, A. (2008). Using open source to give patrons what they want. Computers in Libraries , 28 (3), 6-10.
DeLong, S. (1995). Don't stick your neck out, librarian. American Libraries , 26 (7), 694-696.
Siggins, J. (1992). Job satisfaction and performance in a changing environment. Library Trends , 41 (2), 299-316.
Young, J. (1996). Your guide to safe computing. Electronic Learning , 16 (2), 42-45.
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14 comments:
Kelly,
I think you make some really interesting points! Technology does have just as much impact on the actual librarian as it does the actual library and I think we tend to forget that aspect! I think in the beginning there were concerns that technological advancements would ultimately replace the need for an actual human being, but I don't believe, especially after seeing the implimentation of automation at my library, that a library will ever be without the need of librarians and library staff! Even with self check out machines, and catalogs available online, I know our staff is still very much needed by our patrons. We have 7 or 8 self check out machines in our library and yet our circulation desk still logs on average, on any given day, over 100 patron-staff interactions! And that is just the circulation aspect! Our librarians put in nearly the same numbers. But I guess, too, that will depend on size of the library and community the library is serving.
As for whether or not technology has made things easier or harder I think it is a blend. Where in some areas, things have become easier (e.g. patrons becoming more self sufficient with catalog use, checking out books, etc) there are certain aspects that have become harder. Technology related issues, specifically. Many more patrons coming into the library want to keep up with trends and know how to use these new technologies and as a result the librarians are required to know more about computers. I think for those that are just coming into the library science world, or those that have gone through the degree in the last 10 years, it is much easier than for someone who started the profession 30 years ago. The technological side is now integrated into the program and we come out of the master's program knowing how to do those things. This is not to say that those who have been around do not adapt well or refuse to learn, it just may be a more difficult process because that technological foundation was never laid. Also, I can see where those who might be on their way out or getting close to retirement might struggle with the change because the "what's the point?" mentality might exist.
I think it is also interesting to see some libraries combat the issue by hiring a staff of computer "experts." My library's staff has about 4 computer pages who are there specifically to deal with computer/technological issues that arise. However, I am not sure how I feel about this. They are not always available at any given time throughout the day. This then requires that the librarians handle it (which I believe they should know how to) but it feels like an attempt to shift responsibility to the computer pages. Maybe I have a cynical stance on this but it almost feel like it is passing the buck.. I mean it is great if there can be staff there that specifically handle those types of problems, but I believe that we, as librarians, should know how to. Perhaps it is just a way that large libraries free up use of the librarians' time in order to assist patrons with other questions.
You really crafted your argument well Kelly! I think there is quite a bit to think about when considering what effect technology has on library staff.
I think technology has benefited the library profession. Online card catalog is probably the biggest advantage technology has brought to librarians and libraries. Not to mention how user friendly assessing my library’s collection is now that I can use it from home. I can write down the card catalog number and march right to it without ever having to interact with anyone working in the library. So in this regard, technology saves the patron time.
As for having to teach patrons how to use technology, well, that comes with the territory. Provided that librarians have been adequately trained, teaching patrons how to use technology should only bolster the information disseminating process that comes with being in the information finding profession. The automation of services which should free up some librarian’s time could help grant areas for learning and teaching the staff how to better utilize their libraries’ tech resources.
When I think about a librarian’s physical place in the library I have never imagined the role to be a physically active one. Eye strain and poor posture is probably as harsh as it gets. However, that is why I advocate yoga mats for all and maybe 10 minute yoga sessions for the librarian that could be done in the break room. Yes, I’m serious. Being sedative for that long is not good for anyone, even super librarians need yoga.
Bethany,
I definitely agree that librarians will always be needed, despite increased automation of services. The human interaction is something that is great about going to a library or being a librarian. I also like your point about the the librarians who have been in the profession a long time and how they might not want to learn about new technology. I guess it is up to us who are more technologically savvy to encourage and help them wherever we can.
Jen,
There are certainly many ways in which technology can free up a librarian's time for other purposes, such as teaching patrons about new technology. As you pointed out though, the librarian's should be properly trained, which all librarians may not be. I also love your idea about librarians doing yoga. It sounds like fun!
Kelly, I think that librarians are not the only ones affected by technology. It is across the board and even the mom and pop stores have to deal with changes in order to keep up with what customers want. Its hard to imagine that changes in technology will be as extreme in the next 20 years as they were in the last 20, but librarians will have to adapt and learn. It seems like technology has made librarianship easier and harder at the same time, but it is the same for many other businesses. Having a good attitude and being open to the challenges will be important but can get difficult as time goes on and one gets older. An article "Making Changes and Staying Happy" (see below), caught my eye. Supervisors at the Walt Branch Library in Lincoln City, Nebraska, decided to up their staff involvement in how the library does business. They involved staff in running briefings, decision making, and suggestions for better service and floated staff around to different positions in the library for stimulation. They felt this gave staff a sense of ownership in library business, and happier staff resulted in happier customers. Taking care ourselves physically will be up to each one of us- the article last night in class about having a workout room downstairs for staff was an appealing idea especially in climates where it is hard to get out in the wintertime. And Jen, yoga definitely could benefit everyone, especially when working with customers and technology!
Hilyard, Nann Blaine. "Making Changes and Staying Happy". Public Libraries. Chicago:May/June. Vol.46, Iss. 3, pg. 17.
I think there are many ways that technology has made life easier, but I also agree with the point made that new technology can be psychologically demanding.
My library is slightly behind the times and we only upgraded to a webbased card catalog about a year and a half ago. Before that our catalog was computerized but we were using dynex which used dot commands. The upgrade to Polaris was a big deal for my library and we had an extensive training session over several days so that we would all be ready when we went live with the new ILS. Many of us suspected that one of our older staff members at circulation would have a hard time with it because she generally didn't like change. Our director understood this and spent a good bit of time during those training sessions with that staff member trying to help make the transition easier.
There is no doubt that new technology can be a strain and that is why I respect my director's actions and I consider that a model for how I should act if I see a coworker struggling with a new technology. I would hope someone would do the same for me were I in a similar situation. Libraries are collaborative enviroments and key parts in communities. I think its important that these elements do not get lost as we all struggle to keep up with the newest technological trends.
Anne,
You make a great point that changes in technology affect so many customer service industries. I hadn't really thought of that. I also agree that it is important to have a positive attitude, as well as take care of ourselves physically. I also thought of the article mentioned in class in connection with this idea.
Keegan,
It is great that your director had such a good attitude about helping staff adapt to new technologies. There are always going to be those who have a little trouble in this area, especially older staff members that didn't grow up with a lot of it. It is good to know that there are directors out there who are doing a good job of dealing with this fact. I also hope that someone would do the same for me if I was struggling with technology in some way.
Put me on the "librarians will rarely have to worry about being replaced totally by a machine" bandwagon. For one thing, some of these machines which are supposed to make life more efficient do have a tendency to break down or have the works gummed up (particularly those CD and DVD unlockers...but then again, not many people I know put them through the wringer like I do), and someone must be called upon to right any errors.
Now...as far as the conditions of library staff, I addressed my concern about eye strain in a comment on Kate's blog, citing that eBooks could cause that problem among library patrons should libraries go that route. I didn't pay any mind to the fact that the librarians themselves have to look at information on a computer screen for a good part of the day too!
As far as teaching others to use computers, etc....again, it shouldn't be a problem if the librarian is properly trained and has just the right amount of patience for that sort of thing. Plus, a decent tech support staff should also be on hand as well.
With those worries behind us, technology is doing GOOD things for libraries too (i.e. the automatic check-outs, etc.)!
This blog raises some interesting points. Given that we are all spending so much time learning about new technology and how to use it, it’s surprising that more is not said about how technology has changed conditions in libraries and whether it has altered job satisfaction. And I’m not surprised that reviews are mixed. Technology has clearly eliminated some mindless and repetitive chores, which is a good thing for librarians, and for the status of the profession. But computers can definitely cause a host of physical problems and really stress out less-skilled users—I speak from personal experience on both points.
Today, in addition to developing more traditional competencies, librarians must learn the following skills, to name just a few, “developing local full-text databases, INTRANET design, designing innovative multi-media based OPACs, electronic publishing, homepage creation, and Internet navigation and searching.” Kajberg (1997). And “applications of new information technology and new media in addressing the needs of special user clienteles of the public library - the disabled, blind, partially sighted or physically handicapped - must be considered…as well.” Kajberg (1997).
All these new tools and skills have to be a little daunting for most people—particularly when what we learn now may be obsolete tomorrow. And “…although many librarians have learnt to handle the new technologies during recent years only few library professionals possess the profound technical knowledge required for introducing IT and developing the IT- based services in public library settings.” Kajberg (1997).
But the brave new world of hi-tech libraries also provides librarians with new opportunities for professional growth. For example, librarians are now being encouraged to develop ‘mediacy skills - notably information seeking - as a skill number one of this increasingly important competence. Mediacy, a neologism coined by University of Pittsburgh library school Dean Toni Carbo, combines literacy with knowing where to go to find information, and knowing what to do with it…"Librarians have an opportunity to fill a niche: to help the public think critically, to help them learn to prioritize and judge the quality of information they receive in torrents’ ( Kajberg 1997) due to the internet and other information technologies. I believe most people will get more job satisfaction from this type of work, than from stamping books.
The stress of continually being forced to learn and implement new technologies has to impact job satisfaction; but hopefully the challenge of continually learning new skills and catching up to and staying at the forefront of technology will outweigh carpal tunnel and the extreme frustration caused by computers with minds of their own.
Work cited:
Leif Kajberg (1997). Emerging public librarian roles and skills: A literature review. Librarian Career Development, 5(1), 12. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
David W. Lewis, dean of the IUPUI University Library (Indiana University) presented an interesting attempt to provide a strategy for academic libraries from now to 2025, at the“Vision of Change: Academic Libraries in Transition” symposium on January 2007.After a detailed study he had concluded:
“Seven years into the new millennium academic libraries are facing a great deal of uncertainty, but it seems to me that the way forward is really not that difficult to see, at least in it’s broad outlines. The challenges we face are complex in detail and some, most notably the long-term preservation of digital resources, will take both inspiration and hard work, but none of what needs doing is beyond our capabilities. Importantly, the work that needs to be done is at core what libraries have always done — to be the mechanism for making knowledge available in communities and organizations. We will use new and different techniques for doing so and we will undoubtedly define community somewhat differently —more often as the world and less often as the campus. But our underlying values need not change.
As individuals, we will need to be ready to invest in ourselves by acquiring new
skills and looking at new problems in new ways, but the work we serve the same
end, and will probably have the many of the same frustrations and rewards.”
Source cited:
https://idea.iupui.edu/dspace/bitstream/1805/665/6/A%20Model%20Academic%20Libraries%202005%20to%202025.pdf Retrieved April 9, 2008
The observation that technology can be psychologically demanding is astute. While I worked at Detroit Public Library one of my duties was to sign people up to use the public computers. On an average day I had to spend more time than I really had providing basic computer instruction to people who were not computer literate. This involved showing patrons how to do things like set up email accounts, use Word to write resumes, etc. I had to explain to an older gentleman once that the fact that he could not find the right song lyrics online didn't mean that his computer was "broken" as he thought. I didn't mind the time spent doing this, but at the same time it was not in my job description to provide computer support and took away from other duties. It's also very frustrating to be forced into the role of computer basics trainer
Matthew,
You definitely have a point that technology seems to misbehave quite often, and librarians are the ones who have to fix the problems. This makes it important that librarians understand the technology well enough to fix the problems and maybe teach patrons something in the process.
Kathryn,
I like your statement that technology offers opportunities for professional growth, and can create a more satisifying job overall. I like to see it this way too which is part of the reason I think it is such a good time to be becoming librarians.
Diana,
I like the quote you provided, and I agree that the basic values of librarianship shouldn't be changed by technology. Technology should be used to enhance the basics,
not completely take their place.
Josh,
Teaching people about technology can definitely be frustrating, and does take away from other duties. It is great to hear about this from someone who has experienced it firsthand.
Holly,
It really is important for librarians to be computer literate. I can only imagine how hard it would be for someone with very little computer experience.
good post! I think technology has made both positive and negative effects to our profession. We are able to find information to our patrons faster, we are able to find just about any book, magazine, journal, and article in the world for our patrons and give it to them in a matter of days(if that) however, privacy matters are a bit of a negative impact. Not to mention just a simply matter as losing power for a few hours can disrupt certain librarians functions. You won't be able to look up patrons records or even find a call number for a certain book you need. Or like at my library, doors will only open with key tags, certain few people will have keys,if we lose power, staff will be locked out offices, supply rooms, many places.
Technology is never going to stop, never going to go static. New things will constantly be coming. Librarians shouldn't or even can't hide from this. It will definietly impact our lives everyday, all day.
As you pointed out in your discussion, I think that a lot of the stresses of new technology come from its newness and librarians who feel underprepared to use whatever program has been introduced much less act as an expert and teach other people how to use it. Sure, there are plenty of headaches to be had even if you know what you're doing, but I think that it's even worse for librarians who don't feel that they've been properly trained, but were just thrown into the deep end.
It seems that more and more, librarians have to be responsible for keeping themselves current with new technology, even if it is something that they are required to use in their workplaces. All of us will probably find ourselves continuing our education throughout our careers.
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