Who Ever Said that ILS Migrations Had to be Stressful?

Traditionally, migration from one integrated library system (ILS) to another has been an arduous, difficult task; so much so, that libraries may choose to stay with an unsatisfactory ILS longer than they would if a viable and easy alternative were available to them. However, this institutional inertia is not necessary, if the library (possibly in cooperation with a vendor) develops a method for avoiding unnecessary and problems. In this chapter, a process is described that, when implemented, maximizes results, while minimizing pain and stress on the library and its’ staff.

Managing Automated Storage in the 21st Century Library

The Mathewson Automated Retrieval System (MARS) is the second largest automated library storage system in the world. Housed in the University of Nevada, Reno’s spectacular Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, MARS provides storage for half of the print collection, and nearly all government documents, special collections materials, and multimedia equipment. This chapter will explore automated library storage management, including maintenance and care of the equipment, safety, stewardship of the collection, and how automated storage challenges our beliefs about the purpose and function of libraries.

Chatbots

The authors discuss their experience with using artificial intelligence and chatbots to enhance their existing web sites and information services in public library settings. The chapter describes their budget driven motivations for embarking on this project and outlines the development and implementation of the bots in their library settings. They show how the bots are positioned to enhance existing services and describe the various reactions to the bots from their patron base, and staff. Different implementations of the bots are highlighted (text only, animated talking avatar, mobile site, desktop help icon) as well as the differing levels of complexity of these different implementations. They address the oft posed question “Does AI spell the end of Reference?” and describe the InfoTabby code sharing project.

Lending and Borrowing Library Materials

The first application of robotic technologies in libraries is in the area of storage and retrieval of library materials. This chapter discusses past, present, and future developments in robotic technologies in the area of library circulation. Issues and challenges libraries face in light of rapid developments in the electronic realm are discussed in relation to circulation. This chapter also highlights future trends and technologies for library lending, as well as possibilities for advancement with the increasing shift towards electronic content in libraries.

Empires of the Future

Exploring technology and academic libraries concerns more than just machines, functions or processes; the human factor is as important as the equipment. Implementing successful technology changes requires attention to the people involved, and academia is no exception. Technology can be divided into either disruptive or sustaining technologies, and these technological changes impact students, faculty, and staff. In higher education, technology changes are shifting knowledge transfer to a more participatory environment and a more synergistic experience. The academic library is in a transitive state of change, evolving from a warehouse of things to a collaborative learning destination for resources. Both the library and the academic environment must adapt to survive. Overcoming the challenge of changes to the delivery of instruction may lead to extensive restructuring of courses and curriculum. The academic library can serve as a collaborative partner with faculty, leading by example to incorporate technological changes.

Development of Academic Library Automation in Brazil

The automation of university libraries in Brazil underwent a restraint of trade on computers and software, which took place in the country between 1980 and 1990, restricting the initial use of automation systems. However, they were often developed in creative ways: systems and applications were created and used in various universities, some as free software, others based on the ISIS platform from Unesco, in addition to using modern foreign systems, which only occurred in the 1990’s. This chapter provides a historical overview of the development of automation in the country’s university libraries, from the moment in which Brazilian researchers began to disseminate information technology, creating an automation culture in higher education institutions. Many people and institutions have also contributed to promoting and implementing automation in university libraries. This paper is on future perspectives of academic library automation in Brazil with discovery tools, next generation cloud-based systems and library automation equipment. Some possible future developments are also presented.

Streamlining Access to Library Resources with LibX

LibX is a platform that allows libraries to create customized web browser extensions that simplify direct access to library resources and services. LibX provides multiple user interfaces, including popups, context menus, and contextualized cues to direct the user’s attention to these resources. LibX is supported by two toolbuilder applications - the Edition Builder and the LibApp Builder – which allow anyone to create, manage, and share LibX configurations and applications. These tools automate the process of software creation and distribution, allowing librarians to become software distributors. This chapter provides background and history of the LibX project, as well as in-depth analysis of the design and use of the LibX Edition Builder that has helped enable its success.

Transforming Technical Services

The current economic downturn has resulted in constantly shrinking budgets and drastic staff reduction at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Library. Meanwhile, rapid shifting to digital formats as well as dramatic growth in social networking, mobile applications and cloud computing continues. To face these challenges, the Technical Services (TS) at the university library at UCSC need a transformation. This chapter discusses how the authors have adopted the strategy of maximizing technology in utilizing “robot-like” batch processing tools in house to minimize the risk of becoming ineffective or irrelevant. In aligning human resources to apply those tools to achieve our goals in tandem with the mission of the library, the authors learn to work with the various issues and the barriers that we have encountered during the past decade. The authors are examining the changes brought to the department through the process, highlighting a plan of action, and providing guidance for those interested in bringing about a technological transformation that will continue into the future.

Automation and Collection Management

The history of library automation can be traced to early printing methods of the 7th century A.D. The earliest collectors of books were usually religious scholars who amassed the religious texts of the day. Monks from East and West travelled great distances and often at great peril to gather meticulously hand-copied texts. Early inventions of woodblocks, and, later the printing press, enabled the mass-production of books that resulted in libraries’ expansion into the secular world. Librarians have continued to bring technological advances into their work, combining web services, programming scripts, and commercial databases and software in innovative ways. The processes of selection, deselection, and assessment have been enhanced through these new products and services. The authors discuss a variety of technological applications for collection activities that have allowed collection managers to work more efficiently and better understand the use of their print and electronic collections. The effects of automation on the people involved in collection management are also explored.

Beyond the ILS

This chapter focuses on the changes in integrated library systems (ILS) over the past thirty years as the focus shifts from collecting physical items to electronic and digital materials. The relationship between the ILS and new specialized applications, including link resolvers, knowledge bases of e-content, electronic resource management systems, digital asset management systems, discovery services, and institutional repository platforms is discussed and placed in context. In addition to looking at workflows with these new systems, a general discussion of how academic libraries are likely to engage with these new systems, the time frames in which we can expect availability and widespread adoption, and any cautions or concerns to have in mind when selecting or implementing these systems.