Managing Multimedia Technologies in Academic Libraries

Erica Bodnar and Joey Fones

15 ARCHE schools surveyed, 12 responded.• 10 of those 12 circulated “non-traditional” items and Digital Learning

Objects (DLOs)—mostly headphones, laptops, and calculators.

Most began circulating these items about 5 years ago.

10 of 12 had no annual bugdets or refreshment cycles.• Overwhelming reliance on outside funding and institutional grants.

Almost everyone kept statistics on use and reported rises in demand.

• 67% were unable to meet that demand.

Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Film/Slide Scanning Adapters, GorillaPods, Headsets/Headphones, Multi-Card Media Reader, Tripods , Digital Voice Recorders, Graphing Calculators, MP3 Players, Multi-Card Media Reader, Portable DVD Players, Projectors, Peripheral Cables, Laptops, External DVD Burners, Optical Mice, USB Flash Drives, Portable Hard Drives, USB Floppy Drive, Webcams, Wireless Antenna, Wireless Presenter w/ Laser Pointer, Zip Drive

Storage that utilizes space while providing security and necessary climate controls.Closet designed with dedicated HVAC, power and security.

-Dedicated closet for cameras/camcorders and tripods.

-Color coded system of tags to differentiate items.Plotter is in close proximity to the Circ Desk and staff.

Dedicated Staffing for “gadgets” issues.

Email alias/listserv to handle inquiries

All Staff/student employees have checkout functions

Staff member works with OIT and the Resource Council

All checkouts are automated in Voyager.

No outside users.

Work with classes and instructors.

Some automated functions have been disabled to allow for greater discretion of staff.

Higher-end equipment has policy agreement forms.

Equipment is tested and demonstrated as functional before checkout and return.

Class specific training sessions to discuss equipment options and walk-thru’s to demo steps to final product.

Working with instructors to understand assignments and equipment.

Training and tutorial options for students and staff members.

Laptop computers Digital camcorders Digital cameras LCD Projectors USB flash drives 35 mm camera

Audiocassette recordersDigital voice recordersSlide projectorHeadphonesMicrophonesTripods

Students can checkout bicycles throughthe Purple BikeProgram.

• Secure storage closet- only Circulation Supervisors have keyed access.

• Purple Bikes are locked up on a bike rack located at the rear of the library, under a covered porch.

Policiesposted onwebsite

Students fill out a Statement of Responsibility when checking out media items for the first time.

Funds “gadget” refreshment cycles operating on 3 year intervals.

Student and faculty input is solicited before any purchase recommendations are finalized.

Cycles rotate between plotter printer/peripherals, cameras and camcorders, and laptops.

Other refreshments are prioritized and paid for as needed through the library budget.

Student Technology Fee

Regular updates and training sessions for Circ staff/students to stay current on offerings and policies.

Cross training sessions with OIT student assistants.

Circ Staff and students are encouraged to periodically checkout items to use and familiarize themselves.

Automatic billing has been enacted where possible.

Hold notifications and circulation maintenance is done manually.

Full inventories are conducted periodically to verify that items are in working condition and that the system statuses are correct.

Circulation policies are continually reviewed and updated as needed.

Informative, streamlined website.

Continuous oversight and content management to provide accurate information.

Website content is managed by Circ staff in conjunction w/ Systems department.

“Headlines” for Library homepage.

The original collection of media items were purchased by the Media Services Department

Media Services has added equipment to the collection on an as needed basis as special funds have become available.

• There is no maintenance or replacement budget.

• The library purchased additional equipment in summer 2009 with a small gift fund.

New items purchased with gift fund:

2 flip digital camcorders 3 digital voice recorders 1 digital camera 1 snowball microphone

All items are tagged to so that library staff can verify that all components are returned.

Automatic late notices and late fee billing have been enacted.

Booking (holds) on equipment is possible by faculty if specific media items are needed for a project or class.

Website content is managed by Library Staff- allowing for immediate updates regarding circulation policies.

Circulation policies are continually reviewed and updated when needed.

Maintenance- We rely on Media Services to do minor repairs or replace broken/lost parts

Circulation supervisors will receive a training session on equipment for the first time in Fall 2009.

The Media Services Dept. is available to assist students and faculty who have questions/problems with the equipment.

Promote resources and awareness.

Be open about prices, policies and fees.

Use eye-catching graphics and “brands.”

Change!

Whimsical, clearly defined ads targeted at Library patrons.

Encourage interaction with staff.

Cross-functional signage.

Digital signage is posted at Library entrances.

Feeds are also sent to the CRC, Student Center, and Housing Units.

Seek partnerships—serve as an outreach coordinator.

Promotion of goods and services.

Turning the Circulation Dept into providers of necessary equipment services.

Changing mindsets of staff and patrons.

Utilization of social networking sites and Web 2.0To promote goods, services, and other importantInformation. Using the web to link information pointsInstead of competing with each other.

Special Collections (media items, laptops and purple bikes) are discussed in ASC 101- a required course to all first year students

Fliers are strategically placed around the library at the beginning of each school year

New additions, changes to policy, etc. are announced on the student listserv

New additions, changes to policy, etc. are announced on the McCain Library Facebook page, the library blog and the McCain Library Twitter account

Changing technologies and formats.

Constantly changing academic programs.

Increased expectations from students and faculty.

FUNDING!

Space and logistics needed to support large collections of gadgets.

Digital media is now a part of academia and student life.

Existing academic programs will continue to explore options regarding digital pedagogy, and there will be a growth of programs catering specifically to it.

Increased access to DLOs allows for more usage and higher demand—”If you build it, they will come…”.

Students and faculty are more comfortable with digital media as a from of expression in both personal and academic life.

Connect with faculty and students to build collections suited to them.

Campus outreach—seek partnerships and growth with other departments.

Student outreach—promote “ownership” of the library.

This is a chance for libraries to be proactive, staying relevant and current to student needs and lifestyles.

What opportunities for connecting with faculty, students, and staff do these items bring to your library?

Do you currently do any campus/student outreach?

What is the current state of your “gadget” collection?

Do you see the need for gadgets becoming legitimized at the institutional level over the coming years?