1. Libraries and Technology: Characteristics Past, Present and Future Bella Karr Gerlich, Ph.D. Professor and Dean of Libraries Texas Tech University

2. Technology: scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry

3. Library Technologies

4. Past Characteristics Libraries have always been the early adopters of the ‘technology’ of the day. The first librarians used and arranged clay tablets used to account for materials, goods creating searchable inventories. As materials changed (papyrus, paper, vellum) categorizing and organization changed to improve searchability for patrons and preserve the materials.

5. Past Characteristics Public libraries existed long before their academic counterparts – they were the first research libraries. There were numerous institutions throughout the ancient and classical world where scholars and scribes traveled to access the knowledge of all cultures. The Library of Alexandria had a unique acquisition policy – they ‘borrowed’ books from ships visiting their harbor to make copies for the Library – and kept the original, returning the facsimile to its owner.

6. Past Characteristics As empires fell, many of these libraries disappeared. Collections were retained by government, wealthy patrons and religious institutions. As academic institutions were established, college libraries took on the role of building research materials for scholarly research.

7. Past Characteristics Students studying in the Library located in the west wing of the Administration Building, 1927 TTU

8. The Past These initial libraries centered on ownership and preservation, items obtained primarily from donors and faculty. Short hours. The substantial increase in publishing post WW II, establishment of land grant institutions and adoption of philosophy of scientific inquiry ushered in a new era of building collections. Typewriters, pencils and rotary phones were technologies relied on by librarians and students alike. Books and physical archives were the resources.

9. Past Characteristics Examining a new IBM 7040-1401 system, 1965. Libraries adopted new computer technologies early; publishing of research commonplace; service focus shifted to access. Microfilm / fiche formats allowed buying multiple collections and journal runs. Libraries in large cities began sharing collections via interlibrary loan, and the card catalog was gradually replaced by an online system. “ Technology” was replaced by “Information Technology” – not just about equipment for improving practices, but for delivering electronically.

10. Present Information Technology: the study or use of electronic equipment, especially computers, for storing, accessing, analyzing and sending information

11. Present Characteristics PastPresentFuture

12. Present Characteristics

13.  Computers have replaced card catalogs in most libraries.  Scanners & Printers are used instead of pen and paper for taking notes.  Libraries are (usually) the most wired spaces on campus for wireless access.

14. Present Characteristics Collaborative Group Works – Plug in and Share

15. Present Characteristics Today’s libraries are fully integrated into current and cutting edge technologies. Digitization of materials commonplace. Librarians’ online finding aids makes searching multiple sources seamless. Sharing collections is expected. Sharing knowledge among institutions.

16. Present Characteristics You can research the most current information resources – anytime, anywhere. Examples at TTU:  600+ databases  58,000 e-journals  200,000+ e-books  1 million+ architecture and art digital images

17. Present Characteristics Number of successful full-text article requests 3,773,680 Number of regular searches 22,957,059 Number of federated searches 701, 613 Total Interlibrary Lending 37,271 Total Interlibrary Borrowing 34,527

18. Present Characteristics Digital partnerships and initiatives gives access to a rich array of historical items, from all over the world, and enable libraries to share their own unique collections: Institutional Repositories – scholarly works of academics open to the world Special collection materials and archives – primary resource materials digitized enable researchers to review materials at a distance, 24/7 Electronic resources allow students to search and retrieve the most up to date articles and data sets for informed critical learning. Open access publications allow for dissemination of scientific findings and enable collaborations without borders.

19. Present Characteristics Yes – we still buy books, and other media. At TTU, our 2.6 million volumes would extend almost 410 miles.

20. Present Characteristics If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.

21. Present Characteristics Librarians are their experience to develop tools to make research easier:

22. Future Technology: scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry Information Technology: the study or use of electronic equipment, especially computers, for storing, accessing, analyzing and sending information

23. Future

24. Future Characteristics More Open Access publishing – sharing of resources at no cost. More Open Source solutions– ability to modify and customize tools for local users. Collaborative collections / responsibility for “the Cloud”. Digital collections will continue to grow. Library as Publisher. Cataloging the Internet (?). Preservation of digital files. Physical materials still purchased.

25. Constants The Constants of Past, Present and Future

26. Constant Characteristics Libraries will always have physical materials. Some disciplines need the artifact of the book – or, like art books or music, print preferred. Not everything electronic. Copyrights preventing digitization. A perfect form – and people like books. Libraries are the preservers of archives and unique / rare materials.

27. Constant Characteristics Libraries will always be a place for research, reflection and engaging. At TTU: Circulation132,994 Annual Visitors in the Library1,500,000+

28. Constant Characteristics Libraries will be the intersection of ideas, disciplines and creativity. An entity that serves all user groups and interests without prejudice. Discovery tools search multiple databases and enable cross- discipline discovery. Workstations support group work encourage collaboration. New tools, programs allow for exploration and growth of skills and knowledge.

29. Constant Characteristics Libraries will adopt and adapt to new technologies as fast as they can. But will always be slightly behind the curve of the users.

30. Constants Librarians will always be there to ensure accessibility, and help students and scholars navigate (millions) of resources. At TTU: Group Presentations2,252 Presentation Participants16,010 Reference Queries87,468

31. Planning for the Future in the Digital Age

32. Planning Preservation plans for all materials, regardless of format. Migration plans for digital materials, equipment, Sustainability plans for ongoing digital costs; can you share a Cloud? Sustainability plans for budget needs for increases in publishing, training and new tools.

33. Planning Plan for digitization of unique materials. Support Open Access initiatives. Cooperative relationships for resource sharing and digital initiatives a must. Use social media to inform, track sharing of publications. Create sandbox spaces for users to test new programs, tools and provide feedback.

34. Planning Professional development key: libraries must be a learning organization, as jobs and tasks will change as technology does. Commit to flexibility and change – strategic planning of two years out rather than five.

35. Planning Plan space to be adaptable for users, allowing them to redesign the environment as needed. Talk with users as often as possible, engage in decision making and design of services, delivery methodologies. Promote outreach and cross-pollinating with other units or institutions.

36. Planning Develop a culture of assessment and recognition. Describe outcomes and measure impacts. Will you be a pioneer, or a follower? Don’t be afraid to take risks – pilot often.