Pimp your web browser at the library! - Mozilla Firefox and creative marketing of library services Roman Koshykar RIT Libraries Upstate New York Science Librarians Meeting October 20, 2006

Firefox at the Library  Firefox version 1 – released publicly in Fall 2004  Open source web browser; seen as more secure  Installed on all library computers at RIT, as well as IE  Not “ official ” web browser, but supported

Why Firefox Matters  Key feature for us is Firefox ’ s extensibility  Extensions = “ plugins ” or other small software downloads that extend browser functionality  Can we tap into use of Firefox to integrate library services right into a user ’ s browser window?

How did I get involved?  What the heck is a TOOLS TECHNOLOGIST?  Find an extension to get to library resources through Firefox browser  Instruction on using such an extension  Instruction on using Firefox

The Firefox Workshop  Series of walk-in workshops  Applications (i.e. Excel); Search tools (i.e. Google)  Open to everyone – aimed at RIT staff  Developed walk-in workshop for switching to Firefox

The Firefox Workshop  First offered in February 2006  Offered once per quarter, except summer  Covers basics – installing, relevant features, why Firefox is useful  Non-techie – aimed at users of all levels  Opportunity for creative marketing of library services?

Announcement for first workshop, 2/2006

The Firefox Extension  Winter 2006 – began looking for a way to connect Google Scholar results to SFX OpenURL results  Found OpenURL Referrer from OpenlyOpenURL Referrer  Free  Requires user configuration with local SFX server

The Firefox Extension - reconsidered  Installed OpenURL Referrer – tested  Decided not to promote  Found another extension that could be customized to local resources  Did more than just connect Google Scholar to SFX

LibX toolbar for RIT  LibX developed by programmers at Virginia Tech LibX  Worked with us to develop customized build of LibX for RIT  Installs a toolbar that allows searching of OPACs  Also connects users to SFX from Google Scholar (with some coaxing)  LibX built our toolbar to search both RIT Catalog and Connect NY consortial catalog

LibX toolbar for RIT  Rolled out March 2006  Installed LibX for RIT on all public computers in library (already had Firefox installed)  Created local support page for LibX for RIT:  Users can download onto personal computer

Promoting LibX for RIT  Local support/download page  Branded with our custom cue icon  Training session for library staff  Incorporated into Firefox walk-in workshop  Tent signs created; placed on public computer monitors  Added to news scroll for spring quarter

Tent signs advertising LibX

What have we done?  Advocating for Firefox  promoting new technology, educating users on its use  LibX for RIT  integrating library resources into user ’ s personal information space  Both projects  opportunities for creative marketing of library services

Special thanks  Jon Jiras – LibX for RIT implementation  Jen Freer – photos of tent signs

Thank You Roman Koshykar IM: gccislibrarian