The Tech Set. 10 vols. ed. by Ellyssa Kroski. ISBN 978-1-55570-714-9. pap. $550.
ea. vol: Neal-Schuman with ALA’s Library & Information Technology Assoc. (LITA). 2010. bibliog. index. pap. $55. PRO MEDIA
Series editor Kroski (Information Svcs. Technologist, Barnard Coll.; Web 2.0 for Library and Information Professionals) has loosely modeled this efficient Tech Set after the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County’s 23 Things. Each of the ten volumes explores a specific tool and/or tech trend, not only defining in lay terms what the technology is but also explaining why it’s perceived to be important to the future of libraries. The books share a common structure that starts by providing a thorough history of the topic and follows with chapters on applicable planning, implementation, marketing, best practices, and measurements of success. Each volume has its own index, bibliography, and recommended reading. This set will most likely appeal to system administrators, webmasters, and electronic resource librarians; however, anyone involved in planning future library services and initiatives would surely benefit as well. Whether acquired individually or as a set—and regardless of library type or size—these books will become well-thumbed, dog-eared references for anyone charged with determining or implementing the next generation of patron services.
Breeding, Marshall. Next-Gen Library Catalogs. (The Tech Set, Vol. 1). 138p. illus. ISBN 978-155570-708-8.
A next-gen library catalog successfully blends a variety of current technologies to enhance the drab, restrictive user experience of earlier library catalogs. Breeding (director, Innovative Technologies & Research, Vanderbilt Univ. Libs.) covers the highlights of next-gen catalogs, including faceted results and federated searching; personalization via tagging and the users’ option to offer reviews; and the addition of visual elements, e.g., book jackets. He provides an outstanding comparison list of OPAC vendors, including open-source options and specific features details, architecture, licensing restrictions, and number of installations, as well as links to explore the different interfaces. This informative text takes the legwork out of researching next-gen tools and add-ons for most standard OPACs and is applicable for any library maintaining an online catalog.
Griffey, Jason. Mobile Technology and Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 2). 115p. ISBN 978-1-55570-711-8.
Griffey (head, Library Information Technology, Univ. of Tennessee, Chattanooga) likens the process of gaining staff buy-in in support of mobile initiatives in library service to the five phases of grief. Although some aspects of his text could quickly become outdated (e.g., it predates the Apple iPad), the basic concepts and reasoning for implementing these technologies are unlikely to change. Topics include mobile technology/ebook trends; converting a traditional library website into a mobile-friendly platform; integration options for chat and short message services (SMS); creating multimedia content as a portable instructional resource; and comparing/contrasting international trends, mobile platforms, and current devices from the iPhone, BlackBerry, and Droid to the Amazon Kindle. While a little coding background helps to truly appreciate these pearls of wisdom, this should be of interest to all libraries exploring mobile and ebook alternatives. [Griffey is a 2009 LJ Mover & Shaker.]
Hastings, Robin M. Microblogging and Lifestreaming in Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 3). 105p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-707-1.
Microblogs are brief, textlike communications posted through such services as Twitter, while Lifestreaming applications are similar to RSS aggregators except that they monitor a variety of social media instead. Products such as Friendfeed or Tumblr, also known as “Social Aggregators,” allow users to manage their Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Delicious, or flickr activity from one convenient interface. Examples include sending patron notifications via social media and creating a single repository to house all of the library’s blogs, feeds, photos, and videos. Anyone interested in marshaling the art of monitoring or moderating simultaneous social networking sites will benefit from this book, but its real value lies in describing how libraries can specifically leverage these tools to organize and enhance services.
Robinson, Sean. Library Videos and Webcasts. (The Tech Set, Vol. 4). 127p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-705-7.
Robinson (IT manager, Allen Cty. P.L.) here provides an invaluable field guide for novice and experienced videographers alike, with sound guidance on how to create and/or improve library-centric videos. He offers recommendations on purchasing the appropriate hardware and software; the differences between various webcams, microphones, video converters, and editing tools; writing scripts for various initiatives (samples provided); video project suggestions; tips on interviewing techniques; information on lighting, camera angles, and film editing, and working with green screens; enhancing visual content by applying animation; and a wonderful compilation of commonsense best practices titled “Sean’s List.” This book is appropriate for anyone interested in learning how to provide 24/7 patron access via the usage of videos and webcasts.
Pressley, Lauren. Wikis for Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 5). 101p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-710-1.
As an application for which users are often expected to be both content contributors and editors, wikis are generally perceived as a confounding and unintuitive tool. In citing the phenomenal success of Wikipedia, however, Pressley (instructional design librarian, Wake Forest Univ.) posits that properly designed and executed library wikis can become an invaluable, real-time “living resource.” The key to success lies in developing a useful, organized, interactive, and user-friendly interface. Topics cover, e.g., developing a wiki as a reference resource, assessing your staff’s knowledge base, use of your intranet or learning management system, choosing appropriate wiki software, to host or not to host, and other uses for wikis such as creating subject guides and managing projects. This is an ideal resource for any librarian charged with creating or maintaining a wiki platform. [Pressley is a 2009 LJ Mover & Shaker.]
Houghton-Jan, Sarah. Technology Training in Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 6). 127p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-706-4.
Ideally, librarians should know at least as much about social technologies as their constituents; thus, it has become mission critical for libraries to provide staff training programs in these areas. Budget restraints, creating the time, and staff resistance, however, can impede the effort. Houghton-Jan (digital futures manager, San Jose P.L.) presents innovative ways to offer training even under challenging circumstances. Highlights include five steps to calculating return on investment (ROI); an “essential” list of training topics; development plans based on current vs. desired competencies; instructional ideas (including a “technology petting zoo”); online training options; and dealing with motivational issues and reluctant learners. This should prove an essential resource for librarians responsible for implementing training and employee development programs. [Houghton-Jan is a 2009 LJ Mover & Shaker.]
Landis, Cliff. A Social Networking Primer for Librarians. (The Tech Set, Vol. 7). 107p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-704-0.
The primary reason libraries should establish a social networking presence is that it strengthens connection to patrons by being where users are. Landis (technology librarian, Valdosta State Univ.) provides step-by-step instructions for creating user accounts, managing privacy settings, installing and developing add-on applications, adding widgets to integrate chat reference and library blogs, and building community events. The ideal audience for this handbook will be those responsible for developing and maintaining a presence on Facebook and/or MySpace who have a fundamental understanding of HTML, although no prior experience with either utility is necessary. Additionally, it is highly recommended that this book be paired with Volume 3, Microblogging and Lifestreaming in Libraries, above.
Lawson, Steve. Library Camps and Unconferences. (The Tech Set, Vol. 8). 113p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-712-5.
“Unconferences” are professional gatherings that are low-cost, localized, attendee-driven events; they are generally informal and open to everyone. Library camps likewise follow the same unstructured format, believed to promote a free flow of ideas. Unconferences, by design, are made to feel on the fly; however, libraries organizing these events are heavily invested in their planning and outcome. Lawson (humanities liaison librarian, Colorado Coll.) offers the following tips that will all but ensure a successful event: choosing the proper venue, food and beverage considerations, having the right technology, working within a shoestring budget, and implementing a library camp wiki to promote session ideas beforehand. Recommended for any library interested in either attending or hosting an unconference event.
Czarnecki, Kelly Nicole. Gaming in Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 9). 127p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-709-5.
Sure, we know kids love to play games, but it may come as a surprise that the average age of a “gamer” is now 35. Moreover, libraries can leverage the activity of gaming not only for promotion but also for learning, critical thinking, and information literacy initiatives. Czarnecki (technology education librarian, ImaginOn) provides a wealth of information on this topic, including types of gaming consoles, platforms, and devices, e.g., Wii, Xbox; browser-based and handheld applications; hosting an event or match, including board games; and selecting appropriate games for various age groups. Although many programs covered will appeal largely to public libraries, success stories for an academic and a school library are described as well, so all libraries should consider purchasing. [Czarnecki is a 2007 LJ Mover & Shaker.]
Crosby, Connie. Effective Blogging for Libraries. (The Tech Set, Vol. 10). 138p. illus. ISBN 978-1-55570-713-2.
Many librarians are already familiar with using blogs and have one if not several going. In fact, blogging is so easy that library blogs are often launched without much forethought. Law librarian Crosby (Crosby Group Consulting) suggests, however, that to truly leverage this powerful tool libraries should first consider the purpose of the initiative and then choose the blog type and/or vendor that best suits it. She advises on choosing which blog application to use, writing best practices (including online etiquette), building readership, moderating discussions, working with skins or templates, content suggestions, including “23 Things To Do with Your Blog Posts,” integrating social media, and applying analytics. Both novice and experienced bloggers will benefit from this valuable resource.—Judith Brink-Drescher, Molloy Coll., Rockville Ctr., NY
