3 Matching Annotations
  1. Nov 2019
    1. In the case of library users, there is a strong tie between technology and library use. For instance, the technology-rich profiles of Information Omnivores might suggest that their gadgets could provide all the media and data they could possibly need—yet they still patronize libraries at high levels.

      I thought this particular detail was rather illuminating. A common belief is that technology will eventually make the library obsolete. Yet, the correlation between high technology use and high library use runs counter to this belief. It is stated later, on page 3, that the highest engagement groups share a love for books, traditional paper books. They also have the highest technology use. To me, this suggests that the library should not disregard, even in the day-and-age of smartphones, their book collection. This is still the primary draw to the library for their high engagement groups and even to medium engagement groups like the Print Traditionalists. I think this is an encouraging note; people still like books and people still like to get books from the library, despite having pocket computers. But, librarians can't disregard technology either. After reading this study, I think the appropriate way for librarians to understand technology is not as a hostile take-over, but similar to how the people of this study found it to be. Technology is an "add on," a supplement to information resources. The library should provide access to books AND a wide array of relevant digital and technology resources.

    2. Those who feel overloaded are actually less likely to use the internet or smartphones

      I found this bit of the study to be interesting. It's referencing a different study, but I would be curious see what percentage of the group quoted used smartphones in the past and are currently trying to use them less because they now feel overwhelmed. I believe information overload is a real thing and I think it comes in the form of moments when you're staring at your phone (likely social media) for a long time, you get frustrated, and then you finally realize "I need to put down the phone and do something away from a screen." I've definitely had that moment plenty of times. I'm not sure if that is what this "information overload" study is referring to, but I would be curious to look into it more. Also, the date 2006 was mentioned, so I'm not sure when this study was done last. I wonder what the results would be like now in 2019.

    3. Rooted and Roadblocked

      Although this group is relatively small, I think there is an easy solution that libraries can take to reach this population. We can bring the library to them. I learned this from the Eau Claire public library which has a home-delivery system where patrons can checkout books and have them delivered to their homes, and picked up from their homes when they're ready to check in. In order for libraries to remain relevant, I think home-delivery services would have to be a main-stay program of most libraries. With this rising popularity of apps and services that deliver food and shopping items right to your door, home-delivery may also appeal to younger audiences as well.