I found out about Ms. Orth from a neighbor who's a librarian at Curtis. She recommended her as someone who "knows library technology inside and out." I emailed Ms. Orth on the 18th of october asking whether she might have time for an interview about the library's tech setup and services. She replied immediately, said "yes," and sent her schedule. I sent her my list of questions today (19th) to cut down on the amount of time she'll need to give me. She looks to be VERY busy.
The purpose of the visit, in Professor Bleth's words, is to create an environment in which the student "will understand how the library develops policy, budgets for and purchases technology, maintains and repairs equipment, develops instruction for the public, and promotes use of technology to the community it serves" (Bleth, 2010).
Professor Bleth gave us a pretty comprehensive list of example questions to ask (and then called it a "partial list!") and I've used her suggestions with modifications and additions to better suit this library.
Here's my list of questions, pending a few late additions.
- What is your title here at Curtis Memorial Library?
- Your education?
- What types of technology are available for patron & staff use in the library?
- What types of Internet-based technology services are provided for patrons?
- Who on the staff manages the technology?
- Who maintains your website? Your Facebook page?
- Budget - how much proportionately is spent on technology?
Databases?
CD's, Video & DVD software?
- What types of cataloging systems are employed - are they up-to-date?
- To what extent are you networked? – can you access patron workstations from your workstations?
- Are the patron computers filtered? How about the wifi?
- Do you have separate OPAC stations?
- What type of internet connection? (cable modem, ATM, T-1)?
- Automated - are you automated and what is the name of the system?
- What does the library have for policies & forms associated with library technology (e.g. Acceptable Use Policy, time limited Internet access)
- How do you present these policies to your patrons? Posters near workstations?
- Maintenance & repair - how does technology get repaired - in-house or sent out?
- Is there equipment in the library that can be used by community organizations or signed out by patrons, town meetings, etc.?
- Do you have sufficient space, electrical outlets, data ports for network/Internet?
- What kind of furniture do you have solely for technology?
- Do you use any assistive technologies?
- To what extent does ergonomics factor in to your furniture set ups?
- What works best for new tech?
- What doesn't work?
- Does the library sign out equipment and software (DVD, CD, Video)?
- Do you liquidate old tech media & equipment? (VHS, etc).
- What new media/platforms do you see coming to the library?
- Does the library have downloads of eBooks, iFlicks, MP3, books on tape?
- How does the library store/shelf media equipment?
- How about media itself --DVD, Video, CD, etc.?
(By Dewey with the books, or separately?)
- What type of security measures are taken to prevent theft of hardware or software?
- How do you keep your equipment free from viruses, etc.?
- Is there a unique service provided by this particular library?
I'm looking forward to meeting Professor Orth tomorrow.
Curtis Memorial Library, front entrance
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