Virtualization of the Patron Experience

This very interesting article in USAToday about the future of retail and virtualization of the customer experience demonstrates how big data can affect and effect virtualized experiences for their patrons:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-08-05/future-retail-tech/56880626/1

Libraries compete with online information resources in much the same way the traditional retailers compete with online sellers.

Question ~ How will libraries adapt over the next ten years?

Robert Balliot for https://bestofpublib.wordpress.com

Discussion ~ My work in managing/developing online catalogs – with 20,000+ medical equipment / supply products and 7,000+ multi-website display products exceeded what library catalogs do and from an SEO standpoint would beat out Amazon for Google placement.  Traditional retail could not compete because of delivery and cost.  BestBuy is a great place to put your hands on tech, but the prices are much higher.  As e-commerce websites become more and more user-friendly – where you have good photos of products and good descriptions, the whole process ends up making all products into commodities with the lowest cost determining purchase.

With libraries, the focus has generally been on maintaining the status quo and keeping current bureaucracies in place until they can retire. This is not any different for any other bureaucracy – it is a natural inclination – not library specific to simply maintain.  With the focus on cost of maintaining services though, without innovation the perception of value diminishes.  One of the best things I have seen recently in libraries is the introduction of Makerbots as a library resource.  It is those sorts of high-priced shared resources that extend the value and bring people inside the library systems.

But, the issue does become lowest cost.  As we see transportation cost rise, the casual trip to the library could cost $10 in gas. What would $10 purchase virtually?  The associated costs of operating libraries – broken down between the people who continue to use them and the disproportionate number of people who don’t would add additional cost to each real visit.  As information becomes a commodity the lowest cost will determine where we purchase.  That does not mean that the value of libraries as a sense of place and source of inspiration does not add a real value to information consumption.

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Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – November 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for November 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib.  Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Some of the thought-provoking discussions involved:  Dream reference desk ,  Amnesty Week ,  Downloading library materials ,  Geek events in Libraries ,  Tobacco use by prospective employees , authoritative Library Property Stamp procedures , and the Great White Christmas debate.

 

Publib Topics November 2011

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Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – July 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

This graphic image or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for July 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib.  Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Some of the prominent discussions included:  Borders demise — Opportunity for Publib Libraries?,  Closing Post Offices and Libraries, Locating people for patrons?, and Rewarding staff for community volunteerisim.

 

Publib Topics - July 2011

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives

Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – June 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for June 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib.  Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

This month and the month of May featured lively discussions of concealed carry of guns by library staff and others in libraries, Save the Libraries, Fire the Librarians, and Farting Patrons.

 

Publib Topics June 2011

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Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – May 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

 This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for May 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib. Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

This  month featured a lively Rapture discussion. 

 

Publib Topics May 2011

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Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – April 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for April 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib. Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Publib Topics April 2011

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives

Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – February 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

 

This graphic image  or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of postings in PubLib for February 2011. The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented. Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds. These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib. Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing. In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

Publib Februrary 2011

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The Publib archives from the Webjunction listserve are available here: Archives

Archives compiled after Dec. 7, 2011 are available here: Archives

Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective – January 2011

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

This graphic image or word cloud was created using Wordle. It is derived from the subjects and authors of  postings in PubLib for January 2011.  The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented.    Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds.  These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

 

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib.  Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing.  In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions. 

 

Publib January 2011

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Publib Topics – A Graphic Retrospective from January 2011 back to January 2010

Beware Graphic Content Ahead!

These graphic images or word clouds were created using Wordle. They are derived from the subjects and authors in PubLib from January 2010 to January 27 2011.  The size of the graphics is directly related to the number of un-weighted unique occurrences each month of the individual words represented.    Most automated graphic processes that generate these types of word clouds use additional weight for H1 – H6 tags through feeds.  These graphics are not processed with H1 – H6 tags. The titles and authors were copied to Notepad and stripped of all HTML before being run through the Wordle Java platform. The process is case-sensitive so Library is not the same thing as library.

The most prominent word without employing filters would have been Publib.  Publib and Fwd were deleted from the plaintext files before processing.  In addition, the Wordle program automatically disregards articles, conjunctions, and prepositions.

 

The first graphic represents the most current information for January 2011 and is followed by the normal sequence of January – December 2010.  

2011 appears somewhat ominous! 

January 2011 PubLib

PubLib January 2010

PubLib February 2010

PubLib March 2010

PubLib April 2010

PubLib May 2010

PubLib June 2010

 

PubLib July 2010

 

PubLib August 2010

PubLib September 2010

PubLib October 2010

PubLib November 2010

PubLib December 2010

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Best of PubLib 03.28.10

Best of Publib Current Topics and Archives

Provocative video suitable for all audiences coming soon

This edition of  Best of Publib covers  March 15th through March 28th 2010. This PubLib review and analysis includes questions about naming library rooms, thought-provoking discussions about new media archives , library materials security,  and our new poll on R-rated movie access. Some of the topics we will be reviewing include: 

• Topic   »    Dealing with no-shows    ♦  Nann Blaine Hilyard  in  Zion, Illinois seeks help dealing with library sponsored classes / workshops where people who are signed up fail to attend.  What policies can help deal with this?
• Topic   »    SirsiDynix Outreach Module   ♦   Nancy Laskowski  with the Free Library of Philadelphia  would like to know about PubLib readers’ reactions and experiences with the SirsiDynix Outreach Module.  How have you implemented the Sirsi product to serve homebound patrons?
• Topic   »    Renovation and Book Storage   ♦   Andrea Taylor   with the Fullerton Public Library in CA is looking at policies and procedures that help deal with books in storage during renovations.  If books are inaccessible, what circulation polices can help?
• Topic   »    policies for naming rooms or areas  ♦    Kelly Currie of Delphi Public Library IN would like examples of how to name parts of libraries after donors.
• Topic   »    Auction Sites?    ♦   Kimberly Francisco with  Huntsville Public Library TX  is pursuing a similar question but wants to know how to auction naming rights. Are there free tools such as E-bay that would lend themselves to online auctioning of library rooms?
• Topic   »    Law Enforcement Collection of Data From Social Media Sites   ♦   The Electronic Freedom Foundation  offered current information on how law enforcement utilizes social networking to investigate crime. 
• Topic   »    real people in fiction    ♦   Diane Hamilton  at the Cape May County Library would like examples of genres that represent fictional accounts of real people.
• Topic   »    Remembering ProQuest-SIRS State Intellectual Freedom Awards    ♦    Melora Ranney Norman presents a troubling study regarding Proquest  State IF Awards .  Is this good marketing?
• Topic   »    Posting guidelines    ♦    Sara Weissman – co-moderator for PubLib-L mailing list – reminds PubLib posters of  guidelines for content and avoiding the infamous PubLib spam filter.
• Topic   »    Magazine Theft Solutions?   ♦    Sheila Hammond-Todd with the  Mesa County Libraries  reports on a troubling increase in magazine thefts and asks PubLib readers how they manage. 
• Topic   »    Security trends, cases and techniques?   ♦    Dan Owens   with Enoch Pratt Free Library MD reports similar problems with thefts of AV materials.  What are the most effective AV materials physical security and processes?
• Topic   »    Record retention and social networking   ♦    Earlene Mokler at  Richland Public Library  WA investigates archiving social media such as Facebook and Twitter as public records. What policies and processes do you have to retain tweets ?  Judy Turner in Las Vegas offers the Archives and Archivists Listserv as a resource.
• Topic   »    Suggestions for foreign language books   ♦   Pamela Karr  with  A.K. Smiley Public Library  CA  seeks recommendation for Juvenile Easy books in Chinese and French. What vendors or book titles do you recommend?  Ce que les vendeurs ou les titres de livres recommandez-vous?  什么供应商或书名你建议？
• Topic   »    transcribing style guides    ♦    Hillary Theyer  wants to transcribe podcasts for the Torrance Public Library Blog  and would like to know if transcription standards exist.  How do you transcribe recorded media?
• Topic   »    ISBNs   ♦   Nann Blaine Hilyard alerts catalogers and searchers to ISBN duplications – Do not assume ISBN is a unique identifier.
• Topic   »    Consultant rates     ♦   Linda Dydo in Los Gatos CA is putting together a cost estimate for a Library Consultant. What advice do PubLib readers have to offer? How much should consultants charge?
• Topic   »    questions about tornado shelter    ♦    Cheri Nienke  with  Andover Public Library  KS would like examples of sign requirements for libraries serving as FEMA tornado shelters.
• Topic   »    Coffee House themed events?   ♦    Kim Braun with the  J. Lewis Crozer Library is orchestrating a Coffee House themed event for a poetry reading. What recommendations are there for a Coffee House theme?
• Topic   »    Packaging for ILLs   ♦   Eric McCarthy at the   European Regional Library Support Center seeks durable packaging solutions for intra-library loans between twenty-seven member libraries across 4 countries in Europe.  What durable packaging can sustain itself through the mail?
• Topic   »    language software inside the library    ♦    Elizabeth Fraser with  Kanawha County Public Library  WV would like examples of policies and procedures for in-house use of language learning software.  How do you quite the spoken word?
• Topic   »    Windows 7 and Steady State   ♦     Laura Hayden with   Beaufort County Library reports that SteadyState is not compatible with Windows 7 – What free or inexpensive alternatives are available to help secure public computers? Editor’s note: Comodo Time Machine  may be an alternative.
• Topic   »    Poster Maker    ♦    Miranda Hapner seeks recommendations for large-format printers suitable for full-size posters.  Cab Vinton at the Sanbornton Public Library NH recommends MakeUseOf.com website as a resource.  Notable MakeUseOf.com solutions include: The Rasterbator.
• Topic   »    Portland, PLA, and Publib  and Computer resource of last resort; words; tr.im ♦    Joe Schallan – Jurassic Librarian – treats PubLib readers to his observations regarding PLA , Urban Dictionary content , and url shortening.   Mix them all together and you have classic Jurassic.
• Topic   »    YA Patrons and “R” movies   ♦    Bob Farwell   at Otis Library CT wants to know if libraries  offer R – rated movies  to Young Adults under 17.  Mark Hasskarl with Danbury Library CT reminds us that “movie ratings do not legally apply to libraries, only to movie theaters”.  Shannon Hammock tells us the film ratings are voluntary even for theaters and offers This Film is Not Yet Rated as a resource.  The ALA Freedom to View Statement supports liberty of circulation.  Should R-rated movies circulate to Young Adults under 17?

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