Introduction to Gadgets in the Library
This article is a great introduction to “Gadgets in
the Library”. The gadgets the author talks
about are: e-book
readers, multimedia capture devices and players, scanners, and note-taking
devices. He puts forth emphasis that librarians
must embrace this new technology to support patrons demand. The beginning part
of this article describes the author’s definition of the term “Gadget”, which
are the different types of technological instruments that have been invented to
assist users to access or create information faster and easier. Some of the rare gadgets that the author
mentions are the Nabaztag (a multimedia rabbit) and the Chumby (a small
wireless Internet-connected widget machine). The author goes on to explain that
some of the gadgets are so odd that most librarians won’t even know they are
out there but can make a world of difference and help librarians in their
everyday work.
The second
part of this article goes back to discussing the importance of e-book readers,
multimedia capture devices and players, scanners, and note-taking devices. The author’s main concern is “Why are Gadgets
Important? He goes on to explain that there are three reasons why these modern
gadgets are important to a library setting, patrons and librarians. The first
reason is that there are many patrons already using these gadgets and
librarians must be fluent in the “gadget language”.
He points out that; libraries are transitioning from “temples of books” to a “service-base collection of
information resources”. Therefore, this means that libraries and new technology
will go hand in hand and it is important that librarians are familiar with this
so called “gadget language”. The second
reason gadgets are important is that these tools can make the job of the
librarian easier. The purpose for these gadgets
is to help librarians “work smarter not harder”. The final reason is because these gadgets are
much more attractive and intriguing than a book. If the user wants to see a video or leave
comments to a link, then they are able to with a click of a button.
As the
author wraps up his article he really encourages that libraries will have to
invest in these types of gadgets, should they choose to be a diverse
information center. It is important to
serve all types of patrons and to accept that the digital world is here. It is
the librarian’s responsibility to know that they are the key to keeping up with
up to date information and have gadgets at hand to better serve their patrons.
The more I
read and learn about how to become a librarian for the 21st century
the more I am willing to accept that libraries must embrace the digital
world. I believe that a library without
gadgets such as ipads, kindles and e-readers would be a boring library. People don’t want boring libraries; they want
to find information quick and easy. The
newer generation does not want to carry books.
They want apps and online textbooks.
These tools are great for that purpose.
Librarians and school officials should work together and come up with a
system where students can check out these tools and have them access all their
textbooks online. Another way libraries
can embrace these awesome gadgets is to create a system where students can
check out kindles or ipads in monthly increments and allow them to start exploring
technology. Many younger students cannot
afford to purchase one, so having them check one out (with parent’s knowledge)
is a great way for them to get exposure to new technology.
Griffey, J. (2010). Introduction to gadgets in the
library. Library Technology Reports, 46(3), 5-6,2.
