Technology is constantly changing.
For librarians who are used to more traditional working practices, technology can feel overwhelming.
However, when embraced and utilized effectively, technology goes beyond providing a great experience for library patrons. It helps keep libraries in line with the times and gives librarians opportunities to develop their skills beyond traditional collection management.
Here are a few of the ways that technology is impacting the library workforce.
Upskilling opportunities
We’ve written before about the impact of emerging technology on libraries: how everything from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Augmented Reality (AR) is changing the delivery of library services.
This technology is also having an impact on the library workforce. Earlier this year, San Jose State University hired its first AI Librarian to lead the integration and development of AI technologies in the academic library.
Even the job title of the librarian is starting to encompass more responsibility around implementing technology across branches. Particularly in academic libraries, we are starting to see more openings for:
- Open Research Librarian
- User Experience Librarian
- Data Visualization Librarian
- Digital Humanities Librarian
Research shows that 90% of librarians believe that digital literacy is an essential skill to develop. Despite this, only 29% of librarians are excited about the opportunities created by new technology.
This lack of excitement could come from a fear of the unknown: 37% of academic librarians in the US don’t feel confident answering student questions about how they can use generative AI in their studies.
Luckily, professional development courses are available from Library Associations in states across the US to help the library workforce gain an understanding of emerging technology and the impact it will have on the library and its patrons.
The responsible use of emerging technology
As new technology continues to emerge, librarians find themselves with another challenge: learning – and then teaching others – how to use this technology responsibly.
The library has always been a source of knowledge that patrons can trust: extensive collections of resources that encapsulate multiple points of view and accurate information.
As AI-generated content starts to make its way into collections, librarians need to understand how to utilize technology – such as advanced search filters and data analytics – to ensure that library collections remain relevant and reliable.
The pivot to digital resources
Physical books will always play an important role in library collections, but they aren’t as essential as they used to be.
Remote access to library materials became imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand for digital collections hasn’t subsided in the years that have followed.
According to the American Libraries Association’s ‘Public Library Technology Survey’, over 95% of libraries offer e-books and/or e-audiobooks to patrons. A further 57.5% offer media streaming services.
Digital collections are an accessible and convenient option for a community of patrons that is becoming increasingly mobile.
They also help libraries keep extensive records and collections without the need for large physical spaces.
To combine physical and digital materials into one collection, librarians need to utilize technology to develop an online collection catalog with search features that help users to discover and access resources.
Librarians should also consider learning about digital asset management and investing in digital preservation initiatives to ensure digital resources stay in good condition. This work can include storing copies of digital materials in several places and running regular checks to ensure they remain in good condition.
Adjusting to financial pressures
This desire for more digital-heavy collections has a financial impact on libraries.
Digital copies of books can cost 3-4 times more than physical materials, as they are leased on a subscription-based model rather than purchased outright.
The demand for these materials can then stretch collection budgets (approximately 30% of total library spending is currently put towards digital resources), require the use of funds from other areas, or lead librarians to need to prioritize certain resources or genres based on demand, which can create gaps in the digital resources available.
In fact, the Public Library Association’s (PLA) ‘2023 Public Library Technology Survey’ report showed that the cost of subscriptions or payment terms is the most significant influence on 87% of libraries’ abilities to offer digital content to patrons.
Creating data-driven collections
So, how can the library workforce move with the times while adapting to these financial pressures?
One way is to streamline physical collections to focus on high-demand materials.
Using technology is essential to making this process more efficient. collectionHQ has a range of different tools to help you make data-driven decisions around collection management.
Previously, you may have spent hours, or even days, gathering this information from your ILS. With collectionHQ, you can run reports and drill down to specific items or actions in a few minutes.
With our all-encompassing collection performance improvement technology, you can quickly learn about the performance of every item on your physical shelves and plan for the future of your collection through detailed materials analysis and evidence-based action plans.
For example, our new Recommended Actions feature analyzes data across your library management system to provide an evidence-based recommendation for items in your collection based on previous performance and the needs of the collection as a whole.
The changing role of the librarian
After all this, what is the impact of technology on the librarian?
In many ways, the answer is positive!
Tools like chatbots can be set up as a virtual guide for library services to answer frequently asked questions 24/7. Streamlining and automating this part of a librarian’s work helps to free up a lot of time.
However, librarians need to be continuously adaptable to learn about this new technology, adjust to new expectations from patrons, and understand the financial implications of introducing new forms of technology in branches.
If you are in charge of implementing these changes, make it clear to your workforce why they are being made – for example, how they will make collection management easier or provide a better experience for library patrons.
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For librarians, embedding technology in working practices is no longer optional. It’s essential to thrive in our modern world.
With stretched budgets, changing priorities, and busy schedules, sometimes the librarians can struggle with new technology initiatives. As technology develops, the responsibilities of the librarian remain the same: staying abreast of these developments to create high-performing collections and deliver great patron experiences.
If you are interested in taking a more data-driven approach to collection management, our team would love to help.
To find out more about how collectionHQ or cHQacademic, can help your public, private or academic library then please get in touch. Our team will be delighted to arrange your free demo.