Presentation by Stephanie Chase and Jim Loter to the board of The Seattle Public Library Foundation at their 2013 library trends summit in Seattle, WA.

1. Discovery and
Diversification
How Libraries Respond to
Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Presentation to The Seattle Public Library Foundation Board
By Jim Loter and Stephanie Chase
February 28, 2013

2. discovery and diversification
Diversification in Four Key Areas
• Library material formats & access
• Computer and technology use
• Information service delivery
• Facilities use

3. discovery and diversification
Library Material Formats & Access
• Increase in e-content usage
• Diversity of e-formats and devices
• Proliferation of e-content providers and
discovery points
• Challenges acquiring e-content

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Holds and Checkout
Limits Implemented

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Patron Book

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Book
Patron CD
DVD

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Book
CD
Unified
Discovery
DVD
Patron
eContent
eBooks eAudio Streaming
Kindle iPad Nook Android

10. discovery and diversification
Challenges
• Diversification of format has resulted
in a diversification of discovery
• Content is licensed not purchased, so
access under library lending models is
not always available from publishers

11. discovery and diversification
Responses
• Aggressive growth in eContent
holdings and services
o
Freegal, Hoopla, Zinio
• Integration of eContent discovery and
access into library catalog
• ReadersFirst
• Advocacy and outreach to publishers

12. discovery and diversification
Computer and Technology Trends
• Decrease in basic Internet PC use
• Increase in personal device use;
wireless Internet use
• Increased need for digital creation
capabilities
• Evolution of concept of "digital
literacy"

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from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Fort_Worth_Library_Computer_Lab.jpg

16. discovery and diversification
from : http://www.aalog.net/library-copy.jpg

17. discovery and diversification
from The Chattanooga (TN) Public Library's "4th Floor"

18. discovery and diversification
Challenges
• Nearly half (46%) of US adults own
smartphones (Pew Internet)
o
34% of low-income (< $30K) adults own
smartphones
• 57% of US adults own laptops (Pew Internet)
• "Digital literacy" includes creating and
sharing, not just access (Media Education Lab)

19. discovery and diversification
Responses
• Digital Media Workstations
• Expanded access to computer
resources
• Collaborations with Maker Spaces
• 2013 Digital Inclusion Summit
o
Collaboration with UW, City of Seattle, EdLab,
and CommunitiesConnect Network

20. discovery and diversification
Information Services Trends
• Delivery at the patron's point of need
o
outreach
o
roving reference
o
embedded librarians
o
through programming
• Role of the information services worker
moving from a gatekeeper to a trusted
guide
• transactions > experiences

21. discovery and diversification
from http://www.stfrancis.edu/content/lib/tour/ReferenceDesk.jpg

22. discovery and diversification
right: http://denverlibrary.org/content/bridges-between-generations
left: from the Kitsap Sun

23. discovery and diversification
Point of Need/Communications
• The patron's point of need has diversified
beyond the physical library and the
website
o
Facebook
o
Twitter
o
Your Next Five
o
Bibliocommons
• SPL is a leader in social media services

24. discovery and diversification
from http://library.wustl.edu/digital-signage/poorly-designed-examples.html

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31. discovery and diversification
Hi- II am trying to get a book
Hi- am trying to get a book
for my mom to read. She is
for my mom to read. She is
almost 91. She LOVES
almost 91. She LOVES
suspense, WWII, etc. She has
suspense, WWII, etc. She has
read all Ken Follett's books.
read all Ken Follett's books.
She wants excitement!! If you
She wants excitement!! If you
can find anything to fit the bill
can find anything to fit the bill
she (and I!!) would be thrilled!
she (and I!!) would be thrilled!
She is losing her sight and
She is losing her sight and
reads on a Kindle. Thank
reads on a Kindle. Thank
You!!!
You!!!

32. discovery and diversification
Trends in Facilities
• Flexible, multipurpose spaces
• Opportunities for collaborative spaces
• Multiple demands on our "third place"
space

33. discovery and diversification
http://100.oldscollege.ca/sites/default/files/images/vintage_library.jpg

34. discovery and diversification
left: Kilton Library, West Lebanon, NH right: Sammamish Library, KCLS
both images courtesy Library Journal

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Research Commons, University of Washington