The 10-Minute International Librarian #15: Think how you can use technology to improve services

Libraries have long been innovators in using technology to share information and carry out their missions.

From automation to the creation of inter-library networks that predate the modern internet, there are plenty of stories of libraries leading the way.

This should be a source of confidence – libraries have it in them to use technology to serve their communities better!

With technology always advancing, there are always new opportunities being created.

Often, this happens so fast it can be hard to keep up! But as highlighted in the IFLA Global Vision summary report, we need to work to make the most of the tools we have available.

So for our 15th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think how you can use technology to improve a service.

It doesn’t need to be something advanced.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have made powerful use of well-established and used tools such as WhatsApp to provide reference services, or platforms like Facebook to organise storytimes.

It can be a great way to reach more people, or save time and effort. Of course, it is important to ensure that it doesn’t leave some people excluded.

But with a little time, and a knowledge of users, technology can increase the positive impact of libraries on communities.

Good luck, and share your experiences of using technology to improve services in the comments box below!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 2.4 Provide tools and infrastructure that support the work of libraries.

As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store (especially those related to Opportunities 2 and 4 of the Global Vision)! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.

2 thoughts on “The 10-Minute International Librarian #15: Think how you can use technology to improve services

  1. Ruth Cameron

    We kept our academic library open and used Zoom for a virtual concierge desk. The students got so used to it, they would wave to the person on Zoom as they entered the library.

  2. Kedibonye Rebaagetse

    We have been using our library Facebook page as to reach our cliente in academic library.

Comments are closed.