I think there are a plethora of ways that libraries can begin using RSS Feeds to enhance their service. Recently I spoke with a staff member at my local library about incorporating a feed into the main website for news and events. By having a feed set up like this it would be simple to notify large amounts of patrons about goings on at the library, but also notify them when an event is modified in some way. The other day while I was volunteering I noticed staff printing out flyers with a programming location change. They were placed around the library, but what about patrons who were planning on attending the event but not coming into the library beforehand? A feed to their inbox or aggregator could instantly notify every subscriber. The nice thing about setting up a feed to publish on the main website is that is simple to do and requires next to no programming experience. If the library has a blog set up they need only to visit a site such as Feed2JS and copy and paste into the source code. I did this in my Javascript class and it was very simple.
The real question becomes, how do you get your patrons to start subscribing? In much the same vain as a library blog, no one will read it if they don't know it's there. One idea would be to make an announcement on the library homepage with a link to more information about what kinds of feeds you can subscribe too through the library. Though for patrons who have no idea what a blog or RSS is you might see confusion or patrons will just ignore the information presented on the website.
I think the first thing that should be done is a staff training session or finding some way to familiarize all staff with the new technology. Once the staff is comfortable then it can be easier to move onto patron involvement. The library will need to think about what kinds of feed they want to offer. Do they want patrons to be able to see all the new books as they are posted? What about events? Should there be a separate teen feed? Once this is all decided they can begin bringing the technology to their patrons.
I've often believed that when someone gets their library card they should be either given an instructional packet or directed to a section of the main website where they can learn about all the library has to offer them. Here the librarians can make short videos about services, links to more information, and even screencast tutorials showing how to use the services provided. A library may even want to set up a LibGuide covering their own library system. I don't know that there has ever been a time when I signed up for a library card where the librarian even showed me where things were located at in the building. Think about most other types of memberships you have. When you signed up at the gym did they give you a calender and show you all their facilities? I've always been so curious as to why this doesn't happen at the library. I think you'd see a lot more use of services and higher attendance at events if patrons were notified on how to find the information from the beginning. If your library does add new information or being to offer RSS Feeds, email current patrons the new information. Let them know you've updated the website and direct them to the new services. Add a comment or suggestion box to the site and encourage patrons to let you know what they think. Often times your patrons can let you know about things that may have slipped your mind and can offer great suggestions.
There are lots of ways to bring new technologies into the library and RSS is an easy one that can provide a great service to many patrons. Your site may experience less traffic, but you may see attendance rise at events now that patrons can be notified via feed rather than checking the site.
I liked your description of RSS, but that picture is priceless as I saw one too many sets of glazed over eyes when I tried to explain it. Also I think it is interesting that you talked about welcome packets and talking up library services when new cards are created. We were just discussing that at my library this morning. What should be included and how to make sure it stays updated are what we need to finish ironing out before making one up.
ReplyDeleteI like your comparison to joining the gym and getting a tour of the facilities--why not at the library, too?
ReplyDelete“The first thing that should be done is a staff training session or finding some way to familiarize all staff with the new technology.” Excellent point! Making all staff aware of available library services and getting them on board is so important.
ReplyDelete“Your site may experience less traffic, but you may see attendance rise at events now that patrons can be notified via feed rather than checking the site.” The idea of RSS taking patrons away from the library website didn’t actually occur to me. I wonder if this possibility ever influences the decision of whether or not to implement RSS feeds on a library website; I hope not because I believe in the long run, it enhances connections between patrons and their libraries.
I primarily came in here to voice my agreement with your point about library staff first becoming comfortable & knowledgeable about all things RSS before attempting to introduce patrons to this tool. However, I also just wanted to get my two cents in re: "I've often believed that when someone gets their library card they should be either given an instructional packet or directed to a section of the main website where they can learn about all the library has to offer them." When we create accounts/cards for new patrons at my library we always give them a pamphlet discussing the privileges/responsibilities that come with the card, library policies, etc. Most of these new patrons take the pamphlet and use it as a bookmark but never bother reading it or they throw it in the trash as soon as they leave the desk. These same patrons will then blow a gasket when they are fined for not returning their book on time, a book is recalled from them, etc. because they had "no idea" that they were expected to be aware of and responsible for any of this. Anyway, I just had to vent. :) Clearly, the restrictions regarding one's membership does not pique as much interest as upcoming events and useful resources (which we also have at our reference desk as well our website; I am not sure of how well these fare with our patrons...).
ReplyDelete