Exercise 10 - Gordon Library - 2.0 Technologies
Exercise 10, Gordon Library - Head of Kuringai Municipal Library
The
website for Kuringai Library shows influence from 2.0 technologies.
However the extent in each particular electronic media is limited to a
few applications considered the most desired. Some areas would offer a
better service to students if extensiveley expanded.
Facebook: (Adults/teenagers) The library uses Facebook to encourage two way communication with library clients.
Electronic newsletter: The library sends an electronic newsletter to all member's of the library.
Ask a
Librarian: (For children)This is an e-form which takes 2 days for a reply. However Year
4 to 12 students have free online tutoring
Free online tutoring: (For children) Year
4 to 12 students have free online tutoring. School students seem to be a priority. This is available Mon-Fr- 4pm-8pm for Maths, English and Science. Study skills are also included. The library employs a professional tutor on contract.
Book Reviews: (For all ages)Sometimes one sentence provided by a professional. However some books have long reviews attached. Library clients can add their own reviews/comments)
Catalogue: (Mainly for youth/adult) Uses quick search - may be sufficient on most occasions, but not all. Clients can enter their own review as well as reading other people's. Directory:
Resources: (Youth/Adult)Only a few databases: Australian Bureau of Statistics
looks interesting. But we know there are many similar
databases including ones with worldwide data. Other databases
are mainly for novel information: Australian Crime Fiction Database.
Australian Poetry Library Spydus password is required for "ABC
World" geographical database and a few others with literary reviews.
Other Services still in traditional form
Book Club: This is the answer to Clarence River's book review forum. However it is
a meeting of members for discussions. It covers a more intimate social
need and seems a good promotion.
Events: Often talks
JP: Which library branch offers one and when. A most useful service when
the need arises.
Local Interests: Local history and biography documents are kept at Gordon.
This would be similar to Brisbane State Libraries Collection.
but much smaller , I would expect.
Appearance. Gordon library has a big area for students to study and more
computer access. Multimedia: The affect of multimedia appears
mainly to have reduced the librarians' work,
and given patrons better access to information they
used before. Many patrons have not yet used the newest electronic
technologies and don't realise the local libraries have
lagged behind in offering all services now available
Why is Gordon Library slow to take up the latest 2.0 technology
While many middle and higher income earners live on the North Shore,
many appear happy to send their children to private schools to give them
an advantage over the rest of the community. In addition councils are
run by many with an interest in real estate or financial concerns. One
of their solutions is to turn Turramurra branch library into a car park.
The North shore libraries generally don't ask for qualifications for
library assistants. I expect this keeps wages. This in turn means
library staff are not up to date with the latest 2.0 Technology.
Quite agree with you about the reasons why Gordon library is slow to take up the latest 2.0 technology. I think same as Waverley library, we need staff who get trained then to be able to maintain the library 2.0, however consider of council’s budget, and securities and all the regulations for council, it will take long time to get started.
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