 |
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device . . . to the library) has offered new opportunities for libraries to remain relevant, competitive, and more viable than ever before. Many libraries are taking advantage of the BYOD movement, which inherently provides greater access to e-resources without the added burden of computer costs. But along with the benefits, there are added challenges that libraries must face.
Graham Walton is a credible source we can refer to when answering questions regarding the intersection of academic library technology and trends in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to the library.
In his article “Will Smart Phones and Other Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) Dominate How Academic Library Services Are Developed and Delivered for the Foreseeable Future?” published in New Review of Academic Librarianship (2014), Walton uses data from 2007 to explore both the benefits and complications of the BYOD movement. While the data may seem a little dated in the context of today’s fast-pace advancements in technology, Walton makes some solid points to consider in present-day library operations and services.
Walton explains that the BYOD movement started around 2007, when employers allowed employees to use their own technology in the workplace. BYOD benefits include familiarity with self-owned computing devices and sharing/testing out a variety of technologies before committing to purchasing technology and investing in training across the board. The idea is that if a BYOD device, platform, or program improves operations and services, the company then can commit to investing in such technology. With the development of new technology, devices, and platforms, BYOD expanded to include smart phones, tablets, and other computing devices. The controversy of BYOD includes issues of security, intellectual property rights, misuse of time (playing video games, personal activities), and enforcing usage policies. These same considerations transfer to the library context.
Walton’s article focuses on academic libraries, but the points he addresses can also be applied in public library settings. In recent years, libraries have emerged as technology outlets, and where being “high-tech” once meant having a few computers for conducting library research and completing projects, we now see spaces with rows of computers connected to the library networks, databases, and the WWW. Libraries invest in laptops and handhelds for loan, and they provide cable outlets, Wi-Fi access, and smart-rooms. Technology has become a lifestyle and an integral part of our personal, professional, and community activities. How has that impacted the way libraries do business?
BYOD friendly libraries are beneficial on several levels. The most obvious benefit is that a library's investment in fast, reliable, and secure WiFi technologies will meet the demands of library users while also reducing expenditures. When patrons bring their own devices, libraries don't need to provide every make and model of computer in order to satisfy user preferences and demands. An added benefit is that libraries do not need to spend as much money on purchasing computers. BYOD is a win-win situation---if a library provides excellent connectivity, users will enjoy accessing resources within the comfort of their own devices, and libraries save money.
No doubt, libraries will continue to provide computers for patrons, and library professionals will continue to assist patrons with information access. But there is a catch -- library professionals are being pressed to help patrons with their own devices. Library professionals not only need to be proficient with the library's technology, they also need to know how to use the myriad of devices brought in by patrons. In essence, library professionals have had to become technology experts. They help patrons to access information using any number of computing devices, platforms, and programs that come through the doors in the hands of BYOD users. How can library professionals keep up?
First, modeling how to access information provides a hands-on learning opportunity for the patron and professional. Imagine the library professional and patron, each with their own device, at a table looking up resources on a specific subject. The library professional is confident in her ability to assist the patron because she is comfortable with her own computer, and as she demonstrates, the patron can follow along on his device. While the library professional helps the patron learn how to access resources, she can also observe how the patron is using his device. The added benefit is that both patron and professional are working at the same level, and the awkward hovering over a patron’s shoulder pointing out what button to click next is minimized. The learning context is more effective and pleasant!
Second, BYOD libraries have an opportunity to learn about new technologies without paying for them. Most libraries can't keep up with the fast pace of technological advancements, yet they must be able to decide how to best use their budgeted dollars on technology investments. When BYOD libraries welcome new gadgets through their doors, they give library professionals insight to what technologies are most popular in the outside world. Inquisitive librarians can learn from patrons. How? We all love to share our new devices and show off what they do, and savvy library professionals can learn from patrons by talking to them about their newest gadgets. BYOD offers an opportunity for libraries to test new technology without the financial commitment attached.
Are there drawbacks and points to consider? Yes, of course. BYOD libraries need to consider the policies that will be put in place. They will need to consider security issues, and they may need to explore issues concerning intellectual property rights. Should libraries continue to provide computer labs --- the answer to that is a resounding “Yes!” Not all patrons have computers or e-devices. In order to best serve the community, libraries need to maintain computing labs and technology loans while also offering high-speed secure public access to WiFi. To stay relevant, libraries will have to consider how patrons choose to access information and offer the most user-friendly spaces to access resources.
For further research and examples, see the following:
1. ALA post---"Children and the Internet: Policies that Work"
Library Privacy Guidelines for Public Access Computers and Networks
2. ALA post---"Sample of Online Policies
3. IT and computer use policy posted at Monroe County Library:
IT and Computer Use Policy (Monroe County Public Library)
4. YouTube video presentation/seminar addressing challenges of library IT security:
IT Security for Libraries: Part 1. YouTube. 21 Feb 2017.
Works Cited
Walton, Graham. “Will Smart Phones and Other Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) Dominate How Academic Library Services Are Developed and Delivered for the Foreseeable Future?” New Review of Academic Librarianship, vol. 20, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 1–3. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13614533.2014.875294.
Comments
Post a Comment