1. TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2009 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOUSTON, TEXAS NextGenReference: Maximizing Space, Staff, and Technology JEFF BOND DEXTER GOODMAN LAURA HEINZ JEFF LACY

2. Have you used this technology?

3. Facebook

4. The Hub

5. Cell phones

6. Apple Newton

7. Amazon.com

8. Webvan.com

9. #1: Know your users Know your user base and choose technologies that fit your clientele’s needs. Don’t fall for the idea that your library must embrace every new technology. Have a goal.

10. Example: Instant Messaging A university library sees a need to improve communication with students. The library decides to provide a new avenue for students to ask reference questions. The library decides to try Instant Messaging. After the program is launched, library staff evaluate the program’s effectiveness and makes changes as needed.

11. Who said it? “There is not the slightest indication that nuclear energy will ever be obtainable.” --Albert Einstein

12. #2: Experiment Sometimes, we make mistakes. That’s okay! Don’t be afraid to experiment or “play” with new technologies or websites. A new service doesn’t have to be “polished” to be made public. Try pilot programs.

13. #2: Experiment Administrators: Allow your library staff to try new things. Develop a “culture” of experimentation. Many new technologies are free. 23 Things

14. Example: Facebook A library “dips its foot” in the waters. Without much effort at all, a library adds pictures and puts up basic information. The page becomes popular. People become “fans” of the page.

15. Example: Facebook The library adds a chatbox to the page for reference services The library adds a widget to allow users to search the OPAC The page becomes more popular. Library considers exploring more social networking sites.

16. Two competing companies promote their new, competing products (1976). Each product has its strong points. After several improvements to the products and significant promotion, one company concedes defeat. (1988) vs.

17. #3: Promote your product Even if you have the greatest new reference tool, if you don’t promote it, it may fail. Word-of-mouth advertising will help, but you have to get the ball rolling. Promotion only goes so far.

18. #4: Think about staffing issues Each new reference tool you add will likely add to staff load. Priorities Will all reference staff be involved? What tasks can be performed at a traditional reference desk?

19. #5: Collaborate What other units should be involved (inside and outside the library)? What opportunities exist to involve student workers or volunteers? What opportunities exist to collaborate between libraries?

20. What’s hot? Twitter Text message reference

21. What’s next? Video chat reference Quick Response (QR) codes Online databases with mobile versions Many, many more!

22. Challenge! Choose one new technology tool to implement in relation to reference. Promote this new tool to your users. Share your successes with other libraries! Experiment!

23. Challenge! Most of all, find the very best ways to meet your users’ information needs.

24. Thank you! Jeff Bond Email: j.bond@tcu.eduj.bond@tcu.edu or find me on Facebook!