It is a well known fact that technology is advancing at a great rate. Libraries have not been slow to follow this trend and incorporate new technologies into their services. Virtually every library in Australia provides access to the internet and hosts a library web page with library information and an online catalogue.
Margaret Hyland’s article details some of the new developments the ACT Public Library is undertaking regarding online library services (Hyland 2006). Using the library web page as the foundation which provides library locations and program details, online searchable catalogue, account management facilities (including loan requests and renewals, personal details update facilities and interlibrary loan request options), the ACT public library is providing further developments.
Learning pathways
Learning pathways direct you to resources that will help you to learn in a particular area. The ACT Public Library have learning pathways for school students, young children, people learning computer skills and job seekers (ACT Library and Information Services 2007).
They employ this service to encourage lifelong learning and literacy. These goals support the local community aims of social inclusion.
Live homework help
This is a service where school students can speak to tutors over the internet and get help with their core subjects. It involves simultaneous exchange of information imitating a real conversation.
This service is important in encouraging literacy in young children and also in teaching them that the library (physical or virtual) is a good place to go to satisfy their information needs.
Digital literacy training
The ACT Public Library understand the significance of computers and the internet in today’s information society. They are committed to reducing the digital divide in their local area and because of this commitment they provide digital literacy training online using free web-based tutorials, and in person at library branches.
What online services are other libraries offering?
Many libraries are using online services such as ‘remote access to online databases, virtual reference services, online tutorials, e-reserves, document delivery, and the development of web-based portals and gateways’ (Nicholas & Tomeo 2005). Others are using blogs, social networking sites, RSS feeds, almost every emerging technology, to improve service delivery for their clients (both traditional and non-traditional).
With all these exciting new advancements in service delivery, it is easy to neglect traditional services. Hyland notes ‘the ACT Public Library has not discontinued other services and programs to resource expanding delivery of online services’ (Hyland 2006). This is the key to providing enhanced service delivery, rather than simply providing the same old service in new formats.
REFERENCES
ACT Library and Information Services 2007, ‘Lifelong learning at your public library’, viewed 9 September, last updated 6 March, http://www.library.act.gov.au/learn/summary.
Hyland, M 2006, ‘ACT Public Library online information services’, inCite, viewed 9 September, http://alia.org.au/publishing/incite/2006/03/print.html?ID=25.
Nicholas, M & Tomeo, M 2005, ‘Can you hear me now? Communicating library services to distance education students and faculty’, Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 8, no. 2, State University of West Georgia.
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