the wee librarian

We’ve started doing some usability testing. I’m quite excited about doing usability testing. As the first go, it’s been quite enlightening. First, I’m terribly surprised by the number of people who are willing to stop to help out with testing. Sadly, I am usually one of those who looks away when survey takers look my way in the mall. Perhaps my new role will change this outlook – perhaps I’ll be more sympathetic and participating in more surveys.

The other thing I’m interested in more than I expected is designing better surveys and questions. Again, I suppose this isn’t terribly surprising given my position – I need to know how to do this better. As we go through our first testing, I’m finding issues with wording. I’m seeing the advantages and disadvantages of open questions and other testing methods. I find I’m interested in reading more about creating proper surveys, better forms and figuring out the best testing for given situations. Now, I just need the time to get all of this reading done.

I have a feeling that another thing I will need to learn is not to over test – it is possible to ask about the same element using two or three different methods. In some cases, follow up will be required but it is important not to fall down the rabbit hole of continuous questioning. Like all projects, it’s important to know when to stop. I’m looking forward to more testing so I can hone these skills. Bring on the testing!

Libraries – all libraries – need to pay attention to recent legislative moves. The United States has two worrisome pieces of legislation at the moment. There’s been a lot of discussion about SOPA and now there is the Research Works Act (RWA), which is in opposition to recent Open Access movements and barrs federal agencies from unauthorized free public dissemination of research funded in part by federal money but published by the private sector.

Some Canadians may be thinking so what, that’s the US, but it’s vital we stay vigilant and be aware of what is happening. We are going through our own issues with copyright; bill C11 is in second reading. Is what is happening in the US a sign of things to come elsewhere? Maybe. At the very least, it gives us good insight to what publishers are thinking. Libraries are still fighting the ebook fight: experiencing limited uses, differing catalogues of items, and the issue of renting rather than owning material. This is not the last time copyright, ownership and open access will be battlegrounds.

Both SOPA and RWA are library issues, regardless of borders. We need to not only be aware of what’s affecting our field but to take action where we can. There are still things that can be done, as New Jack Librarian points out.

Publishers are trying to figure out new models for publishing and it’s affecting all libraries. This will not be the last battle – stay vigilant and be ready to fight.

Well, I suppose it’s that time to the obligatory end/new year post. What a year 2011 was, filled with high and low points, change, excitement, conferences, networking and more.

I’m not one for resolutions but I do have a number of things I’m looking forward to this year. One of my goals is to learn more about programming. While this is particularly important in my new role, I don’t seem to be alone in this goal. I signed up to learn code in a year with CodeAcademy – over 100 000 others also signed up within 48 hours and I’m not the only librarian. Even if I was in my old position as a liaison, I think I would have learned more about coding. As more of our world is about interacting with technology, I think it’s important to have a basic understanding of what’s going on. We need to be able to talk with other coherently if we want our library resources to function in ways that make sense to the user (stress on the to the user part, something we don’t seem to be great at yet). If you know of other good training opportunities, lemme know.

I will have another full plate this year – we’re going through strategic planning and I’ve got some lofty plans I hope we can accomplish this year: a new CMS, moving forward with mobile resources for the library and more. I also have a number of research interests, including responsive web design in libraries – if you’re doing something with this, lemme know, I’d love to chat. I’m finishing up as President of OLITA and slipping into the less demanding role of  past president/treasurer this year – a great group that I highly recommend and will be posting more on in the future about my time as pres.

And of course, I’ll be learning more and settling into my new job. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here 2 months. Still lots to learn!

So, 2012, bring it!