A couple weeks ago, a librarian posted a query on a list I subscribe to asking readers to postulate what the library patron of 2020 will ask. The query was directed at academic libraries, and the answers were quite entertaining and thought-provoking, but not really relevant to public libraries.
So, I asked the same type of question of our own MCLS Emerging Technology Committee. Here’s one answer.
“A patron of any age and any background uses a tablet device which
functions as a web surfer, email client, audio/video player, ebook reader,
video/still digital camera, GPS, word processor and spreadsheet machine,
plays video games and is customizable to add various apps (some free, some
at cost) to meet the various and changing needs of users.
Data access is available through wi-fi or the successor to 3GS which provides download speeds of 54 mbps minimum. The Monroe County Library System has a free app which allows library patrons to quickly search the library catalog, place holds and check their accounts. Downloadable audio books, ebooks, music and videos are available and playable on the tablets, which handle a variety of formats and can universally play all popular audio, video and data file formats (whether MCLS, iTunes, Amazon, B&N, etc.). These players use the successor to the current SD card and so can store large amounts of data (20 gb minimum). These cards can be easily swapped between tablets to share information and files or file swap is an option within all tablet functions as all tablets have a non-wired file transfer option which utilizes the successor to 3GS. The tablets are backlit, have color screens, external speakers, headphone and mic jacks, a retractable cover which folds into the hard shell case and a touch screen which is difficult to scratch. The tablet has 4 USB drives and 2 SD card slots. Each tablet has a serial # etched on the case and embedded in the OS which can identify the tablet and aide if it is stolen. This # is findable via GPS as well. Many aftermarket products exist for these tablets and so customers can swap tablet skins at will and change their tablets to reflect their moods and causes (people buy and wear all kinds of rubber cause bracelets, so why not)? The tablet costs $199 and monthly fees for data access are available from major vendors such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc. but have been frozen at $19/month due to price wars worldwide (the tablets support most international languages and so are popular around the world).
The OS is a descendant of Ubuntu Linux and can cheaply and easily handle the above tasks. Since Linux is free and developed by zealous programmers who as a community ensure functionality, security and availability, it is a great option for hardware manufacturers who are tired of playing the Apple/Microsoft game which has led to higher prices, buggier software and
file format differences which have been costly and frustrating to customers
and vendors. Goodbye to all that.
Since these tablets are so popular, affordable, prevalent, and easy to use, MCLS finds it easy to provide content to patrons in various formats, all of which work on the tablet. Ebooks, audio music, videos, articles from databases, and images are all compatible on the tablet. MCLS has an easy to
use catalog which showcases all of its content (regardless of format). It is
colorful and fast with well designed intuitive menus and advanced keyword
searching. It also allows RSS feeds, patron profiles to be saved by library
card # (which are customizable with avatars, colors, backgrounds, etc. and
which house personlization options for wishlists). The library is mobile friendly and its web presence reflects that, highlighting a small set of the
most common patron requests rather than the dense page of options available on the non-mobile website.
Because the library offers so much, has an easy to use website which easily highlights and makes available this content, the library continues to be a popular destination for patrons of all ages and economic backgrounds.
Content continues to be expertly chosen and offered and continues to be free to borrow for patrons, a huge advantage in a shifting economy. The library also maintains a strong local presence in that its employees live and work in the local community and can thus support and advocate MCLS and its services. MCLS develops strong consortial relationships with regional
systems and thus benefits from connections with a wider group of employees and access to a wider range of materials.”
Sound pretty “out there?” Maybe not. What do *you* predict?
Cross-posted at Mouth2Ear.
Pat
