Data Visualization: A Guide to Visual Storytelling for Libraries

Magnuson, Lauren (ed.). Data Visualization: A Guide to Visual Storytelling for Libraries. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016

From the publisher:

Data Visualization: A Guide to Visual Storytelling for Libraries is a practical guide to the skills and tools needed to create beautiful and meaningful visual stories through data visualization. Learn how to sift through complex datasets to better understand a variety of metrics, such as trends in user behavior and electronic resource usage, return on investment (ROI) and impact metrics, and data about library collections and repositories.

Sections include: 

• Sections include:Identifying and interpreting datasets for visualization
• Tools and technologies for creating meaningful visualizations
• Case studies in data visualization and dashboards

Data Visualization also features a 20-page color insert showcasing a wide variety of visualizations generated using an array of data visualization technologies and programming languages that can serve as inspiration for creating your own visualizations.

Understanding and communicating trends from your organization’s data is essential. Whether you are looking to make more informed decisions by visualizing organizational data, or to tell the story of your library’s impact on your community, this book will give you the tools to make it happen.
 

The Librarian's Introduction to Programming Languages

Thomsett-Scott, Beth (ed). The Librarian's Introduction to Programming Languages. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-6333-8

The Librarian’s Introduction to Programming Languages presents case studies and practical
applications for using the top programming languages in library and information settings. While there are books and Web sites devoted to teaching programming, there are few works that address multiple programming languages or address the specific reasons why programming is a critical area of learning for library and information science professionals.

There are many books on programming languages but no recent items directly written for librarians that span a variety of programs. Many practicing librarians see programming as something for IT people or beyond their capabilities. This book will help these librarians to feel comfortable discussion programming with others by providing an understanding of when the language might be useful, what is needed to make it work, and relevant tools to extend its application. Additionally, the inclusion of practical examples lets readers try a small “app” for the language. This also will assist readers who want to learn a language but are unsure of which language would be the best fit for them in terms of learning curve and application.

Languages covered are:

• JavaScript
• PERL
• PHP
• SQL
• Python
• Ruby
• C
• C#
• Java

This book is designed to provide a basic working knowledge of each language presented, case
studies which show the programming language used in real ways and resources for exploring
each language in more detail.

Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real-World Examples

Sittler, Ryan L. and Aaron W. Dobbs (eds). Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real-World Examples. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-7054-1

Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real World Examples shows both new and experienced users methods to utilize the platform in ways that they may not have previously considered. This includes topics such as website and learning management system integration, digital collections, data-drive decision-making, information literacy instruction, library administration, and a system-wide case study. Each chapter features ideas that you can implement immediately, or over time, as is appropriate to your own needs. Further, they are adaptable—tweak as you see fit!

Divided into sections, this book examines different uses and approaches to LibGuides:

• Website and learning management system (LMS) integration: examine how LibGuides can be used as, or closely integrated with, the library website and/or your institutions’ LMS. Various examples are provided that you may be able to adapt at your own organization. Not every solution worked as anticipated—our authors address this, as well. 
• Digital collections: Two alternate approaches are presented. One looks at exhibitions and their application as outreach tools. The other looks at creating a digital museum within LibGuides. These are “can’t miss” chapters for those that wish to more deeply explore digital collections and LibGuides viability. 
• Data-drive decision-making: Learn how some institutions are mining and utilizing data collected within LibApps/LibGuides. In both cases, the data examined helped institutions to improve library services while articulating a clear purpose (and use) for each data point. 
• Information literacy: Explore two different methods for revamping your instruction program through utilization of the platform. 
• Library administration: Discover how internal and external processes may be augmented through the use of LibApps/LibGuides. 
• System-wide case study: See how a community college system in North Carolina has each implemented (or not) LibApps/LibGuides on their respective campuses. This section shows how different institutions may decide to use the platform in different ways—all while attempting to improve their own services. 

Upon completion of this authoritative LITA Guide, readers will come away with the knowledge and tools to maximize their LibGuides experience.

Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites

Dobbs, Aaron W. and Ryan L. Sittler. Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-6383-3

Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites introduces ideas and options for both newer users and
administrators. This book covers responsive, mobile-first web design, and provides overviews and in-depth information for LibGuides authors and administrators.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction: If you’re new to LibGuides, learn the ins and outs as well as how to maximize functionality through the use of the new version and LibApps
• Administration and Management: Learn about the administrator’s role in LibGuides and how you foster cooperation and integration between content creators and users
• Usability and Accessibility: Using theoretical and concrete ideas, improve LibGuides content and user experience
• Pedagogy: Through tips and best practices, learn how to enhance the classroom experience by incorporating LibGuides into teaching

Level-up your LibGuides content with improved accessibility and usability. Imbue your LibGuides instructional support with sound pedagogical theory. It’s great to have a useful, accessible site as a starting point. Take your LibGuides to the next level using sound pedagogical design and practices. Through detailed instructions and real life examples, this authoritative LITA Guide provides you with the tools and knowledge to enhance and invigorate your LibGuides experience.

Library Service Design: A LITA Guide to Holistic Assessment, Insight, and Improvement

Marquez, Joe J. and Annie Downey. Library Service Design: A LITA Guide to Holistic Assessment, Insight, and Improvement. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-6384-0

Service design is a holistic, co-creative, and user-centered approach to understanding user behavior for creating or refining services.

Use this LITA Guide to help as a toolkit for implementing service design studies and projects at all types of libraries. It begins with directions for how to create a service design team and assembling a user working group for your library and move through the various phases in a service design journey. The authors outline the tools required to gain insights into user behavior and expectation and how to diagnose the difference between a symptom and a problem users face when interacting within the library environment. The guide features a series of examples that the service design team can use to learn how to work with library staff and patrons to find out what current user experience is like and how to refine services to better meet user expectations.

Learn how to:

• create service blueprints - to outline the service delivery model and understand pain points and places where services can be refined
• create customer journey maps - to better understand the actual paths taken by users to fulfill a service.
• find the right tool for the situation so you can make an informed decision on usage
• create an ethnographic program of your own tailored to your library environment
• understand how assessment and post-implementation is key to any project’s success
• create a service design plan that fits your library and patronage

This book is a toolkit, not a step-by-step, paint-by-the-numbers book. It is geared towards libraries of all types and sizes and will provide tools that any library can use and ideas for developing a service design project that fits within the means of your library so that your project will be meaningful, useful, and sustainable. While several books have been written on how to implement service design, this book will be the first to explain how to practice service design in libraries.

Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide

Rawlins, Ben. Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-6424-3

The ever expanding usage of mobile technologies has dramatically changed how we access information and how we as a society expect to access information. With mobile technologies becoming available to an increasing majority of the population, users are constantly connected to information.

The rapid expansion of mobile technology has had a profound impact on many different sectors, industries, and institutions, among those that have been affected are libraries. With more users expecting access to information and resources in a mobile optimized format, libraries have had to adapt to meet the needs of users. This has entailed evaluating various library services and resources to determine how to best meet the needs of mobile users. Additionally, mobile technology has changed the way that websites are designed, and has led to an increasing popular type of web design know as responsive web design (RWD). This enables web developers to design websites with one code base that are optimized for a wide range of devices from desktop computers to smartphones. Libraries must keep their mobile services current or risk becoming obsolete.

Based on research, examples, and experience using mobile technology, this book will include topics such as:

• The impact of mobile technology
• Mobile technology and the Digital Divide
• Implications for library staff and vendors
• Responsive Web Design
• Wearable technology in library services

Mobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide is written for library staff interested in how mobile technologies have changed the way we access, and expect to access, information, as well as how libraries can incorporate and adapt to mobile technology.

Digitizing Flat Media: Principles and Practices

Perrin, Joy M. Digitizing Flat Media: Principles and Practices. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4422-5809-9

From the publisher: Here is a concise guide to the nuts and bolts of converting flat media (books, papers, maps, posters, slides, micro formats, etc) into digital files. It provides librarians and archivists with the practical knowledge to understand the process and decision making in the digitization of flat media. Instead of having to learn by trial and error, they will get a well-rounded education of the practical aspects of digitization and have a better understanding of their options. This is the stuff they don’t teach you in school.

People can be lured into thinking that all it takes to digitize something is a scanner and some metadata. This guide illustrates the practical aspects of digitization such as:

• the physical challenges of scanning books without cutting the spine,
• the differences between a “scanner” that uses a scanning head vs a “scanner” that uses a camera,
• the different options for workflow for digitized items, and
• the reasons for choosing one scanner over another for reasons other than price.

Digitizing Flat Media: Principles and Practices is intended to give librarians and archivists the benefit a seasoned digitization professional guiding them and helping them figure out exactly what needs to be done when.

Usability and the Mobile Web: A LITA Guide

Tidal, Junior. Usability and the Mobile Web: A LITA Guide. Chicago : ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American Library Association, 2015. ISBN: 9780838913017.

From the publisher: Mobile technology has changed the way we interact with one another and our communities. With the proliferation of mobile devices and the constant availability of information access, it is more important than ever for libraries to meet users on their phones and tablets. But not all mobile library approaches are created equal, and in this LITA guide Tidal clarifies the mobile web landscape, helping librarians and library developers create mobile websites and applications from a user-centered perspective. Whether they have previous experience conducting mobile web usability tests, or are new to the concept of user-centered design, readers will find:

• A survey of mobile devices, with an analysis of their commonalities and differences, plus discussions on hardware and the concept of mobile context
• Information on mobile apps, websites, and hybrids, enabling libraries to make informed decisions on what’s best for their users and institutions
• Nuts-and-bolts guidance on text editors, HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), web browsers, and other skills and tools necessary for mobile web development
• An overview of usability and what the concept means with regard to the library experience
• Tips for conducting usability testing and research, from planning to execution and analysis
• Sample scripts for recruiting testing volunteers and gathering feedback, a boilerplate consent form, and a bibliography of additional resources

With Tidal’s valuable guidance, libraries can harness mobile technologies to meet the needs and expectations of library resource users.

Table of Contents.

Technology Disaster Response and Recovery Planning: A LITA Guide

Mallery, Mary, editor. Technology Disaster Response and Recovery Planning: A LITA Guide. Chicago : ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American Library Association, 2015. ISBN: 9780838913154.

From the publisher:

Most library disaster plans focus on response and recovery from collection and facilities disasters, such as fire and floods. But because technology is becoming ever more integral to libraries’ role in their communities, any interruption in service and resources is a serious matter.  A disaster’s effect on internet and social media sites, electronic resources, digital collections, and staff and public infrastructure of PCs, tablets, laptops and other peripherals requires special consideration. Featuring contributions from librarians who offer hard-won advice gained from personal experience, this compendium leads readers through a step-by-step process of creating a library technology disaster response and recovery plan. This LITA guide:

• Outlines the three phases of technology disaster response, with examples of planning and implementation strategies from several different libraries
• Describes how to conduct an inventory and risk assessment
• Provides detailed case studies of recent large-scale technology disasters in libraries and documents how lessons learned have helped to improve technology disaster planning
• Offers an in-depth look at future trends in cloud computing, mapping out the new field of disaster mitigation, response, and recovery planning
• Includes useful resources such as checklists, templates, and a sample communications plan

Though libraries can never know when or how disaster may strike, with the help of this guide they’ll be able to craft a response and recovery plan to weather the storm and get library technology back online as quickly as possible. 

Table of Contents.

Getting Started with Demand-Driven Acquisitions of E-Books

Arndt, Theresa S. Getting Started with Demand-Driven Acquisitions of E-Books. ALA TechSource, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1314-7

Description
This guide from the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) introduces the concept of demand-driven acquisitions (DDA) in relation to e-books and offers 200 criteria questions to help you develop a DDA e-book program that’s right for your library.

Table of Contents

1 What Is Demand-Driven Acquisition, and Why Do It? 

2 Local Policy Considerations and DDA Management 

3 Optimizing User Access with DDA

4 Budgeting for DDA

5 Cataloging Aspects of DDA—by Kirk Doran 

6 A ssessment of DDA

7 Participating in DDA with a Consortium 

Appendixes

A: Example of a DDA Workflow Using a Library Services Provider and an E-Book Aggregator

B: Common Characteristics of Successful DDA Programs

The Comparative Guide to WordPress in Libraries

Goodman, Amanda L. The Comparative Guide to WordPress in Libraries: A LITA Guide. Chicago: American Library Association, 2014.ISBN: 978-1-55570-968-6

From the publisher:

More than just an easy-to-use blogging platform, WordPress is in fact a flexible, open source content management system. Without spending a dime or writing a line of code, it’s possible to build the library website of your dreams. But it’s important to understand the basic principles of WordPress so you can plan wisely. In this LITA guide, User Experience (UX) librarian and seasoned WordPress instructor Goodman leads you step-by-step through the basic planning process for a library website that meets your users’ needs and fits your available resources for maintaining it. Written with the questions of library administrators and technology staff in mind, this guide shows you

• How to make an informed decision about whether WordPress is the right platform for your library
• Options for hosted and self-hosted platforms
• Nearly two dozen WordPress sites, drawn from a wide range of different libraries and organizations
• How to choose the right theme for your library's content
• Succinct explanations of every element in the Administrative Dashboard with advice on library applications
• Quick tips on user experience, information architecture, and analytics
• Effective ways to use images, audio, and video

Offering a solid foundation in WordPress, this guide will help you design and launch a library website that effectively serves your library’s users.

Table of Contents:

Preface 

Acknowledgments 

Part 1: Understanding WordPress

1 An Introduction to WordPress 

2 Flavors of WordPress 

3 The Competition 

Part 2: The Basics of Developing a WordPress Website

4 Website Planning 

5 Using WordPress 

6 Themes 

7 An Introduction to Plugins and Media 

8 Administrative Tools 

Part 3: Library Implementations of WordPress

9 Academic Libraries 

10 Library Associations 

11 Digital Libraries /Archives 

12 Government and Law 

13 Public Libraries 

14 School Library Media Centers 

15 Special Libraries and Allies 

Appendixes

A The Survey
B Resources for WordPress
C Plugins  

Index

Read a sample of the book now!

Using Massive Digital Libraries

Weiss, Andrew. Using Massive Digital Libraries: A LITA Guide. ALA TechSource, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-8389-1235-5

Description
Weiss takes an in-depth look at what he calls "massive digital libraries" like Google Books, HathiTrust, or Internet Archive and how they might fit into a library context. He explores their strengths and weaknesses as digital information tools, helping librarians understand how they function and what we can expect in the future.

Table of Contents

Part 1 - Background

1 A Brief History of Digital Libraries-or, How Did We Get Here?

2 Massive Digital Libraries-or, Where Are We?

3 Major Party Players and Their Characteristics-or, Who's at the Party?

4 Impact on Librarianship-or, How Do I Deal with This?

Part 2 - The Philosophical Issues

5 The Copyright Conundrum-or, How Is This Allowed?

6 Collection Development-or, How Did I Get This?

7 Collection Diversity-or, Why Is This Missing?

8 Access-or, Why Can't I Get This?

Part 3 - Practical Applications

9 Using MDLs in Libraries-or, To What End?

10 Four MDL Studies

Makerspaces: Top Trailblazing Projects, A LITA Guide

Bagley, Caitlin, LITA. Makerspaces: Top Trailblazing Projects, A LITA Guide. Chicago: ALA, 2014. 027 Bagle.  ISBN 978-1-55570-990-7

Spaces that have been designed to allow users to create, build, and learn new projects and technologies, makerspaces employ a variety of tools such as 3-D printers, AutoCAD design software, and even open-source hardware like Arduino Kits. Developing a community around shared use of space and equipment, a tenet of the makerspace movement, fits squarely into libraries mission. Bagley examines nine makerspaces in public, academic, and school libraries, describing their design and technical decisions in depth and showing how each is doing something unique and different, under a wide range of budgets and project offerings. Enabling readers to quickly gather information about these trailblazing projects, Bagley’s guide:

• Defines the makerspace, and describes why it fits perfectly into the library's role as community center;
• Answers common questions about implementing a makerspace project, detailing how libraries are addressing issues such as registration, usage policy, noise, software programs in digital workspaces, adapting spaces, funding, and promotion;
• Illustrates approaches libraries are taking to staffing makerspaces, from Anchorage Public Library’s Maker in Residence and Mesa Public Library's THINKspot coordinator, to the library school students involved with University of Michigan and University of Illinois makerspace projects;
• Covers the demographics of makerspace users, from children and teens to hobbyists and job seekers, offering guidance for targeting, marketing, and programming.
• A sourcebook of ideas that readers can apply at their own institutions, this resource also demonstrates how makerspaces can be gathering places for people to learn how to create and build together as a community.

Marketing with Social Media: a LITA Guide

Thomsett-Scott, Beth C. Marketing with Social Media: a LITA Guide. Chicago: ALA TechSource, 2014.  302.30285 Marke.  ISBN 978-1-55571-972-3

Eschewing mere theory in favor of real-world examples, editor Thomsett-Scott and her contributors offer to-the-point advice for getting up to speed with the world of social media. Ideal for newbies ready to get serious about marketing with social media, as well as practitioners on the lookout for ways to improve existing efforts, this LITA guide will save readers time and effort by providing basic information on the most popular and cutting-edge marketing technologies. With best practices for engaging library users across multiple platforms, this book:

• Draws from a range of experiences, with examples from different library types and sizes
• Includes case studies of successful social media efforts using Facebook, wikis, video-sharing sites, Pinterest, Google+, Foursquare, blogs, Twitter, and QR codes
• Offers tips for maintaining a steady flow of content, coordinating with colleagues, planning for sustainability, and using built-in analytics for evaluation
• Features numerous screen shots and illustrations
• Provides a resource list at the end of every chapter, allowing readers to dig deeper
• With the valuable information contained in this guide, libraries can reach their users and create connections that resonate with them.

Data Management for Libraries: A LITA Guide

Krier, Laura and Carly A. Strasser. Data management for libraries: A LITA Guide. Chicago: ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American Library Association, 2014. ISBN: 978-1-55570-969-3

From the publisher:

Since the National Science Foundation joined the National Institutes of Health in requiring that grant proposals include a data management plan, academic librarians have been inundated with related requests from faculty and campus-based grant consulting offices. Data management is a new service area for many library staff, requiring careful planning and implementation. This guide offers a start-to-finish primer on understanding, building, and maintaining a data management service, showing another way the academic library can be invaluable to researchers. Krier and Strasser of the California Digital Library guide readers through every step of a data management plan by:

• Offering convincing arguments to persuade researchers to create a data management plan, with advice on collaborating with them
• Laying out all the foundations of starting a service, complete with sample data librarian job descriptions and data management plans
• Providing tips for conducting successful data management interviews
• Leading readers through making decisions about repositories and other infrastructure
• Addressing sensitive questions such as ownership, intellectual property, sharing and access, metadata, and preservation

This LITA guide will help academic librarians work with researchers, faculty, and other stakeholders to effectively organize, preserve, and provide access to research data.

Technology for Small and One-Person Libraries: A LITA Guide

Erlandson, Rene J. Technology for Small and One-Person Libraries: A LITA Guide. Chicago: ALA TechSource, An imprint of the American Library Association, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-55570-858-0

From the publisher’s web site:

For those working in a small library, particularly one that may have little technical support, a foundational knowledge of technology is crucial. Written for librarians, library staff, and administrators at libraries serving populations of 15,000 or less, this LITA guide shows how to successfully develop, implement, sustain, and grow technology initiatives. The contributors draw from personal experience in rural libraries and regional state university libraries to offer guidance for making sound technology decisions. Whether looking for a quick answer or starting an in-depth technology project, readers will quickly find basic information on the full range of library technology, organized into chapters with numerous headings for easy scanning. Topics include

• An overview of library technology basics
• Electronic resource fundamentals, including a look at licensing issues
• Webpage development, Open-source (OS) applications, and a six-step plan for social media and social networking
• How to create and sustain an effective technology strategy

Complete table of contents and more information available from ALA Techsource.

Web Analytics Strategies for Information Professionals (LITA Guide)

Farney, Tabatha and Nina McHale.  Web Analytics Strategies for Information Professionals (LITA Guide).  Chicago: ALA, 2013.  025.174 Farne     ISBN 9781555708979

Whether you're gathering information for a department report or planning a website redesign, easy access to meaningful, actionable data is critical. Farney and McHale address the distinctive needs of libraries educational mission with specific advice on how to use web analytics in a library setting. Users are given clear explanations of terminology, a glossary for future reference and effective communication tips for reporting results and recommending changes or improvements. Also included:

•  Eight examples of semi-custom and custom reporting
•  Four case studies showing project-specific applications
•  Advice on how to use tools such as Percent Mobile and Google Analytics to complement one another