Challenges for Technology Circulation

Trial By Error

In 1985 the Library Journal reported on the Bowker National Library Microcomputer Usage Study for 1984. This helps provide a decent idea of how libraries were adjusting to using microcomputers, how they were being used, what software was being used, and most importantly the challenges that librarians were currently facing. Out of all of the libraries in the United States, public, academic, school and other specialty libraries, only 34.5% of them had microcomputers. The majority of the libraries using microcomputers were in the academic sector (including high schools and elementary schools). The average library held anywhere between 2-6 microcomputers, although occasionally a few libraries had much more than that. The biggest challenge reported by libraries during this study was training librarians to use the computers. Many librarians, like their patrons, were scared of the technology and intimidated. Staff often had to compete with the public to use the computers, so it was difficult to set aside time for training. Training on the computers also took staff away from other necessary duties. Most librarians were excited to use the computers as a helpful tool for managing the collection, organizing data, and overall improving service for patrons, however, they are hindered by a lack of understanding computer basics which has led to some frustration (Avallone, Trial By Error, 1985).

Another issue is finding and evaluating hardware and software for the computers. With everything being so new there were no effective ways to evaluate software as useful or compatible with certain microcomputers. That's why a few libraries wrote their own software since it was too difficult to find software to do exactly what they needed. However, most libraries definitely did not have the time or staff capability to do such a thing. Documentation was another big issue, as there was little technical support available from manufacturers in case of a malfunction and people in general were not very good at 'saving their work', which in the 21st century is one of the cardinal rules of computing: Save everything. It took librarians a lot of patience, belief and "trial by error" to make computer services work (Avallone, Trial By Error, 1985).

User Training

Not only was it common for librarians themselves to need training on how to use computers, but the public also needed basic computer training. Making time to assist patrons in learning how to use a computer was almost a full time job in itself on top of providing other day to day library services. This was a time when computer classes weren't always put in place and some libraries may have developed decent procedures to help patrons while others did not (Avallone, Trial By Error, 1985).

Circulating Software

To do more on computers, the more software is needed. Selecting software came with it's own issues, but circulating software and letting patrons use certain software was another library debate. Patrons were sometimes careless with software which resulted in damaged disks, newer computer users would sometimes accidentally delete a program, or cause a program to crash. Librarians had to put more staff around the computers because patrons often ignored signs and written procedures (Avallone, Public Access to Microcomputers, 1985). The list of issues was endless. However, the demand for software and even circulating software outside the library increased, and eventually someone decided to give the public what they wanted in a trial run that had some success.

Thomas Smisek, from the Minneapolis Public Library wrote an article for the Library Journal in 1985 detailing his experience with circulating software. They got a budget approved and ordered some popular software, word processors, typing software, as well as gaming software for children among hundreds of others. Patrons would be able to check out software for one week, and instead of using the book drop, patrons had to check out and return books at circulation directly to prevent damage to the discs. One of the challenges for the Minneapolis Public Library was that they couldn't check the conditions of the discs immediately upon return. The library only had Apple computers in house, so if the software wasn't compatible, they had to wait until patrons complained about a disc being damaged before sending it out for a small fee to be inspected by individuals who used compatible computers. Out of the first 500 loans out of a collection of about 85 different software, only seven were returned damaged. The Minneapolis Public Library through careful research and preparation managed to create a small software collection that was cost effective (not difficult to replace damaged discs in the event it happened) and helped set an example for other libraries who were possibly too intimidated by the idea of creating a software collection (Smisek, 1985).