Cut and Paste Libraries: The Transformation of information Services for the Millennials and Beyond
Robert H. McDonald, Florida State University
Chuck Thomas, Florida State University
Rebecca Bichel, Florida State University
Came into presentation at 12:44, 14 minutes into presentation.
Looks like I’ve missed a general introduction to Millennials. The general focus seems to fit with my experience. They’re talking about how active learning is more important today than ever for learning.
Learning:
- Active learning!
- Multi-tasking
- Non-linear learners
- Trial and error learning (vs. logic)
- Want choices, control, and customization
Not really any better at finding good info. They equate computer skills with this, so over assume their skills. Also, less concerned with copyright.
Holistic learners:
- start with big picture
- then introduce the logical step-by-step
What can libraries do?
- Reference Services: virtual reference, IM or web-based chat
- Instruction: used to teach tools, now teach concepts
- Instruction: should move from canned to interactive and student-centered
- Technology: keeping current, not requiring cable tethering
- Librarians should realize they’re coming from a different generational perspective.
Traditional Library Values for Millennial Users
- check out this paper dealing with moving Ranganathan’s five laws for a millennial users
- Technology, Policy, and Opportunity
- A discussion of capturing user data to provide more personalized service
Things to think about:
- How can we offer technology in a thin-client way so that people don’t need to come use the physical computers?
- Are we planning for collaborative spaces?
Check out the article by Frand (2000) “Information Age Mindset!â€
- computers aren’t technology
- reaslity is no longer real
- actions more important than knowledge
- trial and error, multitasking, typing (vs. writing)
- staying connected, no tolerance for delay
- consumer and creator are blurring & (what does this mean for copyright?)
Are you like “them�
Some evidence that other generations are “catching up†to Millennials. These characteristics may not be so defining once older generations pick up on them.
They did an interesting research project dealing with use of library. Two different surveys were conducted, once when participants knew they were librarians, once when they were at a Borders bookstore (done because they didn’t want false positives from folks trying to impress the librarian). I wonder, though, if at the library they got participants who love the library and at the bookstore they got people who love bookstores.
Survey was to find what students were familiar with (peer to peer, bibliographic citations, virtual reference, etc). I’m beginning to think this is more and more important. Yesterday I taught a 50 minute class on web 2.0, blogs, wikis, etc. and found that the class was surprisingly unaware of some of the stuff going on out there. I think a survey like this, at the beginning, could be really helpful.
Other suggestions:
- New ways of marketing
- digital library’s mission includes teaching people to use media in new ways/integrate it & micro-copyright lession
- integrating technology at reference, allow students to be in “driver’s seat†there
- experiment with bringing students to the front of the classroom to act as teachers
There were some serious technical issues towards the end of the presentation. But overall, the information was really interesting!
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