LIBRARY TECHNOLOGIES: INCORPORATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN PUBLIC AND ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

Abstract

The incorporation of technology into libraries has become an increasingly important matter as technology and library patrons have grown and changed over time. Main questions library staff focus on include which technologies are most requested by patrons and would be most beneficial to the library, along with what resources and training go into the implementation and usage of these technologies. In conducting research on this topic, I sought to understand which technologies are most commonly found in and requested for libraries, both public and academic, along with who uses these technologies and how. I also surveyed my fellow University of Arizona students on their usage of the on-campus academic libraries and their services, and what technologies they use and would like to use or see expansions to in the future. With this information, we can get a better understanding of what exactly library technologies are, why they are important and an over positive for public and academic libraries, and what possible trends in usage of these technologies may come in the future.