OU’s library ready to aid students during finals week through updated software, social media
It might be difficult to imagine Alden Library, where print still reigns in a web-obsessed world, as a hub for technology.
Decades ago it was a place where students and faculty used CD-ROM databases, microfilm readers, Xerox machines and barcode scanners to accomplish their various tasks.
Today, Alden officials are still working to provide unique resources that meet the technological needs its users require.
Students and faculty can search for books in the updated online ALICE database. If help is needed, librarians are available on an online “chat” service or librarians can answer tweeted questions to the “@AldenLibrary” account.
This updated technology comes with a cost. OU spent $4.26 million on library materials in 2013, according to University Libraries’ records.
“There is hardly any technological advance that doesn’t touch a library and therefore impact the student experience,” said Kelly Broughton, assistant dean for Research and Education Services.
“Everything from electric typewriters to microforms to desktop computing to social media plays a role … to connect learners to information for discovery, intellectual growth and the advancement of knowledge.”
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Technology and everyday work
Broughton estimates $200,000 was spent on computers and software for Alden last year.
Alden has 350 desktop computers, but many students check out one of the 25 laptops available, she said.
“The web services department in the libraries developed a program so that students can go online and see where in the building you can find a computer,” Broughton said.
The library updates the public computers about every three years.
Alden has always been a technological innovator, Broughton said.
For example, OU had one of the first academic libraries to acquire CD-ROM databases in the late 1980s and developed its electronic databases throughout the 1990s.
These databases, now online, are still some of Alden’s popular services, said Robbie Schoeppner, a senior studying computer science.
EBSCOhost, an online database of articles and journals that OU subscribes to, is also popular for researchers. These types of resources and additional software can be found on Alden’s computers.
“I use the computers in the library so I can work on homework that I can't do without certain software,” said Troy Carpenter, a freshman studying games and animation. “I do this so I don't have to pay for these programs.”
“I know I couldn't buy all the software needed and I'm sure that's how a lot of people are.”
Technology to communicate
Alden started its interactive “chat” service during the 2001-02 academic year and made wireless Internet available to the entire library in 2003.
This “live chat” feature allows students to communicate with librarians whenever Alden is open, which includes all night Sunday through Thursday.
The live chat answers around 6,000 questions a year, she said.
Alden also has fostered a social media presence, using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest to connect with students. In 2013, OU was ranked No. 33 in a rating of the “Top 100 Most Social Media Friendly Libraries” by LibraryScienceList.com.
Schoeppner works at the help desk in Alden, and said that the “live chat” feature is a helpful way for library workers to conveniently address students’ needs.
“We want to provide a safe learning environment,” Schoeppner said.
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