Trending Tech in Modern Academic Libraries

Every business, home and organization is, and will continue to be, influenced by advancements in technology. University libraries are no exception. University libraries are often the earliest entities to adopt cutting-edge technology. Libraries have brought technology like 3D printing, 3D scanning, virtual reality and gesture control to their respective universities. Libraries will continue to be at the front of university adoption of new technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence and automation as they become a more viable.

Augmented reality has been a popular topic for a number of years now but is just now beginning to come into its full technical potential. Examples of this can be with the baseball parks, car models and Super Bowl stadium models to help people decide the seats they want. These are all great examples that show AR is becoming a widely used technology. Libraries could use AR in a few different ways.

One of the points that comes up in most talks about augmented reality is whether it is a real tool or just a short term fad. While many of the examples we have already looked at prove AR has a legitimate use, there is still some skepticism. This belief is not held by most people engaging with university libraries. A study at Purdue surveying students and faculty on whether it would be effective in a library found that about 94% of them believe AR resources are something the library should implement on a large scale.

Another hot item that is being thrown around a lot in the tech world is the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are often considered to be the future of technology. Many libraries have begun taking note. A study conducted on libraries currently using these technologies found that five of the 27 university libraries they looked at have taken up some type of service utilizing AI. These are mostly through classes that introduce students to AI with tools like code and robotics. Some universities such as Stanford have begun to use AI to help students find books they’re looking for and to better use the information they have available.

Academic libraries have been considering the idea of implementing AI for a while. Some are still not convinced that it would even have a large effect on libraries, and others think it we still have 30 years until it is a real possibility anyway. This is likely an unrealistic way to look at things considering the advancements that have been made by often-mentioned companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook. The way their AI is able to read and understand unbelievably large amounts of data is something every university library could use to help students and better understand what they are using the library for.

Another technology that has been developing for quite some time is automation, but it is now out of its infancy. One of the best examples of libraries using this is through bookBot. The bookBots are capable of getting books for students, faculty or patrons without anyone needing to interact with the stacks directly. It uses a system of cases and a moving retriever that grabs a bundle of books to take to the requester. The system also saves a lot of space for the library. NC State claims that their stacks would be nine times bigger if they weren’t using the bookBot. Temple University believes it has taken some stress off the students because they no longer have to navigate large stacks on their own to find the book they need. It also ensures the system is organized and quick.

Automation is affecting libraries in other ways. There are examples that seem common in many libraries at this point like self-checkout, automatic cataloging and immediate document delivery. In the future, library automation could expand to things like “Just Walk Out” book checkout and book return. Much in the way Amazon Go stores work, libraries could automatically detect what books you have with you while leaving the building and check them out to you. There are also thoughts of having a simple way of dropping off books where they are scanned to be returned and placed back in their spot in the automatic library system.

Libraries are evolving at speed we have never seen before. Even though many of these ideas may be far from being adopted by all libraries, they are still what most libraries will be looking to implement in the future. Undoubtedly, there are more trends in technology that libraries are working to make valuable resources for their patrons and staff to use. What are some of the trends you would like to see explored? Are there any other ways you think libraries can use the technology above?

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

Adapting to Mobile Technology

Usage of mobile technologies has skyrocketed over the last decade. Since 2013, their internet usage rates have increased from 16.2% to 52.2%. Mobile traffic has increased by 222% in that time. This change can be attributed to the surge in smartphone ownership for the general population. 81% of US citizens age 18+ have smartphones.

Mobile technology statistics are not restricted purely to smartphones. Tablets such as the Apple iPad and Google Pixel Slate have increased dramatically in sales and ownership. The iPad has been so successful in recent years that Apple is beginning to focus more on them as a product than MacBook.

While items like MacBooks and laptops will obviously continue to be essential for many functions (for the foreseeable future), we can expect to see mobile devices take dominating control over the major market.

The way we use these technologies is continually changing. Traditional laptops and PCs are being used primarily for large projects and resource-intensive applications. Once again we can look to Apple for information on these trends. Apple has discontinued many of its smaller, less powerful MacBooks while continuing to increase their overall power. This makes MacBooks less accessible to the public, but Apple has answered this by improving their iPad and keeping it relatively affordable.

This trend will continue for the next few years until it inevitably levels out (laptops and PCs will not become completely obsolete). University libraries are adapting quickly to these changes.

The OSU Library has made its resources and websites mobile-friendly in recent years. Previously, the mobile and desktop sites were two different pages, and many pages were not mobile friendly at all. The site is now easier to navigate and more cohesive regardless of the platform. The navigation bar has been moved into a drawer for mobile sites and the pages display identically respective to their dimensions on any screen.

The technology students are able to check out at the Edmon Low Library has also adapted to this rise in mobile popularity. Students are able to check out Microsoft Surface tablets from the circulation desk, which can be easily converted to laptop-like devices by attaching the provided keyboard.

Many of the items available for checkout from the Edmon Low Creative Studios and the circulation desk have a mobile-friendly approach. They provide chargers for most phones, clamps that allow smartphones to be mounted on tripods and gimbals to give phones smooth video on the move.

The OSU Library is also currently developing a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. When the app initially launches, it will allow students to reserve a study room or a spot in the Edmon Low Creative Studio. The app will also let students see the status of any books they have checked out or any fines they owe.

In the future, the app will also display the number of computers, express printers and scanners that are open to use. There are also plans to have the number of each item available at the Tech to Go and laptop checkout desks viewable on the app. These features will allow students to better plan their trips to the Library to make their visit more effective.

As resources inevitably continue to become more accessible on mobile devices, libraries will continue to provide tools to make them more accessible to students. Do you think mobile technologies will continue to increase in usage and dominate the market? Let me know how mobile technology is influencing you!

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern

Finding New Perspectives with Drones

Drones have transcended the label of hobbyist toy since their initial commercial availability in the mid-2000s. They are now a powerful tool for professionals in fields ranging from firefighting to biology.

A change of perspective can help solve problems and increase performance. This is what drones are made for. Drone technology over the years has improved to have more battery life, carry more weight and travel further distances. These improvements have pushed drones from recreational gadgets to necessary tools for many tasks.

Rescue professionals, in cases of missing people and natural disasters, are also using drones which allow them to search large areas of forest and mountain land looking for heat signatures from an aerial view. They also allow rescue agents to survey for the best route to access an area that may be inaccessible through normal means. These methods have reduced the time spent on these rescue missions while ensuring the rescuers’ safety.

While this information can make drones seem like they are no longer made as tools for entertainment or recreational flying, this sentiment could not be further from the truth. These advancements have also ushered in an era of drone racing and performances.

Improvements in the speed and agility of drones have led to the rise of drone racing, a new form of entertainment that allows pilots to test their skills by zooming through intricate courses. These drones can reach over 160 MPH (!!!) during these races.

Drones can also be used elegantly during complex visual performances, usually involving hundreds of drones equipped with LED lights. One of the most stunning performances was during the 2018 Winter Olympics, where over 1,200 drones were used to create a magical spectacle in the night sky.

All of these uses have led to universities taking an interest in the future of drones. From research to recreation, universities are trying to get this technology in the hands of students. While on a study abroad trip to Namibia, North Carolina State students used drones to observe ecosystems and animals up-close without disturbing their natural progressions.

Universities are also beginning to offer drones for checkout at their libraries. Campbell University and the University of South Florida allow students to borrow a drone. Both these universities are taking slightly different approaches to regulate drone usage. While both restrict the usage of drones on campus to educational purposes, Campbell is allowing students to check out the drones for 3 weeks at a time and encouraging them to fly off-campus. USF requires students to have a qualified reason to check out a drone.

The Edmon Low Creative Studios provides students with the ability to hone their flying skills through DJI’s simulation software in the virtual reality suite. The simulator uses a real drone controller and an advanced physics engine to provide legitimate practice controlling a drone. By piloting drones in a virtual space, students avoid the possibility of damaging expensive equipment, while still preparing them to pilot drones in the real world.

Drones will likely become more accessible on college campuses as new uses are developed. The future holds promises of instant package and pizza delivery by using drones. These ideas only scrape the surface of what can be accomplished using drones and some creativity. Let us know how you would like to see drones used at your work or college!
Post by Jacob Hinchey

Converting to a Digital Age

We live in an age where technology abounds and new innovations are sprouting up daily. The OSU Library has evolved alongside this rapid growth in tech and made strides in the digitization of resources and the adoption of new technology.

But while much of the physical technology is only accessible if you’re on campus, the library’s digital resources are available anywhere. One of the most interesting and unique digital resources is the library’s Digital Collections.

The Digital Collections house a cornucopia of historical information that one may not be able to find elsewhere. The information in these collections range from political buttons to stories of Oklahoma’s farming history.

These collections are incredibly important because they shed light on artifacts that otherwise may only be seen by a few eyes. For example, had the Dr. Bill F. & Jean Kelso Collection of Ancient Coins not been photographed and archived in the Digital Collections, the ancient coins could have remained tucked away in a case in the library, rarely seen except for those who could travel to view them in person.

Another benefit to digitizing these archival materials is that it prevents further wear and tear on the original materials. Preserving them digitally allows more people to explore the documents, photos or objects without the risk of harm that comes from handling the physical item.

“One of our primary goals is to retain the original as long as possible,” OSU archivist David Peters said. “The less use you have, the longer it will last. Digital copies make it easier for the patron to use and require less wear and tear on the original."

I recently had the opportunity to explore the Secrets of the Century collection with David and multimedia producer Nina Thornton. This collection contains letters written in 1941 during the Oklahoma A&M 50^th anniversary celebration. The letters, written by students, faculty and staff, were placed in a time capsule that was buried in the south wall of the Edmon Low Library. After the capsule was opened in 1991, the handwritten letters were scanned and transcribed. Now anyone can get online and check out this slice of history in the Digital Collections!

While the letters themselves are interesting, what I found more compelling were the feelings behind the letters. They were written as the United States was on the cusp of World War II, just days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and many of the letters convey messages of hope for the future. These letters taught me something I could never learn in a history textbook. They provide readers with a window into the thoughts and feelings of people who lived through one of the most notable events of history.

Yet these letters are just one of the dozens of unique collections through which readers may browse. A wealth of knowledge awaits anyone who sits down for even 30 minutes with this resource.

If you ever have questions about the material found in a particular collection or just want to dig a little deeper into a topic, the knowledgeable staff in the Oklahoma State University Archives are available to answer your questions.

There is so much history to explore in the Digital Collections. I encourage anyone and everyone to check them out. See what you can discover today!

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Fostering Creativity at the Library

Every day, students across campus let their creativity shine through various personal or class projects. The OSU Library wants to provide students of all majors with a platform to showcase their talents and celebrate creativity in all of its many forms.

The Library Creativity Award is an annual challenge hosted by the OSU Library in which students are encouraged to submit their creative works for the opportunity to win up to $1,000. Students may enter their projects in four categories: 2D, 3D, Motion and Wild Card. The winner of each category is awarded $300, and one entry is selected to receive the title of Best in Show along with a $1,000 grand prize.

The possibilities to what students can submit are limited only by how big they can dream. Past winners have submitted 3D models, videos and even apps!

William Davis, a previous LCA winner, understands the importance of this award for fostering creativity across campus.

“The Library Creativity Award encourages students to think outside of the box and apply their skills in new and innovative ways,” William said. “This competition challenged not only my ability to come up with ideas, but also my ability to refine and execute them.”

The entries are judged based on originality, creativity and the use of library resources. Now, “use of library resources” can mean a lot of things. Of course, the more obvious interpretations could mean using the 3D printers in the Edmon Low Creative Studios or using software on library computers. It could also mean looking through books for inspiration or checking out a study room to work on your project.

This award is just one of the many ways the OSU Library encourages students to foster their creativity. The Edmon Low Creative Studios, for example, allows students year-round access to an audio studio, 3D printers and tons of equipment that’s available for check out through the Tech to Go desk.

On more than one occasion, I have checked out a camera from the Tech to Go desk. After taking a photography class, I fell in love with the art. Yet once the class ended, so did my access to a DSLR – or so I thought. By checking out a camera at the library, I was able to pursue one of my creative passions without the financial burden of purchasing my own.

Another personal favorite way to find inspiration is in the quartos section of the library. The books here range in subject from fashion to photography, geography to history. I could spend hours browsing through these massive books, finding inspirations in the photos and stories.

The Library Creativity Award is unique in that it does not limit students based on their major or interests. Everyone is encouraged to enter, whether you’re an engineer, biologist or education major. The OSU Library wants students to explore new and unique ways of thinking and creating while providing them with the resources to do this.

The award is open to all students at Oklahoma State University. Submissions for LCA are due Monday, April 8. You can find more comprehensive guidelines or previous LCA winners on the library’s website.

The OSU Library wants students to succeed in all areas of their lives and provide them with the resources to support and encourage them in every aspect of their educational journey at OSU.

There are millions of things to be inspired by in the library. What inspires you? 

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern

Unlocking Creativity

New opportunities to use innovative technologies

In a world full of rapidly-developing technology, it can be overwhelming trying to keep up. But the Edmon Low Creative Studios makes it easy for you to stay in the loop. In addition to utilizing and growing your creative abilities, you can gain hands-on experience with a variety of technologies that can benefit you in your respective career paths.

The Creative Studios hosts a plethora of innovative technology that you can access year-round: 3-D printers, virtual reality suites, the recording studio and more! And these resources are not only for academic use. You can use them for personal projects, too. Explore your creativity in a whole new way.

While I may not be the most tech-savvy person on campus, I have definitely learned a lot and ventured out of my comfort zone in the Creative Studios. By using equipment that I have checked out at the Tech to Go desk, I’ve been able to push myself creatively and gain skills I did not yet have.

More recently, I checked out a camera to work on a few personal projects. I am a novice photographer, but it is something I’ve always wanted to explore more. I took home the camera, snapped a few shots and uploaded them to my computer. I can assure you, they looked much better than my amateur cellphone photography.

And while I am continuing to dabble in the land of digital photography, I also hope to venture into videography. The Tech to Go desk has camcorders available that I plan to test out soon.

Another aspect of the Creative Studios that I love are the 3-D printers. Seven 3D printers are available to bring your designs to life. Whether you’re an aspiring architect, artist, interior designer or engineer, students in various fields may benefit from this technology. The possibilities to what you can create are limitless. Jewelry, furniture models, a miniature Edmon Low Library (this may or may not have been done already) and virtually anything you can dream can be printed.

For the more musically-inclined students, there is a small recording studio available. You can reserve the room and use the Yamaha CP40 Stage Piano, the Presonus Studiolive 16-channel Audio Mixer and the Audio Technica Direct-Drive Professional Turntable. Maybe you’ll create the next hit song of 2018.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own podcast or TV show, reserve the Recording and Presentation Studio and get started. Or check out a microphone or a recorder and work from home.

High-powered Macs and PCs are available for use in the Creative Studios. Edit your photos, videos, podcasts or whatever masterpieces you’ve created.

If the thought of using any new technology sounds at all frightening, don’t worry. The employees in the Creative Studios are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always there to help you figure out any issues or answer questions. You can also find a few equipment and software guides on the Creative Studios website.

Whether your passions lie in music, designing, broadcasting, photography or more, when you visit the Edmon Low Creative Studios, you will walk away inspired. I know I did.

Posted by Jenny Berry, electronic communications intern