Dunn and Wilson scholarship project 1999 Changing roles, changing goals: transferring library technician skills beyond the library

Impact of technology on the library

The impact of technology on libraries is not limited to Australia and although the literature search concentrated on Australian material, information that reflects the situation elsewhere has been incorporated.

At the 10^th National Library Technician's Conference in 1999 the opinion was (Grant 1999) that libraries today are facing change at a pace that is unprecedented in history. The reasons for change at such a pace? Grant claims that it is technology that is the 'driving force'. Consider some of the ways that technology has been introduced into libraries to 'support' the delivery of services and resources to ever increasing and diversified client bases:

• Digitisation;
• E-journals and e-books;
• E-reserve;
• Computer-based learning platforms;
• The web;
• E-commerce;
• Metadata;
• Synchronous communication tools - offering real-time reference support via computer and modem;
• Community networks.

With many of these initiatives there has been a need to collaborate with a wider range of information professionals, particularly those with IT knowledge. Is it possible that this could lead to a decreasing need for library-trained staff and an increased need for hybrid workers? It is interesting to note that selected graduate library and information courses are shifting the focus of their courses from specific library based skills to structure that represents the teaching of information management in all its aspects. Whether or not this is a correct approach is not under consideration here, but is used simply to reflect the changing view of 'information supply and management'.

'Technology remains one of the primary drivers of change in the ways that people work, seek information, communication, and entertain themselves. For the library, there is a stronger emphasis on content, context, customer service, training, and collaboration with information technology staff. ' (Drake 2000)

As Saurine (2000) observes 'there is no question that new technologies and the Internet are the factor that have challenged traditional library services and practices. '

In fact it has been stated that computers have made the most impact on libraries in areas that require 'the rapid and accurate storage and processing of structured data, the ability to operate for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and world wide connectivity and communication.' (Dunsire 2001) The impact this has on staffing is of particular relevance to paraprofessionals, with Dunsire claiming that the application of this technology reduces the need for many of the specialist clerical type skills that have traditionally been performed by library technicians .....'and it is not difficult to imagine an effective library service without paraprofessional staff. Many American libraries use volunteer lay persons for this type of work'

Supporting this, Evans (2000) identifies key areas of 'recording stock (cataloguing) and its movement (circulation)' as those most affected by technological change. Continuing the discussion, Evans states that the next step is that of 'seamless interlending of material, utilising the strengths of developing standards and faster and more efficient technologies'. One indication of this is LIDDAS, an international consortia development, of which Macquarie University Library is a member. LIDDAS aims at creating user-controlled access to the interlending and document delivery process. Combine this with online journal access and it is not unreasonable to perceive reduced requirements for paraprofessionals within these previously key areas.

What does this all mean for library technicians in the future? Martyn (1997 p225) asks 'how many library workers, in the last decade, have experienced one or more of the following organisational change processes: down-sizing, restructuring, outsourcing, reengineering, centralisation, decentralisation, amalgamation, computerisation, or, personally been upgraded, downgraded, re-trained, retrenched or reclassified?' In her study Martyn identified technology, along with budget constraints, outsourcing and commercialisation of services as major factor in the shifting workplace environment.

This is further highlighted in Debowski's (1999) consideration of key influences:

1. Significant advances in technology and increasing costs of journals and other print resources - massive growth in electronic services
2. Budgetary manoeuvres - staffing pared down to essential levels so that infrastructure services may be developed
3. Decreasing numbers of library visitors. Reduced coverage of service points, sustaining basic services whilst offering extended electronic access
4. Outsourcing - argument for a more cost effective system

The risk to libraries may lie in not recognising fully the impact of the global market and the role of libraries within this marketplace. The way is being left open for 'new players' to undertake the role of information provision. It is possible to see this type of change in the increasing use of information brokers, news services and the public use of the Internet as an information source. (Hobohm 1996)

Whilst these views may be seen as alarming and/or challenging, they should also be seen as an opportunity, for there is a corresponding availability of diverse roles that have evolved from and in response to new technologies (see O'Leary 2000). These roles incorporate those such as - Internet search expert; Webmaster; Web site designer and intranet developer. Whilst not specifically administrative or technical they require a flexible mindset with an emphasis on attitudes, aptitudes and approaches.. in short an ability to transfer previous learning to new responsibilities and environments offering key results and outcomes for employers. Interestingly and relevant to this point, Sciacca (1993) noted that it was often library technicians who are first to be confronted with, adapt to and quickly acquire new skills in relation to new technology within the library.

The alternate viewpoints about the future of libraries and the career potential for library staff are not the focus here. The evidence that technology has had a major impact on libraries is obvious, particularly in relation to staffing levels and key responsibilities. Hyde, (1997) suggests that in the future, staff will work, not in a physical library, but elsewhere with all electronic access to collections. Where there is a need for a physical location for those resources, print and otherwise that are not available or required in an electronic form, he predicts possible management options includes the increased outsourcing of major functions. This would prove to be particularly relevant to the cataloguing and current awareness service areas where there are currently large numbers of library technicians involved.

In response to these demands library technicians need to be able to adapt quickly, develop the new skills that are required and be flexible in their career expectations. This outlook will support the change process whilst also creating personal and professional opportunities to reshape and redefine their future.