Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still

This article follows the technological changes Lied Library has undergone since its opening in 2001. It covers everything from the costs of printing (and how these costs will have to be increased to support new printers) to switching out older computers for updated ones and the complicated processes and extensive costs associated with keeping up to date technologically.

The two major user groups for this facility are faculty/students and community users. What I found interesting is that although there are far less community users associated with Lied Library, they make up 17% of the computer usage time.

Space management is a challenge, including how to utilize the space and how to manage it to create an environment suitable for computers, students, etc.
One major problem at Lied Library was that the air conditioning was inadequate.

Another challenge is security. Cameras, and a central security management system were installed to assist with this.
Beyond physical security is network security--avoiding viruses/spyware, etc. All patron information is erased once logged off the computers to assist with this (deepfreeze software), firewall installed.

Despite best efforts, some small problems have occurred, including hardware failures and software glitches.

Future challenges:
--as # of students increases, offering equal access to electronic resources will become increasingly difficult.
--remote access will need to be convenient, safe, and easy for students/faculty
--normal maintenance, upgrading will have to occur
--biggest change will be in library leadership.

This article was a great example of the future of libraries. How do we adapt to the ever changing needs of our patrons? I think this is relevant for both public and university libraries. The large amount of growth of students and information technology literate patrons will require that we step up to challenge of providing electronic access to as large a patron base as possible, in several formats. The Lied Library is just one of many libraries that are learning to adapt to these changes and planning for the future needs of its patrons.