Lita Guides – serie

The time is right for this all-new survey of the library technology that’s already transitioning from trend to everyday reality. As in the previous best-selling volume, Varnum and his contributors throw the spotlight on the systems, software, and approaches most crucial to the knowledge institutions of tomorrow. Inside, readers will find concise information and analysis on topics such asmobile technologies;privacy-protection technology tools;the Internet of Things (IoT);virtual reality;bots and automation;machine learning applications for libraries;libraries as digital humanities enablers;visualizations in discovery systems;linked open data;embeddedness and Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI);special collections and digital publishing;link rot, web archiving, and the future of the Distributed Web; anddigital repositories.Sure to spark discussions about library innovation, this collection is a must have for staff interested in technology or involved with strategic planning.

Here is a concise guide to the nuts and bolts of converting flat media (books, papers, maps, posters, slides, micro formats, etc) into digital files. It provides librarians and archivists with the practical knowledge to understand the process and decision making in the digitization of flat media. Instead of having to learn by trial and error, they will get a well-rounded education of the practical aspects of digitization and have a better understanding of their options. This is the stuff they don’t teach you in school. People can be lured into thinking that all it takes to digitize something is a scanner and some metadata. This guide illustrates the practical aspects of digitization such as:the physical challenges of scanning books without cutting the spine, the differences between a “scanner” that uses a scanning head vs a “scanner” that uses a camera, the different options for workflow for digitized items, and the reasons for choosing one scanner over another for reasons other than price. Digitizing Flat Media: Principles and Practices is intended to give librarians and archivists the benefit a seasoned digitization professional guiding them and helping them figure out exactly what needs to be done when.

Here is a concise guide to the nuts and bolts of converting flat media (books, papers, maps, posters, slides, micro formats, etc) into digital files. It provides librarians and archivists with the practical knowledge to understand the process and decision making in the digitization of flat media. Instead of having to learn by trial and error, they will get a well-rounded education of the practical aspects of digitization and have a better understanding of their options. This is the stuff they don’t teach you in school. People can be lured into thinking that all it takes to digitize something is a scanner and some metadata. This guide illustrates the practical aspects of digitization such as:the physical challenges of scanning books without cutting the spine, the differences between a “scanner” that uses a scanning head vs a “scanner” that uses a camera, the different options for workflow for digitized items, and the reasons for choosing one scanner over another for reasons other than price. Digitizing Flat Media: Principles and Practices is intended to give librarians and archivists the benefit a seasoned digitization professional guiding them and helping them figure out exactly what needs to be done when.

The Librarian’s Introduction to Programming Languages presents case studies and practicalapplications for using the top programming languages in library and information settings. Whilethere are books and Web sites devoted to teaching programming, there are few works thataddress multiple programming languages or address the specific reasons why programming is acritical area of learning for library and information science professionals.There are many books on programming languages but no recent items directly written for librarians that span a variety of programs. Many practicing librarians see programming as something for IT people or beyond their capabilities. This book will help these librarians to feel comfortable discussion programming with others by providing an understanding of when the language might be useful, what is needed to make it work, and relevant tools to extend its application. Additionally, the inclusion of practical examples lets readers try a small “app” for the language. This also will assist readers who want to learn a language but are unsure of which language would be the best fit for them in terms of learning curve and application. Languages covered are:JavaScriptPERLPHPSQLPythonRubyCC#JavaThis book is designed to provide a basic working knowledge of each language presented, casestudies which show the programming language used in real ways and resources for exploringeach language in more detail.

Service design is a holistic, co-creative, and user-centered approach to understanding user behavior for creating or refining services. Use this LITA Guide to help as a toolkit for implementing service design studies and projects at all types of libraries. It begins with directions for how to create a service design team and assembling a user working group for your library and move through the various phases in a service design journey. The authors outline the tools required to gain insights into user behavior and expectation and how to diagnose the difference between a symptom and a problem users face when interacting within the library environment. The guide features a series of examples that the service design team can use to learn how to work with library staff and patrons to find out what current user experience is like and how to refine services to better meet user expectations.Learn how to:create service blueprints - to outline the service delivery model and understand pain points and places where services can be refinedcreate customer journey maps - to better understand the actual paths taken by users to fulfill a service.find the right tool for the situation so you can make an informed decision on usagecreate an ethnographic program of your own tailored to your library environmentunderstand how assessment and post-implementation is key to any project’s success create a service design plan that fits your library and patronageThis book is a toolkit, not a step-by-step, paint-by-the-numbers book. It is geared towards libraries of all types and sizes and will provide tools that any library can use and ideas for developing a service design project that fits within the means of your library so that your project will be meaningful, useful, and sustainable. While several books have been written on how to implement service design, this book will be the first to explain how to practice service design in libraries.

Service design is a holistic, co-creative, and user-centered approach to understanding user behavior for creating or refining services. Use this LITA Guide to help as a toolkit for implementing service design studies and projects at all types of libraries. It begins with directions for how to create a service design team and assembling a user working group for your library and move through the various phases in a service design journey. The authors outline the tools required to gain insights into user behavior and expectation and how to diagnose the difference between a symptom and a problem users face when interacting within the library environment. The guide features a series of examples that the service design team can use to learn how to work with library staff and patrons to find out what current user experience is like and how to refine services to better meet user expectations.Learn how to:create service blueprints - to outline the service delivery model and understand pain points and places where services can be refinedcreate customer journey maps - to better understand the actual paths taken by users to fulfill a service.find the right tool for the situation so you can make an informed decision on usagecreate an ethnographic program of your own tailored to your library environmentunderstand how assessment and post-implementation is key to any project’s success create a service design plan that fits your library and patronageThis book is a toolkit, not a step-by-step, paint-by-the-numbers book. It is geared towards libraries of all types and sizes and will provide tools that any library can use and ideas for developing a service design project that fits within the means of your library so that your project will be meaningful, useful, and sustainable. While several books have been written on how to implement service design, this book will be the first to explain how to practice service design in libraries.

The ever expanding usage of mobile technologies has dramatically changed how we access information and how we as a society expect to access information. With mobile technologies becoming available to an increasing majority of the population, users are constantly connected to information. The rapid expansion of mobile technology has had a profound impact on many different sectors, industries, and institutions, among those that have been affected are libraries. With more users expecting access to information and resources in a mobile optimized format, libraries have had to adapt to meet the needs of users. This has entailed evaluating various library services and resources to determine how to best meet the needs of mobile users. Additionally, mobile technology has changed the way that websites are designed, and has led to an increasing popular type of web design know as responsive web design (RWD). This enables web developers to design websites with one code base that are optimized for a wide range of devices from desktop computers to smartphones. Libraries must keep their mobile services current or risk becoming obsolete.Based on research, examples, and experience using mobile technology, this book will include topics such as:The impact of mobile technologyMobile technology and the Digital DivideImplications for library staff and vendorsResponsive Web DesignWearable technology in library servicesMobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide is written for library staff interested in how mobile technologies have changed the way we access, and expect to access, information, as well as how libraries can incorporate and adapt to mobile technology.

The ever expanding usage of mobile technologies has dramatically changed how we access information and how we as a society expect to access information. With mobile technologies becoming available to an increasing majority of the population, users are constantly connected to information. The rapid expansion of mobile technology has had a profound impact on many different sectors, industries, and institutions, among those that have been affected are libraries. With more users expecting access to information and resources in a mobile optimized format, libraries have had to adapt to meet the needs of users. This has entailed evaluating various library services and resources to determine how to best meet the needs of mobile users. Additionally, mobile technology has changed the way that websites are designed, and has led to an increasing popular type of web design know as responsive web design (RWD). This enables web developers to design websites with one code base that are optimized for a wide range of devices from desktop computers to smartphones. Libraries must keep their mobile services current or risk becoming obsolete.Based on research, examples, and experience using mobile technology, this book will include topics such as:The impact of mobile technologyMobile technology and the Digital DivideImplications for library staff and vendorsResponsive Web DesignWearable technology in library servicesMobile Technologies in Libraries: A LITA Guide is written for library staff interested in how mobile technologies have changed the way we access, and expect to access, information, as well as how libraries can incorporate and adapt to mobile technology.

Although privacy is one of the core tenets of librarianship, technology changes have made it increasingly difficult for libraries to ensure the privacy of their patrons in the 21st century library. This authoritative LITA Guide offers readers guidance on a wide range of topics, including• Foundations of privacy in libraries • Data collection, retention, use, and protection• Laws and regulations• Privacy instruction for patrons and staff• Contracts with third parties• Use of in-house and internet tools including social network sites, surveillance video, and RFID

Although privacy is one of the core tenets of librarianship, technology changes have made it increasingly difficult for libraries to ensure the privacy of their patrons in the 21st century library. This authoritative LITA Guide offers readers guidance on a wide range of topics, including• Foundations of privacy in libraries • Data collection, retention, use, and protection• Laws and regulations• Privacy instruction for patrons and staff• Contracts with third parties• Use of in-house and internet tools including social network sites, surveillance video, and RFID

Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites introduces ideas and options for both newer users and administrators. This book covers responsive, mobile-first web design, and provides overviews and in-depth information for LibGuides authors and administrators. Topics covered include: Introduction: If you’re new to LibGuides, learn the ins and outs as well as how to maximize functionality through the use of the new version and LibAppsAdministration and Management: Learn about the administrator’s role in LibGuides and how you foster cooperation and integration between content creators and usersUsability and Accessibility: Using theoretical and concrete ideas, improve LibGuides content and user experiencePedagogy: Through tips and best practices, learn how to enhance the classroom experience by incorporating LibGuides into teachingLevel-up your LibGuides content with improved accessibility and usability. Imbue your LibGuides instructional support with sound pedagogical theory. It’s great to have a useful, accessible site as a starting point. Take your LibGuides to the next level using sound pedagogical design and practices. Through detailed instructions and real life examples, this authoritative LITA Guide provides you with the tools and knowledge to enhance and invigorate your LibGuides experience.

Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites introduces ideas and options for both newer users and administrators. This book covers responsive, mobile-first web design, and provides overviews and in-depth information for LibGuides authors and administrators. Topics covered include: Introduction: If you’re new to LibGuides, learn the ins and outs as well as how to maximize functionality through the use of the new version and LibAppsAdministration and Management: Learn about the administrator’s role in LibGuides and how you foster cooperation and integration between content creators and usersUsability and Accessibility: Using theoretical and concrete ideas, improve LibGuides content and user experiencePedagogy: Through tips and best practices, learn how to enhance the classroom experience by incorporating LibGuides into teachingLevel-up your LibGuides content with improved accessibility and usability. Imbue your LibGuides instructional support with sound pedagogical theory. It’s great to have a useful, accessible site as a starting point. Take your LibGuides to the next level using sound pedagogical design and practices. Through detailed instructions and real life examples, this authoritative LITA Guide provides you with the tools and knowledge to enhance and invigorate your LibGuides experience.

Using Social Media to Build Library Communities: A LITA Guide is a community-building action manual for practitioners across the profession. By bringing together an array of perspectives to explore community building through social media, this book serves as the go-to resource for professionals who want to take social media beyond marketing and promotion to build an inclusive and engaged community of library users.Each chapter contains clear explanations of important topics for building communities through social media, and readers will come away with cohesive approaches for their own libraries. Using Social Media to Build Library Communities demonstrates that an energetic and committed community exists to help and guide fellow community builders.

Using Social Media to Build Library Communities: A LITA Guide is a community-building action manual for practitioners across the profession. By bringing together an array of perspectives to explore community building through social media, this book serves as the go-to resource for professionals who want to take social media beyond marketing and promotion to build an inclusive and engaged community of library users.Each chapter contains clear explanations of important topics for building communities through social media, and readers will come away with cohesive approaches for their own libraries. Using Social Media to Build Library Communities demonstrates that an energetic and committed community exists to help and guide fellow community builders.

Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real World Examples shows both new and experienced users methods to utilize the platform in ways that they may not have previously considered. This includes topics such as website and learning management system integration, digital collections, data-drive decision-making, information literacy instruction, library administration, and a system-wide case study. Each chapter features ideas that you can implement immediately, or over time, as is appropriate to your own needs. Further, they are adaptable—tweak as you see fit! Divided into sections, this book examines different uses and approaches to LibGuides:· Website and learning management system (LMS) integration: examine how LibGuides can be used as, or closely integrated with, the library website and/or your institutions’ LMS. Various examples are provided that you may be able to adapt at your own organization. Not every solution worked as anticipated—our authors address this, as well.· Digital collections: Two alternate approaches are presented. One looks at exhibitions and their application as outreach tools. The other looks at creating a digital museum within LibGuides. These are “can’t miss” chapters for those that wish to more deeply explore digital collections and LibGuides viability.· Data-drive decision-making: Learn how some institutions are mining and utilizing data collected within LibApps/LibGuides. In both cases, the data examined helped institutions to improve library services while articulating a clear purpose (and use) for each data point. · Information literacy: Explore two different methods for revamping your instruction program through utilization of the platform. · Library administration: Discover how internal and external processes may be augmented through the use of LibApps/LibGuides.· System-wide case study: See how a community college system in North Carolina has each implemented (or not) LibApps/LibGuides on their respective campuses. This section shows how different institutions may decide to use the platform in different ways—all while attempting to improve their own services.Upon completion of this authoritative LITA Guide, readers will come away with the knowledge and tools to maximize their LibGuides experience

Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real World Examples shows both new and experienced users methods to utilize the platform in ways that they may not have previously considered. This includes topics such as website and learning management system integration, digital collections, data-drive decision-making, information literacy instruction, library administration, and a system-wide case study. Each chapter features ideas that you can implement immediately, or over time, as is appropriate to your own needs. Further, they are adaptable—tweak as you see fit! Divided into sections, this book examines different uses and approaches to LibGuides:· Website and learning management system (LMS) integration: examine how LibGuides can be used as, or closely integrated with, the library website and/or your institutions’ LMS. Various examples are provided that you may be able to adapt at your own organization. Not every solution worked as anticipated—our authors address this, as well.· Digital collections: Two alternate approaches are presented. One looks at exhibitions and their application as outreach tools. The other looks at creating a digital museum within LibGuides. These are “can’t miss” chapters for those that wish to more deeply explore digital collections and LibGuides viability.· Data-drive decision-making: Learn how some institutions are mining and utilizing data collected within LibApps/LibGuides. In both cases, the data examined helped institutions to improve library services while articulating a clear purpose (and use) for each data point. · Information literacy: Explore two different methods for revamping your instruction program through utilization of the platform. · Library administration: Discover how internal and external processes may be augmented through the use of LibApps/LibGuides.· System-wide case study: See how a community college system in North Carolina has each implemented (or not) LibApps/LibGuides on their respective campuses. This section shows how different institutions may decide to use the platform in different ways—all while attempting to improve their own services.Upon completion of this authoritative LITA Guide, readers will come away with the knowledge and tools to maximize their LibGuides experience

Data Visualization: A Guide to Visual Storytelling for Libraries is a practical guide to the skills and tools needed to create beautiful and meaningful visual stories through data visualization. Learn how to sift through complex datasets to better understand a variety of metrics, such as trends in user behavior and electronic resource usage, return on investment (ROI) and impact metrics, and data about library collections and repositories.Sections include:·Identifying and interpreting datasets for visualization·Tools and technologies for creating meaningful visualizations·Case studies in data visualization and dashboardsData Visualization also features a 20-page color insert showcasing a wide variety of visualizations generated using an array of data visualization technologies and programming languages that can serve as inspiration for creating your own visualizations.Understanding and communicating trends from your organization’s data is essential. Whether you are looking to make more informed decisions by visualizing organizational data, or to tell the story of your library’s impact on your community, this book will give you the tools to make it happen.

Managing Library Technology introduces library workers (including non-technical managers, tech administrators and even “accidental technologists”) to core concepts in technology management and provides strategies that will enable them to master the basics of library tech. The content of the book is taken from the author’s popular American Library Association -approved Certified Public Library Administrator course, “Management of Technology,” and is geared to the needs of all kinds of libraries. The book contains easy-to-follow exercises and tools that have been tested in real-world situations with students as they tackled their own evaluation, planning and management challenges. Readers are also given a roadmap to create a technology plan for their library—even if they have no direct technology background themselves. This book helps library workers understand the underpinnings of technology and how to powerfully manage tech to serve patrons and staff alike. Readers will learn:How libraries fit into the overall technology marketStrategies to future-proof library technology effortsApproaches to technology planning that stick – and strategies to keep the plan on trackSkills to understand technology investments by understanding the total costs of ownership and the specialized library return on technological investmentHow to collect and use useful data and statistics without being overwhelmedHow to stay current, knowledgeable and comfortable with rapid technological change

Managing Library Technology introduces library workers (including non-technical managers, tech administrators and even “accidental technologists”) to core concepts in technology management and provides strategies that will enable them to master the basics of library tech. The content of the book is taken from the author’s popular American Library Association -approved Certified Public Library Administrator course, “Management of Technology,” and is geared to the needs of all kinds of libraries. The book contains easy-to-follow exercises and tools that have been tested in real-world situations with students as they tackled their own evaluation, planning and management challenges. Readers are also given a roadmap to create a technology plan for their library—even if they have no direct technology background themselves. This book helps library workers understand the underpinnings of technology and how to powerfully manage tech to serve patrons and staff alike. Readers will learn:How libraries fit into the overall technology marketStrategies to future-proof library technology effortsApproaches to technology planning that stick – and strategies to keep the plan on trackSkills to understand technology investments by understanding the total costs of ownership and the specialized library return on technological investmentHow to collect and use useful data and statistics without being overwhelmedHow to stay current, knowledgeable and comfortable with rapid technological change

Managing the Digital You: Where and How to Keep and Organize Your Digital Life is a much-needed guide for those struggling with how to manage and preserve their digital items. Starting with a values assessment, this book helps readers identify what items are important to them personally so that they can effectively prioritize their time and effort. Covering multimedia, correspondence, legacy planning, password protection, photos, non-digital documents, financial and legal documents, and even social media archiving, this comprehensive text addresses how to get started and how to develop a plan for managing existing and future items.Features include:Value assessment exercises to help readers identify what is a preservation priority to them personallyBest practices for managing digital financial and legal documentsHow to save things from multiple devices, as well as social media sitesRecommendations for scheduling maintenance activities and automating backupGuidelines for creating a personal management plan so that users are prepared to handle new and existing documents, photos, and other digital material for ongoing accessAfter reading this short primer, readers will be ready to:better organize and identify what they already have in a digital form, have a personal plan for knowing what to discard and what to retain, know how to digitize papers, photographs, voicemail,preserve email and social media postings, andset up a workable long-term file naming and organizational structure.

The LITA Leadership Guide from the American Library Association division charged with information technology brings together three important professional development topics -- leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology -- in one volume, uniting theory, practice, and case studies from experienced colleagues in the field. Topics include: cultivating creativity, career pivots, forecasting and planning for change, keeping tech and leadership skills ahead of the curve, and incorporating lessons and knowledge from across sectors. Additional concepts include: professional development, evaluating risk, overcoming barriers to innovation, and seeding success in your career and organization. The book will help librarians at every level of the career ladder and will supplement leadership and skill-based training workshops. Library leadership teams interested in the development of their staff as a means of improving their organizational performance will find this book to provide context for growth, training, and collaboration. This book provides big-picture concepts that affect the many stages of a librarian’s career:•“Librarian as Leader”,• “Librarian as Entrepreneur”, and •“Librarian as Technologist” and thus is suitable for staff development, discussion groups, or courses. This LITA Guide will help librarians understand how to chart their career development across these three foundational platforms, and become familiar with how peers have successfully created positive change for themselves, and their libraries, as leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists

The LITA Leadership Guide from the American Library Association division charged with information technology brings together three important professional development topics -- leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology -- in one volume, uniting theory, practice, and case studies from experienced colleagues in the field. Topics include: cultivating creativity, career pivots, forecasting and planning for change, keeping tech and leadership skills ahead of the curve, and incorporating lessons and knowledge from across sectors. Additional concepts include: professional development, evaluating risk, overcoming barriers to innovation, and seeding success in your career and organization. The book will help librarians at every level of the career ladder and will supplement leadership and skill-based training workshops. Library leadership teams interested in the development of their staff as a means of improving their organizational performance will find this book to provide context for growth, training, and collaboration. This book provides big-picture concepts that affect the many stages of a librarian’s career:•“Librarian as Leader”,• “Librarian as Entrepreneur”, and •“Librarian as Technologist” and thus is suitable for staff development, discussion groups, or courses. This LITA Guide will help librarians understand how to chart their career development across these three foundational platforms, and become familiar with how peers have successfully created positive change for themselves, and their libraries, as leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Libraries is written for librarians, by librarians: understanding that diverse communities use libraries, museums, and archives for a variety of different reasons. Many current books on this topic have a very technological focus on augmentation and are aimed towards computer programmers with advanced technology skills. This book makes augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality applications much more accessible to professionals without extensive technology backgrounds.This innovative title touches on possible implementation, projects, and assessment needs for both academic and public libraries, museums, and archives.

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Libraries is written for librarians, by librarians: understanding that diverse communities use libraries, museums, and archives for a variety of different reasons. Many current books on this topic have a very technological focus on augmentation and are aimed towards computer programmers with advanced technology skills. This book makes augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality applications much more accessible to professionals without extensive technology backgrounds.This innovative title touches on possible implementation, projects, and assessment needs for both academic and public libraries, museums, and archives.

The Savvy Academic Librarian’s Guide to Technological Innovation provides detailed plans for purposefully integrating technology into the fabric of the academic environment by utilizing examples from a variety of institutions to illustrate successful methods and best practices. Included case studies and further readings emphasize everything needed to create, grow, and sustain a holistic plan for integrating technology within the academic library setting.Highlighted features include: Concentration on technology uses and applicationsActivities and steps needed to develop partnerships, design learning outcomes and other pedagogical applications and measure the success of each of these elementsPractical, how-to approach that is useful to four-year, two-year, and community colleges alike

The Savvy Academic Librarian’s Guide to Technological Innovation provides detailed plans for purposefully integrating technology into the fabric of the academic environment by utilizing examples from a variety of institutions to illustrate successful methods and best practices. Included case studies and further readings emphasize everything needed to create, grow, and sustain a holistic plan for integrating technology within the academic library setting.Highlighted features include: Concentration on technology uses and applicationsActivities and steps needed to develop partnerships, design learning outcomes and other pedagogical applications and measure the success of each of these elementsPractical, how-to approach that is useful to four-year, two-year, and community colleges alike

The LITA Guide to No- or Low-Cost Technology Tools for Libraries provides a practical guide on how to find and use technology tools for a variety of purposes in libraries and, more broadly, in education. Each topic showcases two technology tools in detail and discusses additional tools and provides examples of how librarians or educators are using them in libraries and schools.Types of tools covered are: Video creation tools, such as PowToon and Animaker, can be used to create animated videos to tell patrons about a new service or teach students about search strategies.Screencasts includes tools like Jing or Screencast-O-Matic, which can be used to show how to use a new library database or service.Collaboration tools, including tools such as Padlet or Lino It, can be used for student collaboration or teamwork with colleagues and sharing project ideas quickly and easily.Assessment tools such as Quizizz and Kahoot allow for gamified assessment of student or patron knowledge.

The LITA Guide to No- or Low-Cost Technology Tools for Libraries provides a practical guide on how to find and use technology tools for a variety of purposes in libraries and, more broadly, in education. Each topic showcases two technology tools in detail and discusses additional tools and provides examples of how librarians or educators are using them in libraries and schools.Types of tools covered are: Video creation tools, such as PowToon and Animaker, can be used to create animated videos to tell patrons about a new service or teach students about search strategies.Screencasts includes tools like Jing or Screencast-O-Matic, which can be used to show how to use a new library database or service.Collaboration tools, including tools such as Padlet or Lino It, can be used for student collaboration or teamwork with colleagues and sharing project ideas quickly and easily.Assessment tools such as Quizizz and Kahoot allow for gamified assessment of student or patron knowledge.

"Big data," as it has become known in business and information technology circles, has the potential to improve our knowledge about human behavior, and to help us gain insight into the ways in which we organize ourselves, our cultures, and our external and internal lives. Libraries stand at the center of the information world, both facilitating and contributing to this flood as well as helping to shape and channel it to specific purposes. But all technologies come with a price. Where the tool can serve a purpose, it can also change the user's behavior to fit the purposes of the tool. Big Data Shocks: An Introduction to Big Data for Librarians and Information Professionals examines the roots of big data, the current climate and rising stars in this world. The book explores the issues raised by big data and discusses theoretical as well as practical approaches to managing information whose scope exists beyond the human scale.What’s at stake ultimately is the privacy of the people who support and use our libraries and the temptation for us to examine their behaviors. Such tension lies deep in the heart of our great library institutions. This book addresses these issues and many of the questions that arise from them, including: What is our role as librarians within this new era of big data? What are the impacts of new powerful technologies that track and analyze our behavior? Do data aggregators know more about us and our patrons than we do? How can librarians ethically balance the need to demonstrate learning and knowledge creation and privacy? Do we become less private merely because we use a tool or is it because the tool has changed us? What's in store for us with the internet of things combining with data mining techniques?All of these questions and more are explored in this book