On Technology and Library Efficiency
Jeeya S -
Hello fellow students! My name is Jeeya Shah and I am conducting my senior research project on how technology can be improved for better library operations. Libraries are extremely important to me. I was an avid reader since elementary school. I would always check out books to the highest possible limit and spend my summers in the summer reading program. The library not only allowed free access to multiple books, but it also set up many community events that my mom would take me to as a kid. Eventually, I became a volunteer in the Glendale Public Library for my summers in high school. We would frequently use technology to check in patrons and to locate books. This is where I first became interested in the topic of how technology could better improve library systems. Currently, I am focused on narrowing down my topic. So far, the two most prominent areas are cataloging (including digital libraries and inter-library loans) or youth technology programs. On Monday, I have my first day on site at the Glendale Public Library Main Branch where I will discuss which specific area to focus on. Glendal Public Library has four branches and an extensive digital library including Libby and Hoopla, so cataloging is a prominent ordeal. I hope to understand how ILS (Integrated Library Systems) manage library collections, circulation, and user accounts. Stay tuned!