Tech trends in libraries

American Libraries' staff spoke with some leaders in library technologies regarding the latest ways they have been using technology to engage with patrons and do their jobs better and more effeciently.  Here is a summary of the trends:

1. Take patrons on a virtual tour.  Many libraries are posting virtual 360-degree tours on their websites or social media pages.  

2. Make Google cardboard sets.  Google cardboard is an inexpensive way to have a VR platform in your library.  At $20 for a Google Cardboard VR viewer you can offer patrons a taste of virtual or augmented reality.

3. Go on a Google Expedition.  Using the Google cardboard kit, patrons and students can take a VR trip to numerous destinations around the globe.

4. Teach with gamification platforms.  Many platforms and apps allow students, teachers, and patrons to easily turn lessons into learning games.

5. Get coding with code school.  There are many resources out there to help users learn how to code but Code School makes it easy to access and learn.

6. Make circuits with tech-loving students. By using low-cost low-tech materials patrons can play around with circuit technology to create things.

7. Teach patrons about private browsing.  Patrons and staff can learn about protecting themselves while using public Wi-Fi and learn about Virtual Protected Networks or VPN's.  

8. Create strong passwords with a roll of the dice.  Diceware is an easy way to teach patrons about creating the best passwords for their accounts.  

9. Streamline with data-driven development.  Possibly a new and up and coming trend will be using or building data analysis tools to streamline workflow.

10. Develop your own applications.  Using open source software libraries can customize applications to suit themselves.  

To read the entire article please see Top Library Tech Trends.