library Modernization And Usage Of Technology In Education

Introduction

In this day and age where technology is more advanced than ever, it is expected that most tasks that used to be tedious can now be automated or digitized to make life easier for both user and client. This, however, is not the case for most libraries as most of them are still using outdated systems and are lacking when it comes to modern services and facilities. Furthermore, considering that the amount of published information is rapidly increasing, the process of collecting and managing resources are getting tougher. (Pradhan, B. 2015) Therefore, this proposal will aim at providing a solution to a librarian on how they can make use of computing systems and online cloud-based storage systems to better upgrade or computerize the library.

Existing Problem Statements

Libraries have always been seen as a place of information or resource finding and gathering. Compared to traditional libraries where everything is done manually, Libraries of this age are considered fast and efficient. However, as technology is advancing, libraries are still seen using the same old technology and software. Slowly they are getting outdated and the number of visitors and members is decreasing. This includes even staff. In an online article on the employment rate for librarians, it is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019) yet, if a library remains outdated and under the radar, employing skilled librarians for the library will prove to be a challenge. Subsequently, a lack of skilled staff or an outdated system is making bookings for books or discussion rooms slow and inefficient. Members have to go to the counter where the bookings are manually done or approved by the librarian. And to make matters worse, the discussion rooms of libraries are also plain and lack proper facilities to cope with the modern generation.

Security is also a very serious issue in a library as the prevention of theft or manipulation of books is of utmost priority. Current libraries make use of tag detectors to ensure that no one can leave the library with a stolen book. This has proved effective at the start but as more and more people are finding out ways to get free books from the library, the books are at higher risk of being stolen. Furthermore, the computers in the libraries are notorious for being infected with viruses and malware. Considering that it is publicly accessible, there is always a risk that personal information can be stolen if someone decides to use a library’s computer. On the other hand, it is also known for being slow and lacking updated programs.

Besides getting infected by viruses or malware, the library’s Wi-Fi is also very unsafe. As most library Wi-Fi is publicly accessible and has no password, this allows hackers to easily steal information or cause damage to the library systems. According to an article written by Phil Davis, it is stated that one library was so badly attacked that it is expected that the computers will be offline for at least two more weeks due to a virus that sends out malicious emails to whoever uses the library computer. “Officials discovered that a database of customers who used library computers or the business services kiosk for copy, facing (or) printing was exposed to the virus.” (Davis, P. 2018)

Solutions

In terms of being understaffed, the system being proposed will be managing the library’s website where information on job vacancies and books will be displayed. This information will be updated and displayed in real-time hence, helping the library increase its chances of employing qualified staff whom in turn will help the library further increase its efficiency and effectiveness. According to Oleg Kagan who read a study relating to books and adult support, he concluded that the role of a librarian is extremely important as they play a critical part in “making what would otherwise be a simple item-storage place into a library.” (Kagan, O. 2018)

When it comes to improving the efficiency of making bookings for books or discussion rooms, the system will have features that display whether a discussion room or book is currently booked. This reduces the time it takes for staff to check on the status of a booking which makes the booking process a lot faster and more efficient due to how everything can be done at the counter within a few clicks.

The system will also include the statuses of the facilities or equipment inside the discussion rooms so that the librarians can be informed when something needs to be repaired or replaced. This also applies to books as the system will take in any feedback from its customers on their needs. More sockets can be installed in the discussion rooms and around the library so that there is no issue with members not having enough sockets for charging their devices. A projector can also be installed in the discussion rooms to make discussions more effective while also making the discussion room look high tech.

As for security, the System will make use of advanced Security Gates and tag which compared to traditional library security systems, are a lot more stylish and make stealing books impossible. The thinner and more resilient tags will be difficult to remove and harder to tamper (see image 1a) whereas the stylish security gates are super sensitive and respond immediately when detecting a tag (see image 1b). CCTVs’ will also be installed at important areas to ensure there are no blind spots and that all activities in the library can be monitored. The system displays the camera’s footage in real time 24 hours 7 days a week. Making stealing without being caught basically impossible.

The library’s computers will be replaced with newer and more powerful computers which can handle any kind of power-hungry tasks such as video editing or animating. The Central Processing Units will also be properly placed and have the latest Antivirus software installed (Avira, McAfee, Norton, Bitdefender, etc.) this makes sure that students only have access to the power button and some USB ports and that hackers will not be able to install any malware or viruses (keyloggers, scripts, etc.).

The Wi-Fi will also be encrypted with the latest security protocol, WPA3. It is the latest, updated implementation of WPA2 and is the third iteration of a security certification program developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. (Rouse, M. 2019) To access the Wi-Fi, Users will have to register as a library member. The system will automatically register their details online and they will then have access to the Wi-Fi by logging into their account. This allows the system to monitor the activity while also preventing unauthorized usage. Hence, greatly reducing the chances of malicious behavior. Best of all, everything is automated by the system therefore, the librarians can continue on with their tasks without worrying about the security risks.

All the data of members, books, CCTV and Security will be stored in Google Cloud. For its cheap price (see image 2) and reliable services it will allow the library system to easily back up or retrieve information. Also, this eliminates the problem of data loss as data can always be easily recovered from the cloud itself. Unlimited capacity, multi-tenancy, and built-in disaster recovery are a few of the cloud storage benefits administrators can use to help solve data storage challenges. (Staimer, M. 2019)