Re-positioning library technology support on Campus-Wilson Library’s journey

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changing role of the academic library, in relation to technology support services. It proposes that library technology services should expand to take a central role in developing student academic technology skills, and shows how moving into non-traditional areas of technology support can expand a library’s operation capabilities to include entrepreneurship and innovation for faculty, staff and students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines how our library expanded its technology services to include course management support, technical literacy training and three-dimensional (3D) printing, and details future developments into robotics and software development. It details the authors initial objectives, the issues encountered, the improvements made in response and what the authors hope to do in the future.

Findings

We are at a time when technology has made innovation and creation available to many. Academic libraries should take on this opportunity of repositioning technology services to provide and promote technical applications, becoming a central point for library users to share ideas and collaborate on projects. As a result of the interdisciplinary nature of academic libraries, the authors are in the best position to make this happen on campus.

Originality/value

Even though continual change has been a theme in the development of libraries, very little has been written on the role of technology support services. This paper sets the foundation for further exploration in how taking on academic technology support services, 3D printing and makerspaces could be a part of library services.

Citation

Jiang, A., Beavers, K., Cady, J.E. and McCoy, L. (2015), "Re-positioning library technology support on Campus-Wilson Library’s journey", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 32 No. 9, pp. 14-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-08-2015-0053