Library stakeholder attitudes and new technology

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide advice for library managers on the collection of feedback from stakeholders. An example of radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to illustrate what can be learned and how decisions can be improved with this feedback. Design/methodology/approach The stakeholder, RFID and library literature are reviewed and lessons for improving future technology decisions are developed. The results of a direct-mail survey of 394 members of the general public in the Midwest illustrate the insights that can be gained with marketing research. Findings Many libraries appear to have neglected getting feedback from some stakeholders before implementing RFID tagging of materials. Gathering specific information from local stakeholders (including some that are only indirectly influenced by a decision) can help improve the odds of initiative success. Regular dialogs with stakeholder groups can help librarians track progress of programs, identify issues and prepare response strategies. Practical implications If librarians had conducted surveys about RFID or self-service checkouts when the technologies were under consideration, they would have gained a greater appreciation of the concerns some individuals had. Dialogs could have been started, educational events could have been planned and other responses could have been developed. The stakeholders to be regularly consulted should include individuals who are indirectly affected by the library. These lessons can be followed when librarians consider other initiatives. Originality/value This paper offers library leaders new insights into when and how to gather information from stakeholders. Tips are offered to improve the effectiveness of surveys and focus groups.

Chatbots in libraries: A systematic literature review

“…Librarians are often considered to be early adopters of new service technologies (Larson, 2018). Fraser-Arnott (2022) analysed the mission statements of 80 public libraries and found that the mission of public libraries can be summarised in seven areas: community building, cultural and recreation, educational and learning, equitable access, positive impact, information, and stewardship.…”

“…Iglesias (2013) pointed out the inevitability of library automation. A number of recent studies suggest that most library stakeholders welcome technological innovations in libraries (Harisanty et al, 2022;Lembinen, 2021;Larson, 2018).…”

Privacy concerns and social desirability bias

“…Information collection and other privacy concerns may influence various attitudes and behaviors. Privacy concerns have been linked with interest in buying non-genetically-modified produce and cereal, interest in buying antibiotic-free and humanely-raised meat, support for adding radio frequency identification chips to car license plates, use of shopping lists, and even reactions to product stockouts in stores (Larson, 2018(Larson, , 2019b(Larson, , 2020a(Larson, , 2022Larson and Ferrin 2023). These relationships suggest that privacy concern measures may help explain many consumer choices.…”