jan13_b.indd C&RL News January 2013 18 Libraries have become iPad enthusi-asts on a global scale. Koç University Library, Istanbul, Turkey1; Briar Cliff Uni- versity, Sioux City, Iowa2; Colby College, Waterville, Maine3; Central Medical Library, University of Münster, Germany4; Omaha Public Library, Omaha, Nebraska5; and Westlake High School Library, Austin, Texas6 are just a few of the many libraries that include iPads in their suite of tools and services. Librarians use the mobile device in all aspects of their work, and they are an ever-present part of our patrons’ lives. As a result, there is a growing need for library staff members to be familiar with the technology. This article describes Boise State University Albertsons Library’s use of mobile technology, specifically iPads, and the internal shifts that occurred as the library made mobile devices accessible to all library employees. History of mobile technology at Boise State University Albertsons Library Beginning in 2006, Albertsons Library started to actively explore mobile technolo- gies. Among the early initiatives was the creation of a mobile Web site. As the first unit on campus to do so, we assisted the university’s Web services in developing a site for the institution at-large. We par- ticipated in several campus-wide projects, including attending the President’s Council for Mobile Learning and Technology and the university’s Mobile Learning Initiative.7 Another collaboration was to work with different departments on campus to pro- vide iPads or netbooks to entire classes, both distance and on campus. Allowing students to use the devices for an entire semester provided them the opportunity to become digitally fluent and allowed us to evaluate needed resources and services to support mobile technology. These early initiatives laid the groundwork for what evolved into a standard library service and directed our efforts towards developing a mobile library. The experience gained through involvement in these projects contributed to the library being one of the most active and successful campus leaders in creating a new and mobile university. Mobile technology has influenced our collection development activities. As mo- bile devices became commonplace, we dramatically expanded our ebook collec- tion. Over the last two years, we grew our holdings to more than 150,000 titles and purposefully chose platforms that sup- ported downloading. Ebooks are now the preferred monograph format. This shift has impacted all library staff, from acquisitions to cataloging to circulation to reference. We are all engaged in providing access to, and assisting patrons in using, ebooks on mobile devices. In 2009, a decision was made that had a profound impact on us. The library purchased and made available to library Mary Aagard, Michelle Armstrong, Peggy Cooper, Rita Nuxoll iPads for all Experiencing the unexpected Mar y Aagard is head of access ser vices, e -mail: mar yaagard@boisestate.edu, Michelle Armstrong i s s c h o l a r l y c o m m u n i c a t i o n s l i b r a r i a n , e - m a i l : michellearmstrong1@boisestate.edu, Peggy Cooper is interim dean, e-mail: pcooper@boisestate.edu, and Rita Nuxoll is cataloging library assistant, e-mail: rnuxoll@ boisestate.edu at Boise State University © 2013 Mary Aagard, Michelle Armstrong, Peggy Cooper, Rita Nuxoll ACRL TechConnect January 2013 19 C&RL News staff a variety of mobile devices, includ- ing laptops, netbooks, and later, iPads. Encouraging staff to check out and test the different devices enabled us to gauge their value and usability. As a result of this experiment, the library selected iPads as our primary mobile device. This decision transformed the way library staff work with our patrons and each other. iPads for all staff As Boise State University moves forward with its Mobile Initiative, Albertsons Library continues to lead in mobile technology. In fall 2010 and spring 2011, the library pur- chased iPads for all faculty librarians. Later that year select staff in leadership roles and public areas received iPads. As this group of early adopters found and demonstrated innovative ways to incorporate iPads into their daily work, it became clear that we had not accurately predicted who would benefit most from the availability of the de- vices. We decided that all staff, regardless of their work assignment, needed to have the same access to, and level of proficiency with, mobile technology as our users and partners. Every staff member now has an iPad for his or her own individual use. Staff were encouraged to treat the de- vice as their own, meaning use it for both work and personal purposes. Staff were urged to play with the iPad and discover its capabilities. We believed that affording staff free rein to explore the device would lessen resistance or fear of learning a new skill, and as people became comfortable with the devices, the competencies would follow. Members of the Library Advisory Group and interested staff developed a list of core skills for the iPad. The skills include simple tasks of turning the device on and opening an application; involved tasks like syncing calendars; and specific job-related skills, such as looking up items in the library’s catalog or downloading a library-owned ebook. This core skill set is a benchmark by which the library can measure its success in training staff and developing their skills. The Library Network Services personnel offered group and individual training sessions. A staff-run Google site was set up spe- cifically to share information about iPads and their uses. The site is open to all staff and will evolve as they share their experi- ences. It includes: • a statement of purpose for providing the iPads; • links to self-help resources, such as ebooks and online tutorials; • a how-to guide to iPad basics; • tips-and-tricks where staff share their knowledge; • recommendations of favorite apps; and • ideas on how to play with the devices. What we knew, what we hoped for, and what surprised us We knew that academic, public, and special libraries used iPads in a variety of ways: downloading ebooks, providing roving reference, taking notes, and accessing e-mail and calendars. Albertsons Library immediately adopted those common iPad activities. Additionally, we used iPads as a device to cultivate partnerships with other campus departments and facilitate our role as a campus leader in using mobile technology. We expected and were correct that iPads were a tool that would foster innovative new services and streamline existing pro- cesses and procedures. Staff use them for off-site acquisitions purchases, creating a mobile computer lab to support software training, and photographing and e-mailing meeting minutes. The mobility of the iPad increased our abilities and opportunities to provide excellent customer service at the point of need. What we did not ex- pect were two major shifts in our library paradigm. The first unexpected shift is that the use of iPads is transforming the internal culture and working relationships within C&RL News January 2013 20 the library. The library-wide adoption of iPads is supporting a new empowerment among staff. As we observe one another using iPads in ways we individually had not imagined, we are gaining a new respect, awareness, and ap- preciation for each others’ skills and abilities, regardless of the position or rank of the user. A prime example is a staff member who was reluctant to the point of not even wanting an iPad is now taking the lead in exploring the device’s accessibility features. We are observ- ing new conversations and new collaborations among staff as we learn from one another, creating an environment of open discovery. Old job-defined silos continue to erode. Staff whose jobs did not typically involve interacting with patrons and faculty are now included and can confidently engage in mobile technology instruction sessions. The investment in iPads for everyone is seen by staff as an affirmation of their value to the library and the library’s willingness to continue their professional development. The second major shift we are experienc- ing is the iPad’s impact on traditional library jobs. Historically library jobs have been space- based, requiring a computer or a specific location to deliver a service or complete a task. The iPad’s mobility allows employees to break away from that physical infrastructure, freeing staff to be where the patron is at that teachable moment. One example: a technical services staff member attended a meeting in the Student Union where a lecturer recommended a new book. She pulled out her iPad, confirmed that the item wasn’t in our collection, went to Amazon.com, and ordered the title before the end of the lecture. Another example: a librarian returning from an off-site instruction session was stopped by a student looking for a professor’s office. Using her iPad, she immediately located the office and provided directions for the student. Why? We have seen significant changes at Alb- ertsons Library with the adoption of the iPad. Why? It’s our belief that it was the choice we made to provide the iPad to every- one, rather than the iPad itself, that sparked change. It’s true that it is a powerful device. However, what has been even more powerful is our decision to be inclusive. Once we acted on that decision, we immediately observed a new respect for, and acknowledgement of, what each of us contributes. As we support a culture of sharing and discovery in our library, we are breaking out of the “this is the way we’ve always done it” syndrome. We are empowering all staff to be full participants in Albertsons Library’s mis- sion to be actively engaged in learning, teach- ing, and research at Boise State University. Notes 1. Suna Kıraç Library, “Technology Lend- ing,” accessed October 4, 2012, http://library. ku.edu.tr/technology_lending. 2. Bishop Mueller Library, “iPad Apps,” http://bcutalks.wordpress.com/ipad-apps/. 3. Clem Guthro, “Colby Libraries iPad Proj- ect,” accessed September 12, 2012, https:// sites.google.com/a/colby.edu/colby-libraries -ipad-project/overview-of-the-project/colby -college-libraries---who-we-are. 4. Oliver Obst, “iPad Lending Project: First Results,” Journal of the European Associa- tion for Health Information and Libraries, October 14, 2010, http://jeahil.wordpress. com/2010/10/14/ipad-lending-project-first -results/. 5. David King, “iPad in Libraries—Some Stories,” davidleeking.com (blog), June 22, 2010, www.davidleeking.com/2010/06/22 /ipads-in-libraries-some-stories/#.UIB24cXA _Sh. 6. Carolyn Foote, “iPads for Everyone: How a Small Library Program Because a Runaway Hit and Reached More Than 4,100 Kids and Teachers,” The Digital Shift, October 2, 2010, www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/10 /ebooks/ipads-for-everyone-how-a-small -library-program-became-a-runaway-hit-and -reached-more-than-4100-kids-and-teachers/. 7. Boise State’s Mobile Learning Ini- tiative, http://mobilelearning.boisestate. edu/. 50 E. 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