Singapore librarians gathered at the LAS seminar held on 16 October at the Pod in the National Library to hear about the technological innovations that have been implemented.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Library presented 2 innovations. Hazman talked about the new library database interface that NTU recently unveiled.  The new features on the interface include interactivity, more information and Web 2.0 tools. From the librarian’s perspective, the new interface empowered the librarians to change the information for each database on a WYSIWYG platform. They had embedded Google Analytics to help measure usage of the databases.

Somasundram from NTU presented their poster “From youth to youth”. A group of the NTU paraprofessional staff were involved in various platforms like MSN, Facebook, Wallpaper, blogs, Library Toolbar, repository submission. They assisted the library in connecting with their students on these platforms. One example given was the promotion of library events on Facebook.

In the recent E-resources Day held at NTU, the staff had a “Be Spotted” contest where pictures of students who attended the E-resources Day were uploaded. The pictures were tagged with the students names and this generated interest by the students to visit NTU’s Facebook account and to make comments and to get their friends to be aware of the library’s event.

The National University Library (NUS) presented two projects. Mee Lan talked about the 3-D maps of some of the libraries in NUS, created together with Peeksky Pte Ltd. The 3-D maps enabled them to create virtual tours of the library and some were used during the orientation period for new students to explore the library. Multimedia like videos, pictures or text could be included in the 3-D map. A user could also search using the call number of the box and be shown the location where the book could be found.

Aaron presented the concept of Subject Guides 2.0 which has features of interactivity, dynamic content, dynamic layout, collaborative and easy to update. After exploring the options available, which include subscription platforms and freeware, Aaron started incorporating some elements of dynamic content on his subject guides. He used SlideShare to upload his PowerPoint presentations. He used widgets to include search boxes, newly added titles in his guides.

Republic Polytechnic presented their experience and use of IM. Although a large portion of their queries were in-person, the number of people using IM has shown some increase.

Singapore Polytechnic presented their implementation of “More Services” into their online catalogue. After a user finds an item in the catalogue, there is a “More Services” link inserted into the item’s Status box. The link offers a customized list of services depending on the status of the item.  They have also included the level information in the location which has made it easier for their users to know where to find the item, e.g. Main Media (Level 1) and Main Lending (Level 3).

The National Library Board presented on the status of the Virtual Union Catalogue. The VUC is a collaborative effort and is based on the premise of real time information. The VUC group had worked on testing the system, looked at the problems reported and managed to fix some of them. One future development would be an interlibrary loan component in VUC. An interesting question was raised as to the possibility of the National Union Catologue being a free service vs a paid service which would be in line with the practice in some other union catalogues.

NLB also showcased some projects like “Library in your Pocket” and “Molly the Mobile Library”. The Library in your Pocket offers services to users to where they are via the mobile phone. The services include Library Blogs and even downloading of short stories to read on their mobile phones. They received about 900 queries since the launch in May 2009.

Molly the physical mobile library had been updated with new features and goes out to different locations to reach different segments of the population who may not otherwise frequent a library. Another project by NLB engaged teenagers to recommend a book via multimedia such as a video or slideshow. Between August and December 2008, 36 submissions were received and this generated comments and one comment even came from the author of the book recommended.  The project advocated reading and provided a creative avenue to engage the teenage segment of the population.

It was good to hear, share and learn from the innovations being done locally. As Ngian Lek Choh, Director NLB, who opened the seminar said, it is important for libraries and librarians to serve the users where they are, the way they want and to continue to provide information that brings value to the users.

Contributed by Yeo Pin Pin