Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Developing In-House Digital Tools in Library Spaces – Official Call for Contributors

Editors
Laura Costello (USA), Stony Brook University
Meredith Powers (USA), Brooklyn Public Library

Call for Chapters
Proposals Submission Deadline: June 30, 2016
Full Chapters Due: September 30, 2016
Final Submission Date: February 28, 2017
CFP URL: http://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/2188

Introduction
Library service is dependent on the technology tools we use to host, distribute, and control content, our data collection strategies, and user focused tools that promote discovery and recommendation. Libraries have historically relied on contracted vendors to develop and support these tools, but many libraries are now creating, testing, and supporting their own tools to better suit their particular communities. In response to this trend, many vendors have started offering more responsive platforms outfitted with developer tools to help libraries build these systems out in new ways. This is particularly observable in library management systems like Innovative’s Sierra and Ex Libris’ Alma and discovery tools like Proquest’s Summon and the Ebsco Discovery System.

This title will collect use cases of libraries that have taken the development process into their own hands, through an internal or outsourced development team creating their own tools from scratch or on top of existing library software. Chapters will go into detail about the products and their development, including the organizational structure that enabled development and any user feedback or testing. The volume will cover organizational issues (such as internal and external collaboration and overcoming institutional barriers), examples of library automation, case studies of developing library products, and assessing the impact and usefulness of in-house technologies.

Objective
As libraries continue to expand their digital collections, online services, and technological offerings, librarians increasingly must rely on new technologies to deliver their content and services. Existing library technologies and software vendors are not always able to sufficiently or cost-effectively meet these new challenges, and some libraries are turning inward to tackle the development process themselves. This proposed volume aims to empower librarians to create and develop their own software solutions and technologies, rather than merely implementing existing technology. With its detailed case studies of the development process and organizational structures of libraries who have successfully created their own in-house technology solutions, this volume would be a unique entry in the library technology book market and could provide ideas and opportunities for libraries looking to expand their existing tools and services. This book could serve as a practical guide to fostering the kinds of environments and organizational structures that allow teams and individuals to accomplish technology projects; by including sections on assessment and the iterative process of development, this volume could also serve as a benchmark for setting goals and evaluating the effectiveness of library software.

Key issues this book seeks to address include: the environments, skills, and organizational structures and cultures that are conducive for successful technology projects; the impact of using in-house technologies within libraries; an assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of library software; and collaboration within and beyond the library community.

Target Audience
This volume will be aimed at institutions hoping to put together technology teams or enable their existing staff to accomplish in-house technology projects. It will also be useful for institutions with existing functional technology teams looking for new projects and collaborations. The proposed volume will be appropriate for public, academic, and other types of libraries.

Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Ebook platforms and modifications
  • Data and statistical tools
  • Responsive library systems
  • Open data initiatives
  • Open APIs
  • Open source software
  • Room reservation systems
  • Web archiving initiatives
  • Digital collections and digital libraries
  • Content management systems
  • Library innovation labs
  • Mobile apps
  • Discovery services
  • Linked data
  • Adaptive design and assistive technology
  • Web analytics
  • Library automation
  • Augmented reality
  • Online learning
  • Mobile learning
  • Open source integrated library systems
  • RFID technologies
  • Learning management systems
  • Digital toolkits
  • Data dashboards
  • Usability testing
  • Electronic data processing

Submission Procedure
The editors invite potential authors to submit a 4-6 page double-spaced chapter proposal with
the following:
1. Detailed description of the chapter content
2. Tentative outline of chapter
3. Reference list (draft) of expected research
4. Brief Author background info

Case studies that include assessment and evaluation of in-house library technologies are highly
encouraged.

Publisher
This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the "Information Science Reference" (formerly Idea Group Reference), "Medical Information Science Reference," "Business Science Reference," and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2017.

Important Dates

  • May 30, 2016: Proposal Submission Deadline
  • June 30, 2016: Notification of Acceptance
  • September 30, 2016: Full Chapter Submission
  • November 30, 2016: Review Results Returned
  • January 30, 2017: Final Acceptance Notification
  • February 28, 2017: Final Chapter Submission


Inquiries
Laura Costello, Stony Brook University - laura.costello@stonybrook.edu
Meredith Powers, Brooklyn Public Library - meredithannepowers@gmail.com

To Submit a proposal:
CFP URL: http://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/2188