eBook Platforms: The Dating Game

When searching for a platform vendor, especially for your second vendor, it's important to fill the needs of the library or the areas lacking from the vendor you currently have. Much like dating, finding the right vendor can be tricky. Yes, they will call you after the video demonstration. No, they won't blow you off.

There are many choices out there but my library decided to focus on the following three: iLibrary by Ingram, Axis 360 by Baker and Taylor, and 3M Cloud Library by 3M. We currently have OverDrive, so the three new platforms were compared to it. At the end of this post I will include resources I used to help evaluate the platforms and the report I sent of why RCPL should choose 3M. The report was made in July.

How to get ahold of platform vendors:
You can always try their website. Like most websites vendors have a "Contact Us" page or sometimes a form to fill out. A complication I did not expect was how hard it would be to contact 3M. When I filled out the contact form I received an e-mail stating that my form did not reach them. I followed the link from my e-mail and it just looped back to the form that didn't work.

Networking is another great way to reach vendors. I contacted a person on LinkedIn that responded to posts in several library groups. By networking to him about 3M,  I had a regional representative from 3M Cloud Library contact me within days. Don't forgot to network and ask other libraries their opinions on platform vendors. Those libraries that already have the platform know the daily tips and headaches. 

What I've learned from dealing with vendors:

I've found the staff at platform vendors to be very helpful and willing to answer all my questions. If you have never dealt with platform vendors there is no need. Platform vendor companies would not choose people who aren't friendly, because then they wouldn't make as many sales. And though the sales reps are personable, they are still trying to make a sale. So when it comes down to it, selecting a vendor comes down to what the library needs, not the person who is your rep.

Several changes since my report in July:
Penguin joined Random House, bringing the big six down to the big five. OverDrive has gone through several strong changes: there is now a clear agreement with Penguin Random House and MacMillan, meaning there are a LOT more high demand publications available; and with OverDrive One, patrons can switch from one device to another by creating an account. 

My draft report for why RCPL should choose 3M Cloud Library:

The following statistics were gathered by reviewing the Material Request folders for eBooks that were not available at time of request. The percentage is not 100% as some items were found when I did a search after the publication date, that was not available during request. Anything that was not found with all three platforms was removed from the list. The list totals 60 titles or authors during a time period of March through July of this year. Of 60 items, OverDrive had 15 items or 25%. Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 had 27 items or 45%. And the clear winner was 3M Cloud Library with 44 items out of 60 items or 75%.

It’s clear to see that if we add another platform vendor that we will be able to add more titles that our patrons would want, including those found on the New York Times Best Sellers list. I propose that we look into opening a second platform with 3M as they have all six major publishers (Penguin, Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan). 3M is able to easily download eBooks using only one app and does not require an Adobe ID (making our patrons create an account outside of their library card). Since this is a “cloud” library, a patron can start reading on their phone then pick it up on their computer, tablet, or eReader device- without losing their spot. Since 3M gives ownership of titles to us (pending publisher approval) we are able to transfer the eBooks to another platform. We are also able to create a download station at the library, regardless if patrons have Wi-Fi or internet at home, so everyone will be able to come into the library and download some eBooks. A download station is something that OverDrive will not allow us to do without spending thousands of dollars. Plus, with our Sony eReaders, patrons would be able to easily download- and perhaps we could have an extension of this for the homebound patrons (with eBooks preloaded). Some authors that we are missing right now that 3M has: J.R. Ward, Robert B. Parker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, J.D. Robb, John Green, Lori Armstrong, Ann Rule, and more.

Pros

All 6 major publishers

1 app for all devices to download

Cloud- stop and pick up from another device where you left off

We own items- can transfer to another platform

Download station

Log into app once, no need to keep re-entering your library card number.

Cons

No Audiobooks (in the works)

Not many picture books (talking to publishers)

No Amazon/Kindle books (works with KindleFire, Amazon has an agreement with OverDrive)

3M’s Cloud Library explained: http://3m-ssd.implex.net/cloudapps/.

Resources:

ALA TechSource- Report for comparison. This resource is nice but since technology of platforms change so quickly, it is best to directly contact vendors.

There is no "me" in Team

Not sure how to work in a team? Don't worry- there are books, quotes, webinars, classes, and many more resources to help you with that. But first, do you know where you fit? They say there is no "I" in team but there is a "me".  What you bring to the table is part of that collaboration- that part that creates the environment and camaraderie.

Before I began work at Rapid City Public Libraries, even before my interview, I was asked to complete a personality test. This is becoming a common occurrence in businesses. After all, everyone can be taught how to do something but generally you can't change a personality. But what test do you take?

• Myers-Briggs
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter
• Strong Interest Inventory

I can't tell you which test(s) is exactly correct. That is a matter of personal opinion. In the case of your library or place of employment, they might lean towards one that best represents their goals or mission statement. If you have the chance take a test or two, please do. Don't let it overwhelm you, look at it as a chance to step back and look at your personality traits. Now comes the part that every teammate has to learn:

• Being in a team is not something you completely prepare yourself for. Unless you have physically gone through every situation imaginable, you don't know how you will react- also, you don't know how other people will think or how they will react. 

Don't misunderstand me. I don't mean that the books, classes, and everything else can't help you...they will to a certain point. After that you are left with: you, your teammates, and hopefully a chance to communicate. I learned in my first year that communication is not just talking and listening, but also taking a moment to consider what the other person is saying. 

No matter how many "I feel" statements or thoughtful questions you ask, you won't get anywhere if you already built a wall around yourself. Open yourself up to hear what your teammate is trying to tell you. And they should do the same for you in return. Who knows, those uncomfortable/awkward moments might have just been a misunderstanding. Or a difference in definition. For example, I tell you I will call you soon. You thought I meant I would call you in the next couple hours but I meant I would call you within the next couple of days.

• Tip: If you're becoming frustrated at work, you waited too long to talk about it (the person or situation that frustrates you). As a part of U.S. culture, conflict is not something we are taught to relish. Conflict is mostly thought to be messy, personal, emotional, and unpleasant. It might be all those things and more, but it might also be a necessary evil. Remember, with conflict comes change- and that could be positive. 

I personally learned that I should speak out when things are starting to get to me. An example is the theme book displays. I take great pride in filling them and feel validated when patrons check them out. Hey, I picked a good one! But when my teammates are too busy to fill it and I end up taking time out of my own projects to fill them, then I feel frustrated. To me it's not just a side project that I like, but good marketing sense. If half the grocery store is stocked, it doesn't look as appealing. So in my way of thinking, why would you purposely leave a large display half filled?

Do you know what I found out by speaking up and communicating with my co-worker? That some of them felt the same way. It is not efficient or effective to have a team where one person feels like the other members are not helping out. But what is shocking to know is...they don't know how you feel unless you tell them. Also, if you're bogged down with a lot of work to do, maybe someone can offer to  help or offer a reasonable solution.

I will leave you with one final truth about teamwork- it's never finished. The projects might be completed, the group may get along wonderful, but life will happen and adjustments will need to be made. Teams need to have adaptability and work with change. But here's the good news, you're not alone in a team.

It's Not My Fault!

It's Not My Fault!- Oh wait, yes it is. 

Whether it is due to pride, ignorance, avoidance, or whatever you are uncomfortable with- when it is a flaw about ourselves it is hard to admit it. The only thing worse than admitting it to ourselves is when others point it out for us. That is how I felt when I found out I needed to work on my interpersonal communication skills. I immediately went to denial, which only made my progress take longer.

In the past with friends and work, I have been known for my listening skills and people skills. But working at Rapid City Public Libraries I dove into a teamwork structure that I had only worked on a little in grad school and a little in previous jobs. With my extrovert personality I was mostly depended on to act or create a plan to get things rolling. After talking to several of my current co-workers I realized it wasn't only interpersonal communication but also perception I needed to improve.

Your colleagues and co-workers have perceptions not just about what you say to them but also what you do. After coming up with an action plan to track my work interactions I realized, I do have an interpersonal communication problem. I was acting or trying to come up with an answer for how to help, when all someone wanted to do was vent or start a discussion. I don't always have to take a leadership role or have the best answer, I needed to listen more. I know I am a person who likes to help, to solve problems, and get things moving. However, to my co-workers I looked over eager, pushy, and what I had learned in my past jobs were the best way to do things.

I'm not going to lie, I am eager. After graduating with my master's this is my first librarian job. This is my career- I get to do what I love, why wouldn't I be excited? I realized that some things don't need to be addressed right now. And I can use past experiences to help me but I can't let that hold me back from learning new ways of doing things. I need to stop talking and start listening. Or asking questions. It's amazing how much you can make someone feel important or involved by asking about their personal life.

I will continue with another blog, talking about working in a team environment. But for now I will share some great resources for self-help and reflection. I hope this blog will help those who have been following me: The Unemployed Librarian, Library Certificates & Library Education, Free Webinars and Other Library Training Resources, and Preparing For a Library Job Interview. This blog and the next one or more to come are from my experience in my first year on the job.


Warning: Since self-help is a personal topic, not all resources/theories will work for everyone. Learn what works for you. And this is no where near a complete listing of what is available. Also if you need a sounding board or help, please seek someone for counseling.

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
2. The Drama-Free Office: A Guide to Healthy Collaboration with Your Team, Coworkers, and Boss by Jim Warner and Kaley Klemp.
3. Get Out of Your Own Way at Work...And Help Others Do the Same: Conquer Self- Defeating Behavior on the Job by Mark Goulston.
4. People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts by Robert Bolton, Ph.D.
5. Self-Defeating Behaviors: Free Yourself from the Habits, Compulsions, Feelings, and Attitudes That Hold You Back by Milton R. Cudney and Robert E. Hardy.
6. What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. (or read an excerpt article "Which Workplace Habits Do You Need to Break to Become More Successful?" from The Journal For Quality & Participation; Summer 2007.
7. You Want Me to Work With Who?: Eleven Keys to a Stress-Free, Satisfying, and Successful Work Life...No Matter Who You Work With by Julie Jansen.