Google Books

 

Google Books

By Julian Bernal-Sevison

As one of the most accessible databases to the public, Google Books has set an ambitious goal: to digitize the world’s books, making them searchable and, in some cases, readable online. This is no easy feat, considering the many different ramifications. The sheer volume, restrictions, and access issues are all significant potential issues with this idea. Despite this, Google Books has become a powerful research tool, offering users instant access to snippets, previews, and even full texts of books from centuries past to the present day. 

Google Books is used by people worldwide and inspires many different databases and search tools. It even affects culture as society shifts to a more digital era (Gran et al., 2019). This has been nothing short of revolutionary for students, researchers, and the casually curious learners. Need to find a rare out-of-print text? A keyword in an old scholarly book? Google offers this service with ease of use. They advertise it as just like a regular Google search, which we are all familiar with. “Try a search on Google Books or on Google.com. When we find a book with content that contains a match for your search terms, we'll link to it in your search results” (Google Books). 

In the grand scheme, Google Books is a powerful tool that has changed how we search for and interact with texts. But as we continue to rely on it, we must remain aware of its limitations and the broader implications of private companies shaping access to our collective knowledge. Libraries, by contrast, have long operated under values of openness, intellectual freedom, and public service. They lend books, protect patron privacy, and fight censorship. Many librarians support digitization efforts, but help those prioritizing preservation, public access, and nonprofit values. 

As a tool, Google Books remains integral and strong in its position in the digital world for libraries, educational institutions, research facilities, etc. It will continue to evolve and take on new forms as time passes. 

Gran, A.-B., Røssaak, E., & Kristensen, L.-B. K. (2019). Digital Infrastructure for Diversity—On Digital Bookshelf and Google Books. Journal of Arts Management, Law & Society, 49(3), 171–187. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10632921.2019.1581114

Google Books. (n.d.). About Google Books. Google. https://www.google.com/intl/en/googlebooks/about/index.html

Mobile Technology and Libraries

Mobile Technology and Libraries

By Julian Bernal-Sevison

Nowadays, it feels as though there is an app for almost everything. The library is no exception to this sentiment. Mobile technology continuously transforms the way we interact with the world on a daily basis. Libraries are trying to keep pace with these changes. With smartphones and tablets becoming everyday tools, libraries are embracing mobile technology to meet patrons where they are. A strong wifi signal for patrons is the first step in this long process. 

Being a mobile or phone-friendly library means having a robust Wi-Fi system and continually updating the building's internet infrastructure (King, 2021, p. 12). It also means designing services and interfaces that work seamlessly on mobile devices, from library websites to digital collections and app-based tools. Every library strives to provide a seamless mobile experience both within and outside the library. Something as simple as helping a patron recharge their devices is also a perfect place to start for libraries adapting to mobile use in their facilities; access to power stations, portable battery chargers, charging cables, etc. (King, 2021, p.14). 

From mobile-friendly websites to library apps that let you search the catalog, place holds, or download e-books, today’s libraries are more accessible than ever. Many now offer text message reminders, mobile printing, and Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout, making it easier for people to access resources without needing to be inside the building. Checking out materials is, of course, a fundamental aspect of libraries' day-to-day operations. With most libraries transitioning their catalogs to online systems, it should be easy to transfer this system to mobile devices, allowing users to find items, place books on hold, and access their accounts (King, 2021, p. 18). These functions are essential for individuals who may have difficulty accessing the library. Even today, some individuals will never have set foot in a library in their lives. Mobile technology addresses this very idea (Feldman & Rich, 2015). Some libraries even use mobile devices during outreach programs, directly bringing digital access and instruction to schools, senior centers, and underserved neighborhoods. 

As mobile technology continues to evolve, libraries must adapt alongside it to stay relevant and continue serving their core mission of providing free, open, and equal access to information for all.

Lee King, D. (2021). Chapter 2: Mobile in the Library. Library Technology Reports, 57(2), 12–17. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/c/3wabvt/viewer/pdf/lda42gtjkfm 

Lee King, D. (2021). Chapter 3: Mobile outside the Library. Library Technology Reports, 57(2), 18–23. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/c/3wabvt/viewer/pdf/243qyo3qnb 

Feldman, S., & Rich, H. (2015). Transforming the Library Profession. American Libraries, 46, 36–38. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/c/3wabvt/viewer/pdf/tkrd46fv5n

Google Books and History

 

Image retrieved via Download Google, Www, Search Online. Royalty-Free Stock Illustration Image - Pixabay

Google Books and History

By Lisa Aguilar

Google Books, according to Google, is a search engine that finds books from search terms and similar to Goodreads, brings them up with links to buy or borrow. Books also have short previews and have references available as well (“About Google Books – Google Books”). These books are available from permission or from books that are in the public domain and having them available has brought positive changes regarding preservation of older books. According to an opinion article by Paula Findlen published in Chronicle of Higher Education titled “How Google Rediscovered the 19th Century”, Google Books and its scanning of materials that are copyright free because of how old they are has opened the door to being able to read books from time periods such as the 19th Century. This has become valuable for historians such as Findlen, who states that “[w]ork that fails to enter a canon--literary, historical, or otherwise--tends to languish on the dustier shelves of college libraries. Digitization allows a new generation of scholars to look at it with fresh regard” and “Google Books is a kind of Victorian portal that takes me into a mare magnum of out-of-print authors, many of whom helped launch disciplines” (Findlen). Findlen also states that the 19th Century is the era that gave birth to the Oxford English Dictionary (Findlen) further cementing the importance of that era. Findlen’s article shows that Google Books can be a great way for works that would otherwise see minimal circulation in a physical library to get a second chance at life (Findlen). 

Works Cited

“About Google Books – Google Books.” Google.com, 2025, www.google.com/googlebooks/about/. Accessed 13 May 2025.

Findlen, Paula. “How Google Rediscovered the 19th Century.”

           Chronicle of Higher Education, vol. 59, no. 44, Chronicle of Higher Education,

            Aug. 2013, pp. B2.

            Academic Search Complete, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=65577484bbb53ede9972f33b1fa18c97.  

Mobile Technology and Libraries

 

Image retrieved via Smartphone Cellphone Touchscreen - Free photo on Pixabay

Mobile Technology and Libraries

By Lisa Aguilar

    Perhaps a more common route to go when discussing libraries and mobile technology (phones and tablets for example) would be talking about Libby or library branch specific apps. However, libraries can also serve their communities with mobile technology by having it available to borrow as a service. In an article by Kelvin Watson for the trade publication American Libraries titled “Libraries on Call: Smartphone lending program bridges technology gaps”, Watson details how the Las Vegas–Clark County Library District came up with their Cell Phone Lending Program (similar to how the  MiraCosta College Library lends out hotspots and laptops). According to Watson, “[t]he phones, which are being loaned for an 18-month period, have unlimited calls and 5G hotspot capability. Each phone was pro-grammed with more than 50 social service provider contacts, offering easy assistance for food, health care, housing, and other general services, as well as five of the most used library apps” (Watson 16). Since the program started in 2022 because of observing increased need for mobile technology due to closing from the pandemic, as of 2023 (the time of writing) “[...][the LVCCLD] provided more than 400 smartphones to people who are currently unhoused, offering them a lifeline to family, support systems, and critical social services” (Watson 16). This goes to show that being able to have technology such as phones available to borrow can truly support a library’s community. 

Works Cited

LA THIS WEEK. “Tech2go Mobile Devices with Los Angeles Public Library.” YouTube, 18 Feb. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZjYrKgMTKA. Accessed 13 May 2025.

Watson, Kelvin. “Libraries on Call: Smartphone Lending Program Bridges Technology Gaps.” American Libraries, vol. 54, no. 3/4, American Library Association, Mar. 2023, pp. 16–17. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=8464a6bd495239b99f660412356719ea.

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Below is an example of a mobile (and laptop) technology lending program in Los Angeles:

Assistive Technology and Libraries: Other Forms

 

Image retrieved via Download Hearing, Audio, Listening. Royalty-Free Vector Graphic - Pixabay

Assistive Technology and Libraries: Other Forms

By Lisa Aguilar

There are many types of assistive technology available for patrons of the library, and although screen readers and magnifiers are well known, there are lower cost ways to assist patrons with disabilities in using library materials. Three such ways are described in an article written by Cathy L. Galyon, Kim K. Floyd, and Colleen Wood-Fields published in Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children titled “Access for All: Adapted Literacy Through Low-Tech Assistive Technology”. In this article, the authors describe a situation where a small town librarian has to navigate having three disabled children be disinterested in reading and engaging in literacy due to the fact that she has no money for more expensive assistive technology. The authors go on to provide 3 solutions that could help these three children, namely digital books (PowerPoint made presentations with animations and sounds), tongue depressors to turn pages (for a child with cerebral palsy), and “squishy books”, which are Ziplock bags filled with sensory objects and short excerpts from a book per page (Galyon et al.). The authors refer to these forms of assistive technology as adapting the books, and they are effective methods that will not cost an arm and a leg that can help children use a library. 

Works Cited

Galyon, Cathy L., et al. “Access for All: Adapted Literacy through Low-Tech                 Assistive Technology.” Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association          for Library Service to Children, vol. 21, no. 2, American Library                             Association, June 2023, pp. 22–27. Academic Search Complete.                         https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.21.2.22.

Sarasota County Government (Official). “Sarasota County Libraries’ Assistive Technology Equipment.” YouTube, 12 Mar. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmjaiA4Qawk. Accessed 13 May 2025.

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰

Below is a video showcasing more well known forms of Assistive Technology at the Sarasota County Library in Florida:

Libraries and Bridging Digital Divides

Image retrieved via Download Tablet, Hands, Keep. Royalty-Free Stock Illustration Image - Pixabay

 Libraries and the Digital Divide

By Lisa Aguilar

    As community “third places”, libraries have a mission and job to serve their communities, often with resources that are not available anywhere else without an expectation of buying something, such as WiFi and computers. Having access to computers and WiFi is something that helps bridge the “digital divide” that can affect communities. According to Kiara Taylor’s article from Investopedia, the digital divide “[...] describes the gap between people who have access to affordable, reliable internet service (and the skills and devices necessary to take advantage of that access) and those who lack it” (Taylor). This quote shows that simply having access to technology such as computers will not completely close the divide, but community members also need to be able to learn and know how to use technology (i.e. skills). According to a news article written by Leah Mallory for The New York Amsterdam News, the New York Public Library system has been doing work to bridge the skills aspect of the digital divide by offering classes, called “TechConnect” (Mallory). According to Mallory, “[...] TechConnect classes, offered several times a week, both online and in person, allow adult patrons to de-velop computer skills. With more than 100 technology classes available at no cost, the program attracts people from all walks of life” (Mallory). The large number of classes goes over many different tech topics, such as using design software or going through a 12 week program to learn the inside and out of Microsoft Office (Office 365), with other languages supported as well (Mallory). Having such a wealth of topics bridges the digital divide by having all sorts of avenues for community members to gain technology skills so that they can actually use technology resources available to them. As it is said, knowing is half the battle.

Works Cited

Flatland. “Libraries out Loud | Bridging the Great Digital Divide.” YouTube, 24

            July 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh-6_xgIHnM. Accessed 12 May

            2025.

Mallory, Leah. “NYC Libraries Champion Digital Fluency.” New York Amsterdam News, vol. 115, no. 41, New York Amsterdam News, Oct. 2024, p. 8. Academic Search Complete, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=77d59a1f39733dd08a556ca2bbc14ef1. 

Taylor, Kiara. “The Digital Divide: What It Is, and What’s Being Done to Close It.”

Investopedia, 2021, www.investopedia.com/the-digital-divide-5116352. 

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Below is a video from the Kansas City PBS station's digital magazine's YouTube channel, showing how libraries can help bridge the digital divide by providing digital literacy:

Assistive Technology and Libraries

 

Assistive Technology and Libraries

By Julian Bernal-Sevison

In today's world, patrons must have access to assistive technology. Whether it be within one's household or at the movie theater, there is a chance for anyone to need assistance. Libraries have long been champions of equal access to information, and that commitment extends to making sure people of all abilities can use library resources. As we are at the forefront of our blog, this topic is crucial to our group. 

While many different factors contribute to the recognition of assistive technology, it is not something that can be easily addressed. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ALA guidelines both do this job, but also have an understanding that many libraries and their staff simply do not receive the proper funding and/or training for using or supporting patrons with assistive technology (Pontis & Mallary, 2021). This gap in training limits staff confidence and impacts the quality of service patrons with disabilities receive, undermining the library’s mission of equitable access for all. These tools are not just nice to have; they are essential. For patrons with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive disabilities, assistive technology can mean the difference between inclusion and exclusion. This is why staff need to be incorporated well into the assistive technology programs in their libraries. Offering and supporting are very different in the library setting (Guder & Booth, 2012). Even more importantly, libraries often pair this technology with staff support and training, creating a welcoming space where users can explore and learn without fear of judgment. 

Libraries can work to obtain many important assistive technology devices, including screen readers for blind users, hearing loop systems for the hard of hearing, adaptive keyboards and mice, magnification software, or voice-to-text programs. Some libraries even offer Braille displays, tactile graphics, or tablets with accessibility apps pre-installed.

Potnis, D., & Mallary, K. (2021). Analyzing Service Divide in Academic Libraries for Better Serving Disabled Patrons Using Assistive Technologies. College & Researc

, 82(6), 879–898. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5860/crl.82.6.879 

Guder, C. S., & Booth, C. (2012). Making the Right Decisions about Assistive Technology in Your Library. Library Technology Reports, 48(7), 14–21. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/c/3wabvt/viewer/pdf/sdqn4ncwon

Mobile Technology & Libraries

Mobile Technology & Libraries

by Jenaliza Mendoza

 

Image retrieved via http://www.vcloudsolution.com/services-solutions/mobile-technologies/.

    Most of us know that it is important to keep our phones silenced to help maintain the quiet environment expected of a library, but as technology continues to evolve, there have been a few proposals on how mobile devices can be integrated into this field. Dresselhaus and Shrode (2012) conducted several surveys on how often students use electronic library resources, how often they use mobile devices both in general and for academic purposes, and how much more likely they would be to use library services if there were mobile counterparts. The results showed that there was much interest in keeping digital library services up to speed with what students were becoming acclimated to elsewhere. As this study was conducted over a decade ago now, it emphasizes how much advancement has been made towards integrating mobile options for accessing library resources and services.

    Since 2012, mobile websites and applications have improved significantly and become more widespread. A good example of this is the Libby app for smartphones and other similar devices, which allows patrons to link multiple library cards to a Libby account to manage digital holds and borrows. Kanopy is another service with a mobile version that can be accessed by linking a library card to an account, although this service offers videos rather than text-based media. As for other academic uses of mobile technology, Google now has widely used apps for its various services, with Google Docs and Google Drive being the most relevant examples.

    It is also worth noting that while it is possible to sign up for digital library cards nowadays, applications such as Libby and Kanopy may have different or broader catalogues available depending on the location of the branch where you obtain a physical card.

Source
Dresselhaus, A., & Shrode, F. (2012). Mobile technologies & academics: Do students use mobile technologies in their academic lives and are librarians ready to meet this challenge? Information Technology and Libraries (Online), 31(2), 82-101. Retrieved from https://login.palomar.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/mobile-technologies-amp-academics-do-students-use/docview/1022030098/se-2

 

Assistive Technology & Libraries

Assistive Technology & Libraries

by Jenaliza Mendoza

    Assistive technologies (AT) are any form of equipment, hardware, or devices that assist people with certain facets of disabilities. Some examples include screen readers, text-to-speech applications or devices, hearing aids, closed captioning, and electric wheelchairs.

 

Image retrieved via https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/.

    Libraries are often a very important hub for local communities, meaning that it would be ideal for branches to be welcoming and accommodating to as many different kinds of patrons as possible. I think it is important for all of us that wish to work in this field to keep accessibility in mind, challenge our own prejudices and biases, and learn appropriate information regarding disability. As noted by Potnis and Mallary (2021), although academic libraries often invest thousands of dollars into AT, it takes more than just providing AT alone. If the staff themselves do not know how to operate any assistive equipment or hardware, then they will not know how to assist the patron appropriately if they needed help with what the library offered.

    The main solutions provided in the paper include different type of training for staff to better understand and serve patrons with disabilities, better maintenance and tracking of AT, implementing an anonymous suggestions box, and keeping spaces ADA-compliant so that they are easily navigable with AT.

Sources

AT Resources. Assistive Technology Industry Association. (n.d.). https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/

Potnis, D., & Mallary, K. (2021). Analyzing Service Divide in Academic Libraries for Better Serving Disabled Patrons Using Assistive Technologies. College & Research Libraries, 82(6), 879–898. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5860/crl.82.6.879 

Google Books

Google Books

by Jenaliza Mendoza

    Google Books is a database that was established by Google in 2004 with the goal of digitizing as many books, magazines, and other similar materials as possible. As of now, there are millions of materials that have been scanned and made available in a digital format through the Library Project and the Partner Program. There are many libraries around the world that have contracts with Google to share their collections to be scanned, and in turn made into eBooks that libraries can offer back to their patrons. It is for the most part a mutually beneficial deal that can also benefit people who are conducting research from home.

    As a tool for research, Google Books allows people to use key terms to search through their vast catalogue and find specific books pertaining to any topic. The only difficulty is that the broader the topic or keywords, then hundreds if not thousands of books can appear in the search results. It will be useful to decide beforehand on aspects such as specific authors you would like to read from, certain niches within your area of research, and/or an appropriate range of publication dates.



    As mentioned both on the Google Books “about” page and in the Natural History Day video, there may be instances of a book showing up in the search results even if it has not been scanned by Google yet. In those cases, only the basic bibliographic information will be displayed.

This video also mentions two alternatives in the situation that Google Books does not have the necessary resources that you were looking for, or if pages happen to be missing from the file:

• The website worldcat.org allows you to check which libraries have complete digital or physical copies of the particular item.
• The staff at your local library may also be able to help you find the item in question, or redirect you to other relevant materials in their catalogue.

Sources

Google. (n.d.). About Google Books – Google Books. Google. https://www.google.com/intl/en/googlebooks/about/index.html

National History Day. (2020, September 15). Quick Digital Research Tips: How to Use Google Books. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYMElFTE6EU

Public Libraries and the Digital Divide

Public Libraries and the Digital Divide

by Jenaliza Mendoza

    “Digital divide” mainly refers to the gap between people with easy access to the internet and people who do not have much or any access to it. If someone has less exposure to computers or other similar devices, then the more likely they are to struggle with learning how to use them for tasks that many of us now regard as very rudimentary. A few common factors that contribute to this gap are geographic location, age, race, income level, and education level. Income has the largest impact on the ability of a person to gain internet access (Webber, 2019), and the fact that public libraries are free to enter and utilize makes them an essential setting for addressing this issue.

 

Image retrieved via https://morgridgeonline.du.edu/blog/libraries-bridge-digital-divide/. 

Isiaka et al. (2024) outlines the services that public libraries already provide to help curb several of the issues that arise from the digital divide:

• In most public libraries, the public-use computers are available as long as the patron has a library card for that particular branch. Staff and/or volunteers may also be available to assist people with learning how to navigate a computer.
• More formal workshops, classes, or one-on-one training may be available for patrons to learn about the internet and the relevant technology.
• Free public Wi-Fi is available for patrons to connect to via their own personal devices.

    While it is still possible to live without the internet, at the same time it is becoming more and more common for schools and workplaces to implement it into their facilities for various uses. This extends to submitting applications, communicating via emails, downloading necessary files, accessing cloud services, and so much more. In a time where both technology and the internet is rapidly advancing and being integrated into so many different areas of our lives, not having access to the internet leaves many demographics at risk of missing out on major opportunities. It is important for all in the library field to be aware of this, and to extend additional assistance to the patrons who may need it.

 Sources

Isiaka, A. O., Soliu, A., Aremu, B. A., Bamidele, B. A., Saba-Jibril, S., & Ibitoye, A. R. (2024). The Evolving Role Of Libraries In The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Navigating Digital Transformation. Library Philosophy and Practice, , 1-26. Retrieved from https://login.palomar.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/evolving-role-libraries-fourth-industrial/docview/3094503990/se-2 

Libraries Evolve to Bridge Digital Divide. The MLIS from University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education. (2020, September 8). https://morgridgeonline.du.edu/blog/libraries-bridge-digital-divide

Webber, S. C. (2019, March 28). The Library’s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide. Urban Libraries Council. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/blog/the-librarys-role-in-bridging-the-digital-divide

Libraries and the Digital Divide

 Libraries and the Digital Divide

By Julian Bernal-Sevison

Our world is becoming increasingly digital, with every aspect one can imagine. Access to the internet and technology is essential for everything from healthcare to job hunting to education (Webber, 2019). This is only undermined by the fact that there are still millions across the world who do not have this incredible luxury. Lacking reliable internet access, up-to-date devices, or the digital literacy skills needed to participate fully in society. This is the digital divide we are talking about here. This divide will only grow larger as time passes and technology infrastructure continues to develop and progress (Toward an Equitable Digital Future, 2022).

Public libraries are at the forefront of this challenge.

In an effort to address this challenge head-on, most public libraries offer access to free Wi-Fi, public computers, device lending programs, and technology training for all ages. For many patrons, especially those in low-income, rural, or marginalized communities, libraries may be the only dependable source of internet access. Income plays a considerable role in this issue, being the most significant barrier to internet access. In cities, many patrons use library computers due to the large populations of individuals with little to no income (Webber, 2019). Examining this angle, the digital divide is not just about technology, but also about opportunity. When people are disconnected, they risk being left behind in education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement. Libraries, by offering free and equitable digital access, can allow individuals to break barriers and bridge gaps. To achieve this, libraries require ongoing investment in the issue, looking at outreach, investment, and innovation to continue digital inclusion efforts (Toward an Equitable Digital Future, 2022). If we want a more digitally inclusive society, we must prioritize libraries in our policy decisions and support their evolving role in the digital world. 

Libraries are no longer just about books, and they never have been. They are essential access points to the digital world.

Toward an Equitable Digital Future: Libraries are bridging the divide and empowering communities. (2022). American Libraries, 53(3/4), 26–27. https://research-ebsco-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/c/3wabvt/viewer/pdf/xrdeyxij3r 

Webber, S. C. (2019, March 28). The Library’s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide. Urban Libraries Council. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/blog/the-librarys-role-in-bridging-the-digital-divide