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Between Fear of Technology and Technological Euphoria / How We Are Integrating Digital Media Into Our Daily Lives (Olaf Eigenbrodt)
(pp. 210–215)

Digital technology has divided our society psychologically into two camps. While every-
day life is increasingly permeated by digital media, attitudes toward »the world of machines« are polarized, at least subliminally. On the one front there are perceptible fears and considerable skepticism to be found, while on the other front a euphoric lust for technology has triumphed.

Libraries are highly complex social systems in which most encounters are much more intensive and above all more physical than, for example, in web logs or news groups. Hence, librarians are confronted both in their professional lives and in everyday working situations with the phenomena of fear or euphoria toward technology. Knowledge of their background and causes can thus help to assess certain vocalizations and reactions and to deal with them appropriately. It is also helpful to reflect upon one’s own rejection or total acceptance of a certain technological innovation. Prior to the acquisition or implementation of digital technology, attention should be given not only to efficiency or innovativeness. The problem facing libraries is less a matter of technological implementation than the assessment of the appropriateness of the time and effort necessary within the given social context. The questions to be asked are where the library’s users stand on these issues and whether it will be possible to integrate new technologies into the current realms of experience and lifestyles.

How OPACs Can Send Users to the Shelves / Computer-based Directional Guidance Systems: A Comparison and Analysis of Current Cases (Lena Dilger)
(pp. 243–248)

The staff at information desks are often confronted with questions regarding the location of books and subject areas. In order to unburden staff and provide users with a better form of orientation, there are now possibilities for linking directional guidance systems directly to the OPAC. These are all based on the principle of a user first searching the online catalog. From the results of the search, the user selects the title or titles desired and requests more detailed information. In the next display an electronic link is provided along with the call number. With a mouse click on the link a floor plan of the appropriate section of the library is displayed and the shelving unit is highlighted by color. Thus the user can tell where the desired media is located.

The currently available systems vary in the exactness of the display. This may range from marking an entire subject area to identifying the exact location of an item on the shelf. Directional guidance systems are particularly suited for larger libraries. The larger and more elaborate a library layout is, the more necessary it is to offer supplemental guidance systems. The uppermost goal is to enable the user to find the desired items quickly and independently.

Translated by Martha Baker