Each and every library patron interacts with dozens of mobile and web platforms throughout the day. These interactions influence the expectations they have with each platform and future platforms they are to use. As libraries in the 21st century, living in a world with an active pandemic, libraries must, at a minimum, meet the expectations of users, regarding their digital services and eResources.
Let’s think of this under different circumstances – we all have been to a restaurant; maybe not lately but at some point. Because of our past experiences, we know what to expect in a restaurant; we enter, the host or hostess asks how many, we are seated, the waiter takes our order…etc. Our past experiences influence our expectations.
What would happen if the next restaurant you go to; the first thing they do is ask for your credit card for a deposit for your meal? That doesn’t meet your expectations right? For most of us, that could also cause us to not to return to said restaurant. If an expectation is not met, our experience is changed, for better or worse.
The same thing is happening in some libraries right now. Users interact with digital platforms all day long, they have expectations of how they work. What happens when they arrive at the library and those expectations aren’t met? Do we believe that this will impact user engagement with library services?
Let´s imagine some of the following situations:
- Instagram asking you to log in everyday.
- Netflix telling you that you can’t access certain content because your subscription level doesn’t include it. (Although you can see that it is there)
- Facebook saying that, because you are not in the correct location, you’re unable to access this content.
- Spotify not allowing you to play a certain song because it isn’t on your computer
These are the exact issues that some users face today, when they transition from their personal life to their studies, the digital services offered by the library, do not meet their expectations.
- To remotely access subscribed resources, users must log-in every 8 hours or daily.
- Users are able to view databases and eResources that may not be available for their user type.
- IP-authenticated eResources are sometimes only available on campus.
- Users may have difficulties synchronizing articles between devices.
Here at Eclat Engineering we want to invite you to rethink and re-imagine the library’s status and role regarding digital services and eResources. Why can’t the user experience be seamless from professional to personal content? Why can’t it all be in one place? Provided by the library?
MyLOFT (My Library On FingerTips) offers this possibility.
- Single log-in to access subscribed eResources
- True anytime and anywhere access
- User categories and eResource group allowing segmentation of eResources depending on user type
- State of the art mobile application that syncs seamlessly with web app and Chrome extension
- Personal and professional digital content in one location, directly integrating with the subscribed eResources of the institution
Take a look at our short introduction video to learn more about MyLOFT and then contact us to set up a demo with one of our representatives to see how MyLOFT can help libraries provide the best eResource experience possible.
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