La tecnología ha transformado profundamente la manera en que las bibliotecas organizan, preservan y ofrecen acceso al conocimiento, pero detrás de cada sistema, plataforma o proceso de automatización siguen existiendo personas, valores y una misión de servicio a la comunidad. Con más de cuatro décadas de experiencia en el ámbito de las tecnologías bibliotecarias, Marshall Breeding ha sido testigo directo de esta evolución, desde los primeros sistemas de automatización hasta las actuales plataformas en la nube y las herramientas basadas en inteligencia artificial. En esta entrevista hablamos con él sobre cómo ha cambiado el mundo bibliotecario, los retos que plantea la innovación tecnológica, la importancia de diseñar servicios pensando en las personas y el papel que deben desempeñar los profesionales de la información en un escenario cada vez más digitalizado.
Marshall, ¿cómo ha influido su formación interdisciplinar en la manera en que entiende la automatización bibliotecaria no solo como una cuestión tecnológica, sino también cultural y social dentro de las bibliotecas? My education and training have not followed the traditional pathway. I consider myself a library professional and do not call myself a “librarian” since I do not have a graduate degree in library and information science, but rather in philosophy. These disciplines, with their emphasis on analytical thinking and writing proved to be a good background for my career in libraries. A liberal education certainly provides history, background, and perspective on the cultures and societies and the broader role of libraries.
Likewise, my knowledge of technology has come through practical experience rather than formal education. I have learned to write software, manage networks, and administer applications through taking on projects and roles that have enabled me to learn and explore all aspects of technology.
I have always seen technology as a means to support the mission of the library and its related communities. Those working with technology should look beyond improving efficiency within the library, but to also enable new types of activities and services that might not have otherwise been possible. Libraries play an important role in collecting, preserving, and providing access to cultural resources and making use of relevant technologies to accomplish that work. In recent years, technology tools have significantly improved to digitize, describe, and preserve cultural assets at a massive scale.
Libraries bring significant benefits to their communities providing essential services to support research, education, literacy, and other services that make positive contributions to individuals. Technology enables meaningful collaboration within a library and across the library profession. Throughout my career I have observed that librarians consistently embody a culture of collaboration, of providing excellent services to their communities, while upholding the values of the profession.
Tras décadas observando la evolución de los sistemas bibliotecarios, ¿cree que las bibliotecas han sabido adaptar la tecnología a sus valores o, por el contrario, en ocasiones han terminado adaptando sus servicios a las limitaciones de la tecnología disponible? I think both scenarios are true. Looking across the broad history of library automation, libraries have often been implementors of technologies that enable them to perform their work more efficiently. Throughout the history of computing, libraries have implemented, customized, and developed technologies that not only lent high levels of efficiency to their core tasks, but that also expanded their services into areas not previously possible.
I have been fortunate to work in the realm of library technologies for over 40 years, with hands-on experience with many generations of computing. It has been interesting to work with mainframe computers, distributed networks of desktop computers, web-based systems and services, and more recently AI-powered technologies.
My earliest involvement came with the implementation of the NOTIS automation system at Vanderbilt University, which replaced manual circulation based on McBee Keysort cards and a physical card catalog. This software ran on an IBM 4361 mainframe computer, with a large physical footprint, but with tiny processing and storage capabilities by today’s standards. A decade later, Vanderbilt migrated to SirsiDynix Symphony (then called Unicorn), moving into a new phase of technology based on client/server computing with desktop-based graphical user interfaces. The Vanderbilt libraries implemented Ex Libris Alma in 2017, advancing into the age of cloud computing and multitenant library services platforms.
These library management products thoroughly embodied the mission and the values of the libraries to provide access to materials to their communities. Libraries have a long history of using computer technology to support their operations, continually making routine tasks more efficient, enabling librarians and other workers to attend to more meaningful activities.
I’m not aware of many examples where the work of libraries was limited due to the lack of available technologies. Consumer and business technologies have advanced rapidly, and libraries have been quick to build on their foundations. The main challenge for libraries has more to do with adapting them in ways that are consistent with their missions and values. Commercial technologies optimized for ecommerce and advertising do not always fit well with library services based on providing resources and services freely. AI based Technologies bring unique challenges to Libraries since they must be used in ways that do not amplify misinformation or subvert academic norms. Overall, libraries have been persistent in making use of technologies that do not compromise the values of the profession.
En sus análisis suele abordar cuestiones técnicas muy complejas de forma comprensible para bibliotecarios de perfiles muy diversos, ¿considera que uno de los grandes retos actuales sigue siendo acercar el lenguaje tecnológico a los profesionales de la información? My hands-on work with library technology systems has given me opportunities to develop a strong understanding of high-level architecture, interoperability protocols, APIs, and other technical aspects. Naturally there are many librarians that converse easily at an advanced technical level. Most of my articles and reports address a broad audience, including people not as familiar with technical concepts and vocabulary. I’m fortunate to have many different platforms and channels to provide information about technology in libraries. The Library Systems Report and the International Survey of Library Automation, for example, find a wide and diverse audience of library professionals.
When writing on technology topics, I strive to address the topic in a way that is technically correct, that frames the topic within industry trends, and that avoids bias regarding any of the vendors or providers involved.
One of my main objectives when writing involves using clear language and avoiding technical jargon. Our profession tends to use abbreviations and specialized terms that may not be well understood by a broader audience. I’m always careful to explain or clarify terms and concepts that can be understood by a non-technical manager or administrator as well as a systems librarian or technologist.
¿Qué aspectos de la automatización bibliotecaria cree que continúan siendo invisibles para muchos usuarios, pese a que condicionan completamente su experiencia dentro de la biblioteca? I think that the best technologies are not conspicuous. A great interface does not get in the way, but rather seamlessly delivers content or services to a library patron. Such a “frictionless” process may not even be noticed by the user since it just works without calling attention to itself. Many information-delivery tasks involve a complex set of actions, such as authentication, interoperability protocols among diverse systems, complex formatting and presentation, and other technical complications. Well-implemented technology hides all these complications from the user behind a well designed interface.
The same concepts of radical usability also apply to the physical library. Technologies like RFID, self-service kiosks, and automated sorting equipment help the library operate more efficiently. Visual wayfinding, programmable signage, and digital exhibitions are some of the technologies that make visiting the library more interesting and informative.
A lo largo de los años ha estudiado cientos de productos y plataformas bibliotecarias, ¿qué cualidades humanas considera imprescindibles para diseñar tecnología realmente útil para bibliotecas y lectores? As implied by your question, it’s the human qualities that must come first in the design of library technology products and services. Web-based services provided by libraries have evolved to become ever more user-friendly, intuitive, and powerful. The progress has been important and impressive. Current interfaces for most library products and services can be easily understood by their users without explanation or training. It’s also essential for all library-provided services to meet and exceed applicable standards for accessibility, taking into consideration all the addressable impairments that limit access to library services.
La automatización ha permitido ahorrar tiempo en muchos procesos internos, pero también ha cambiado la manera de trabajar de los bibliotecarios, ¿cómo cree que ha evolucionado la identidad profesional del bibliotecario en este contexto tecnológico? ¿Cómo imagina la biblioteca ideal desde el punto de vista tecnológico y qué elementos considera imprescindibles para que esa tecnología no deshumanice el servicio bibliotecario? Technology and automation systems have completely reshaped the work of librarians and other library workers. Tasks that formerly required hours of human effort can be almost entirely automated: manual circulation has been replaced by integrated library systems. Self-service kiosks may fully or partially decrease the number of persons checking items out to patrons. Google and other search engines have displaced much of the activity of reference librarians that used to help patrons find answers to factual questions. Automated acquisitions processing reduces the time that clerks or librarians manually process invoices and orders. Each of these tasks that have been replaced or reduced through automation have not led to fewer personnel, but rather enabled libraries to redirect their time to more meaningful activities. Instead of carrying out rote transactions, librarians have more time to personally engage with patrons, respond to research questions, become more involved in outreach, literacy, or other programs and services. In my view, the main role of automation is to elevate and enhance the work of librarians, not replace them. The current wave of generative AI technologies brings a challenges. Will the role of librarians be diminished as researchers and students increasingly rely on these services for their information needs, or will they turn to librarians to help use them responsibly and ethically?
