New Darien Library Sets Tech Bar High

The new Darien Library, CT, which opened to the public on January 10 (see News, p. 17), is remarkable in its seamless integration of technology and design into all the services the library provides.

Perhaps most indicative of Darien's philosophy on the transformative uses of technology is the library's creation of a User Experience (UX) Department, headed by assistant director of innovation and user experience John Blyberg.

This internally formed group draws on existing library employees with an eye for “evaluating every point of interaction...and implementing an array of service elements that produce a planned, positive, and desirable experience that addresses users' expectations and needs,” according to the department's description. The group will take a holistic view of a user's experience, paying as much attention to the mechanics of services offered by staff as to the more traditional notion of computer-based user interactions.

The library, of course, also has all of the technology trappings fit for a state-of-the-art institution, including a full-scale RFID implementation and New England's first integrated automated materials handling system (AMH). Alan Gray, assistant director for operations, said he expects 95 percent of the library's patrons to use the self-check machines within one year and fully 99 percent within a year after that.

Even more striking than the RFID system is the subtle but pivotal role technology plays in supporting other library services. For example, Darien eschews traditional deskbound reference in favor of a floating reference staff armed with lightweight Asus eeePC netbooks. Near the computer lab in the Children's Room, the library has installed a Microsoft Surface. This elegant table-like computer features a large multitouch interface that can also read information from certain encoded objects and will allow young patrons to integrate Children's Room books and items into their digital activities.

Downstairs, near the SO/HO (small office/home office) copy and print services area, the Darien Library has smartly located the Teen Services room next to the main Technology Center, acknowledging the affinity teens have for the latest tech tools.