Book Title: Public User Services & Technology: a Primer for Librarians
Edited by Micah Bateman and Sera-Ann Hargrove
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Book Description: Public User Services & Technology: A Primer for Librarians is an open-access introduction to the tools, concepts, and practices that shape technology-centered public services in libraries. Developed through an OpenHawks grant at the University of Iowa Libraries, the book features student-authored chapters edited by faculty and graduate staff, each aligned to a core topic in public user services. Designed for MLIS students, beginning librarians, and library workers, chapters may be read independently or used as modular instructional and training resources.
Contents
Book Information
Book Description
Public User Services & Technology: A Primer for Librarians is a collaborative Open Educational Resource created through an OpenHawks grant at the University of Iowa Libraries. Developed within a graduate course on Public User Services & Technology, the book brings together student-authored chapters edited by course instructor Micah Bateman and graduate assistant and co-editor Sera-Ann Hargrove.
The book provides a structured introduction to the technological dimensions of public-facing library work. Part I addresses foundational areas of public user services, including library technology, digital literacy, web accessibility, user experience, online reference services, search techniques, reference resources, and user technology management. Part II extends this foundation by examining how differences in access, skills, and infrastructure shape users’ interactions with technology across a range of contexts and populations.
Written for MLIS students, early-career librarians, paraprofessionals, and library workers, the book emphasizes professional standards, common practices, and real-world service considerations. Chapters are designed to stand alone and may be used flexibly for coursework, staff training, professional development, or independent learning. Rather than serving as a technical manual, the book offers readers a shared conceptual framework for understanding how libraries support patrons’ use of technology in contemporary information environments.
License
Public User Services & Technology: a Primer for Librarians Copyright © 2026 by Micah Bateman and Sera-Ann Hargrove is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
Subject
IT, Internet and electronic resources in libraries
Metadata
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Public User Services & Technology: a Primer for Librarians Copyright © 2026 by Micah Bateman and Sera-Ann Hargrove is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.