BYOD and Technology Access in Libraries

In my opinion, the “bring your own device” issue is a nonissue. It is not particularly difficult to plan for patrons to bring their own devices and access library services while also providing devices for those who cannot afford or have visited the library without their own devices. Libraries do not need to provide every device imaginable, nor should they. As Walton states, “There is a real danger libraries will continue supplying services not required by users and also not develop new services that will be valued” (2). Unless a library is specifically providing for a unique program that requires specific devices, libraries should not waste their precious funding providing tablets, phones, or other rapidly-obsolete devices. 

Libraries should stick to spending their money on reliable, cost-effective, up-gradable, longer-lived technology. Desktop computers can do most of everything that patrons need, and upgrades to software are available throughout their longer life-spans, while maintenance is easier to perform as well. Patrons who choose to bring their own devices can access computers with them; libraries need only stock and provide a few types of cable connectors and adapters. Libraries with larger budgets can afford to be more generous with their offerings, but no one will suffer for lack of an iPad when a computer will do just fine or better. 

On the opposite side, libraries do need to provide some technology access. A study performed by Brewerton et al. and cited by Walton determined that “. . . Library fixed PCs were used primarily for academic work whereas smart phones had more of a social function. Students’ laptops were more likely to fulfill both functions. . . WiFi was expected to be provided. . .” (2). Computers are the minimum and most necessary. Patrons who cannot afford their own technology or who just need to use what the library has for a short time, whatever the reason, need a way to access libraries’ digital resources. Libraries have a responsibility to make their resources available to users, at least while users are on library grounds. This is already largely done by providing computer access.

From my perspective, BYOD is a nonissue, as in my experience the majority of patrons, even those experiencing homelessness will bring their own devices, and so official policies only need to address the issues with library staff assisting with patrons' personal devices and providing enough WiFi and ethernet coverage for patron use. Libraries merely need to provide WiFi and computer access, and all of the bases will be covered.

Works Cited

Walton, Graham. “Will Smart Phones and Other Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) Dominate How Academic Library Services Are Developed and Delivered for the Foreseeable Future?” New Review of Academic Librarianship, vol. 20, no. 1, Jan. 2014, pp. 1–3. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13614533.2014.875294.