This paper aims to describe the technology petting zoo developed and hosted by the National Defense University Library. It highlights the poster presentation given at the Special Libraries Association Conference held in Chicago on July 17, 2012. The project was voted best poster by attendees to the session.
Faced with a bring‐your‐own‐device (BYOD) environment, NDU librarians implemented a technology petting zoo to inform patrons about the availability of the library's resources on personal computing devices. They overcame technology and security issues inherent in the NDU computing environment, and used the event to connect patrons directly with the library's downloadable electronic resources.
The event was successful, with more than 80 patrons in attendance. Through the experience, staff acquired knowledge and experience to better serve patrons with inquiries about online and downloadable materials. Patrons and library staff learned to use personal computers and devices to access library materials, especially downloadable ebooks, remotely.
The petting zoo model changed the way NDU staff and patrons interact with downloadable resources. Successfully hosting a zoo event is especially difficult in federal settings, but the NDU team established the means of supporting off‐site access while observing regulations.
This project has value for government libraries because it leverages the increasingly popular BYOD environment to connect patrons to important resources. The paper also has broad applications in the corporate sector because many corporate libraries are also working to facilitate increasing access to library resources within stringent security guidelines.
