Know the Lingo: how ILEAD Ohio influenced library collaboration and discovery for patrons

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the authors’ collective experiences of ILEAD, explore the mobile app (Know the Lingo) development process and inspire further use of the open access code. Libraries have changed over time, providing more and more access to information. Despite the goal of the library to serve as a provider of information resources, the authors’ classification systems, vocabulary and jargon can often alienate the majority of the users. The authors’ team, brought together by ILEAD Ohio, worked to determine a community need among the authors’ institutions, which led to the creation of Know the Lingo, a mobile application (app) that aids patrons with discovery. Design/methodology/approach – This paper will define and describe the application steps for ILEAD, the authors’ collaboration efforts and the finalization of the authors’ project. Findings – Throughout the process of ILEAD, the authors’ team discovered new ways to engage the communities, collaborate effectively and produce an innovative technological project. Originality/value – ILEAD is a new grant program that is operating through various states in the Midest. It is our hope that the program continues to grow, and this paper strives to support that mission. Leadership and community are strongly held values in the information science discipline, and ILEAD strives to provide that support to librarians across the country.