Libraries and technology-a reference page
A reference page put together by the Department of Public Instruction (Wisconsin state government) that has links to a variety of sites related in some way to library technology, with a slightly greater emphasis on technology use and issues in public libraries.
Mobile libraries
A personal blog documenting any and all topics relating to mobile learning, mobile library services, and mobile technologies.
Lesson in library history
A blog posting on technology and libraries in the digital age.
Monday, 2 April 2012
Why on earth is technology so important ...
When just a few decades ago it wasn't unheard of to have card catalogues exclusively, and no one complained? Now it's a very different story. From public to academic to school and special, it's assumed that at bare minimum that you, as a library, have an OPAC. If you're an academic or school or even public library, it has become standard that you must have at least a minimum of databases and if you don't you are out of the loop and won't be frequented. Just look at an average day at SAIT Library or one of the many libraries at University of Calgary. You'd be surprised to see a computer free, especially during mid-terms or finals. On-line courses are becoming mainstream on many campuses and some even exclusively offer on-line courses in lieu of in-class lectures or tutorials.
What are the marks of a technology-savvy librarian?
A technology-savvy librarian is:
1) equally willing to cater to the younger crowd who have grown up with the Internet and iPhones as to the older generation who would much rather step into a library like they grew up with and are used to;
2) are up on the newest trends and news in technology in relation to libraries, but at the same time are willing to concede when technology can only go so far in acquiring information in our digital age; and
3) have seen both sides of the coin, as it were but unwilling to cater to one side over the other in exclusivity.
1) equally willing to cater to the younger crowd who have grown up with the Internet and iPhones as to the older generation who would much rather step into a library like they grew up with and are used to;
2) are up on the newest trends and news in technology in relation to libraries, but at the same time are willing to concede when technology can only go so far in acquiring information in our digital age; and
3) have seen both sides of the coin, as it were but unwilling to cater to one side over the other in exclusivity.
Why do we need technology in the library ...
The answer should be obvious to most of us in the library world, but a lot of us either don't pay enough attention to this issue or ignore it, on the other side of the spectrum. A lot of the younger generation assume us to be up on the newest fad (like e-books, for example) without realizing that librarians of a certain generation aren't necessarily so astute and with the times. It's as much about catering to the younger crowd without alienating the older generation.
Necessity of technology in the library?
Is technology needed in the library? I say wholeheartedly yes! Long gone are the rows and rows of card catalogues, and in are the rows and rows of computers, ready for the using. In fact, most computers in public libraries (such as the CPL) are a hot commodity, so much so that in some corners, if you're not at a computer at the beginning of day, good luck getting hold of one when you need one.
Libraries and technology: Random thoughts
Computers and technology save us money in the long run, we just have to make the investment. Regardless
of the economy, we have to invest in technology as libraries in order to stay at the forefront as we’re the face
of information technology. Libraries and technology, like it or not, are intermingled and we have to invest in
technology in order to stay in the loop.
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