Library Cloud: Emerging Technology

Showing posts with label Emerging Technology. Show all posts

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Outside my reader

Keeping up with my feed list is easy; doing the same with journals that find their way to my office, not so much. I have developed the (bad) habit of copying articles I want to read, placing them in a folder labeled 'to read,' and forwarding the journal to the librarian next on the list. Here are a few articles that caught my attention this evening:

Nurturing Innovation,
"We can’t be held hostage by decisions made years ago. Our patron population has changed; we must as well." -- Meredith Farkas, American Libraries, October 2010
Showing Our Strengths
“Any questions?” library director Sasha asked her department heads, sitting back. A real Political Animal, Sasha nodded as the debate opened around the table. Within seconds, Fly-off-the-Handle Sue had protested the new administrative proposal. Slowpoke Richard geared up his predictable “let’s-wait-and-see” response. Touchy-Feely Candace tried to smooth some ruffled feathers. Meanwhile, Snake-in-the-Grass Sondra sketched out a plan on the flip chart. Smiling, Sasha and Just-the-Facts deputy director Bill enjoyed the interaction." -- Teresa L. (Terry) Jacobson, Library Journal, September 15, 2010
LJ Back Talk: Go "Title Rogue"
"What is it with the library profession and our obsession with individual titles? Is it insecurity? Fear? Elitism? Maybe the focus on titles is not entirely our fault. Perhaps the variety and inherent inconsistency found in this era of ever more creative job descriptions cause us to view titles as the most crucial part of the position." -- Sami Lange, Library Journal, September 15, 2010
Something Old, Something New
"In Aesop's The Ass, the Ape, and the Mole, a jackass complains he has no horns, while an ape laments he has not tail. A mole tells them both to pipe down, 'For poor moles are blind and in worse shape than either of you.' The upshot, be grateful for what you have." -- Lane Smith, Booklist Online, September 15, 2010.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

ALA2010: Capitalizing on Technology (LIRT)

The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) sponsored session Capitalizing on Technology: A Teaching Technology Fair, featured librarians discussing technologies they currently incorporate into instruction. With technologies ranging from open source software to free online resources, this panel had a little something for everyone. After the initial presentations were complete, individual presenters were available at tables stationed throughout the room; participants had an opportunity to discuss specific technologies with panel members (great idea!).

I'm always looking for a way to enhance my LibGuides and the IRC web site and blog, so these technologies engaged my interest. I've used Prezi and Wallwisher, have heard of but not used Animoto, and XtraNormal is a new resource option for me.

After following up on a couple of individual presentations this evening via the LIRT conference site, I sent out a few email questions to panel members hoping for additional information. A short library video created a year or so ago highlighting library resources is in need of updating, it may be a good place to start with Animoto.

ALA 2010: Emerging Technolgies (LITA)

With a nod to the old saw "time flies," I am a bit chagrined that I did not post information, thoughts, theories, and possible personal blathering, regarding sessions I attended at ALA Annual last month. The time lag is no reflection on the quality of presentations, but homage to how quickly library day in the life things take precedence; even during lunchtime blogging. LibGuides, blogs, chat, and the library and IRC web sites translate to spending an increasing amount of time with technology in the library. Using a new or emerging technology simply for the sake of using a new or emerging technology does not interest me; successfully incorporating it into the fabric of the library does, hence the LITA session focusing upon emerging technologies and the new role of emerging technology librarians caught my interest.

To say the room was full would be a drastic understatement. I arrived early and was lucky to find a seat (belated apologies to the kind people I had to maneuver around). Though somewhat concerned by the sheer number of librarians involved in the panel presentation, I congratulate session moderator Bohyun Kim, who ruthlessly followed the timetable set providing opportunity for each panelist to be heard and still have time for questions and brief audience participation.

What is Your Library Doing about Emerging Technologies?

My interest was immediately caught during the discussion of context and emerging technology. What is an emerging technology to a librarian may not be to the user, or even another librarian. Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, Chat, texting, and other social networking resources are no longer emergent, they are generally accepted and often expected. It could be argued some of these things are now thought of as passé by our users (only old people use email) and consideration should be given regarding our need to be in these communities. As one of the panelists noted, do our users want us to be on Facebook and Twitter? How are the technologies emerging beyond their traditional functions and how appropriate are they to the library or even instruction.

Beyond the library, one of the assignments in Introduction to the Principles of Instructional Technology is the creation of a wiki and subsequent review and discussion of an emergent technology. Each term I debate what technologies should be removed and/or added to the list for consideration. While I no longer consider using Wordle, or Jing in the classroom to be new or emergent technology trend, students this spring and summer felt differently. It all circles back to users and context.

The embedded slide share presentation provides session highlights. For more information, including other panel questions and discussion topics, here are a few links to consider: