Thursday, January 15, 2009

Review of the Year 2008 and Trends Watch—Part 1

Article in Information Today on legislative issues and important trends for libraries.
http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/nbReader.asp?ArticleId=52127

5 comments:

Teena said...

After being introduced to web 2.0 I became fascinated with the technology available and implemented in libraries across the U.S. Does anyone have a comment about Texting A Librarian? What about the idea behind instituting an E-Branch? I like the idea as long as it is not a complete E-Branch with no librarian assistance. I would love to see more technology merge into the library (if and when those funds become available).

Anonymous said...

I think the new technology is fun and an E-Branch is definitely something we are working towards.
We haven't reached the texting a librarian stage, unless it can be done via the IM Chat box it's going to have to wait until we are issued cell phones at the ref desk. Considering how few ref questions are asked these days, do you think texting would increase interaction between library users and reference staff?

Teena said...

Texting in a library is not for every library. If the library is set up for the advanced technologies and the patrons are asking tons of ref questions then this E-technology is warranted. Otherwise, as you mentioned, there isn't much need for text a librarian, IM, etc.

Teena said...

Also, your question "Considering how few ref questions are asked these days, do you think texting would increase interaction between library users and reference staff?" brings to mind that old saying, which was first the chicken or the egg? We might ask IF we added that service would more questions come in, thus surging our stats? Or better, we might ask are the statistics so low regarding reference BECAUSE we don't offer this and other tekkie services? Just a thought :)

Unknown said...

There is software that allows channeling of text messages into IM, but it's at an early stage and is quite expensive.