The Technology Storm

In this new world, these models no longer fly:

Locked-down library web sites held captive by overzealous IT departments or marketing/PR offices.
Technology purchases driven by accounting departments instead of front-line staff and savvy professionals.
Technology decisions and plans without staff buy-in.
IT projects driven by artificial time lines instead of customer service needs.
A siege mentality because of concerns about security, privacy, and safety of data.

The models might be better replaced by the traits of the Transparent Library:

Make decisions in public. Hold meetings and invite staff and public comment for all major projects.
Create multiple avenues of communication and encourage vertical communication among all levels of staff.
Share plans and steps for projects and listen to feedback.
As you create and adapt library services, also consider technology usage statistics. Analysis of computer use, web site traffic, and the return on investment for all technology projects is essential.

Read the whole column here