Don’t miss this post from Richard McManus at Read/Write Web:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/10_future_web_trends.php
Here they are:
Semantic Web
Artificial Intelligence
Virtual Worlds
Mobile
Attention Economy
Web Sites as Web Services
Online Video/Internet TV
Rich Internet Apps
International Web
Personalization
This list resonates with me. Each and every one will impact libraries and library services. They will also impact the roles of information professionals. By understanding the implications and consequences of each of these trends while planning services, we can play a key role in the directions these trends take. This is perfect discussion material for your next staff meeting — and for my classes this fall as well.
It’s fascinating to me to read this post after yesterday’s announcement of new wifi iPods (and the whole iPhone kerfuffle). The synchronicity is most striking considering a reading we discussed last night in class – Roush’s Social Machines. In an era of continuous computing and converged devices, companies that tap into these trends will do well. Witness the somewhat dubious pairing of Apple and Starbucks.
With “always on connectivity” finding its way into more people’s lives, how can we position the library (physical and virtual) as a key player in this new world?
Discuss.